Fishing on Fontana Lake

About:

Fontana Lake is a unique fishery that is home to several species of fish typically associated with cold northern lakes. Spring runs of walleye, white bass, and steelhead look for the many river and creek mouths that feed Fontana Lake. These runs start in early March and last until the end of May and will offer incredible fishing for both anglers fishing from the bank, or by boat. Spring also brings fantastic fishing for crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. Great fishing all year for smallmouth and largemouth bass; and catfish can be found throughout spring into fall. Several catfish are caught each year on Fontana weighing in excess of 50 lbs. Because of the cold deep water, Fontana was stocked in the 1970s with walleye, and the population has thrived. Walleye are caught all year long by a variety of tackle and techniques. With a lake the size of Fontana, there is bound to be an apex predator and Fontana has such river monsters: Muskie. These native species prowl the waters of Fontana in search of smaller fish to ambush.

License Requirements:

NC fishing license 

Fish Species:

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Kentucky Spotted Bass, Walleye, Muskie, Flathead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Yellow Perch, Crappie, Bluegill, Carp