Cheoah Lake

Fed by the tail race of Fontana Dam, Cheoah Lake is a fisherman's dream.

Fed by the tail race of Fontana Dam, Cheoah Lake is a fisherman's dream.

Cheoah Lake

A Pristine Mountain Lake With an Abundance of Fishing Opportunities

Cheoah Lake is located just below Fontana Dam, and is a unique recreational gem in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. It is impounded by Cheoah Dam, which was made famous in the 1993 movie “The Fugitive” starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. Although many believe that Ford "jumped" from the top of Fontana Dam, he actually leaped from Cheoah Dam to avoid capture by Jones. Many refer to Cheoah Dam as the “Fugitive Dam”.

Cheoah Lake is fairly narrow and measures 9.5 miles long. It's shores are bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Forest Service, and are largely undeveloped. The Llewellyn Boat Ramp is located just below Fontana Dam and includes an accessible fishing pier. Cheoah Lake is well-suited for fishing trout and muskie, and is stocked by the state of North Carolina.

You won't find marinas, residential homes, or recreational sports such as jet-skiing and pleasure boats. One of the best ways to experience Cheoah Lake is by launching your own boat, by hiring a fishing guide, or viewing the lake roadside along our recommended scenic drive on the North Carolina Highway 28 N.

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