Fishing Chatuge Lake
AKA: Lake Chatuge
Popular Fish Species Chatuge Lake, NC
Spotted Bass Fishing
Here at Chatuge Lake, spots are a favorite of many local anglers, as they are plentiful and put up a good tussle when hooked. Spotted bass are often found in small schools on steep banks, around rocky or sandy shorelines, points and ledges. They often prefer hanging out in slightly deeper water than largemouths. Fishing for spotted bass can be good anytime you can locate them. Their diet consists mainly of crayfish and insects, but they also eat small baitfish, small sunfish and small bluegill. Most of the time, spots prefer to stage on steep rocky or gravel banks, and may move up and down the water column throughout the day. When shallow, use topwater or shallow crankbaits around rip rap. When they are deep, use drop-shot worms and jigs. Throughout winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers.
Black Crappie Fishing
Chatuge Lake holds a healthy population of black crappie, which are fat and healthy this year. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Hybrid Striped Bass Fishing
Hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Chatuge Lake, as they are plentiful and grow to bragging size. As a hybrid of striped bass and white bass, they have great potential for spawning massive numbers and growing to large sizes. Fishing for hybrid stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and schools of hybrid striped bass are likely to be in the area. Mornings, during Fall, hybrids can be caught on topwater or shallow running lures, as they are feeding on baitfish at the surface. When they move deeper, fish finders improve your odds of locating both bait and schools of wipers. Live bait, spoons and jigs are very very effective here, and these hungry fish can be caught year round.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, bream and hybrid striped bass at Chatuge Lake in North Carolina.
Chatuge Lake Fishing Video
With three kinds of bass, Chatuge Lake is a great destination for bass anglers. This is a 7,480-acre lake in the southwest corner of the state with excellent amenities to make an outing here a pleasant experience. Boat rentals are available at marinas for power boats, canoes and kayaks. Fishing from shore is also a viable option here, with some day-use areas providing over a mile of shoreline for fishing. Rocky banks, some with stumps and laydowns offer cover to bass. There are also many boat docks which often create ideal hangouts for bass, crappie and sunfish. There are plenty of ledges and submerged humps around the lake for structure fishing, and those located near deeper creek channels often produce fish fairly consistently. Because the lake is located in both Georgia and North Carolina, fishing regulations for both states come into play. Check fishing regulations for specific rules regarding this reservoir, before wetting a line.
Chatuge Lake, situated on the border of North Carolina and Georgia, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a serene and productive fishing experience. This 7,500-acre reservoir, nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, offers a diverse range of fish species, making it a sought-after spot for anglers of all levels of expertise.
One of the highlights of Chatuge Lake is its excellent bass fishing. The lake is known for its robust population of both largemouth bass and spotted bass. Anglers can explore the lake's various coves, points, and submerged structures to target these prized gamefish. Techniques such as topwater lures, crankbaits, and soft plastic worms are effective for enticing the bass into striking. The lake's clear waters and picturesque surroundings add to the allure of bass fishing at Chatuge Lake.
Crappie fishing is also popular at Chatuge Lake, with both black crappie and white crappie present in good numbers. Anglers can find crappie around submerged structures, brush piles, and boat docks. Jigs, live minnows, and small crankbaits are commonly used baits for crappie fishing. The spring and fall seasons are particularly productive for crappie angling, as they congregate in shallower waters to spawn.
Chatuge Lake is also home to other fish species, including walleye, catfish, and bream. Walleye fishing is especially sought after, and anglers can target them using a variety of techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or casting with jigs. Catfish, such as channel catfish and flathead catfish, can be caught using a range of baits including cut bait, stinkbaits, or live bait. Bream, including bluegill and redear sunfish, provide enjoyable fishing opportunities for anglers, especially those using light tackle and live bait.
Chatuge Lake in North Carolina offers a diverse range of fish species for anglers to enjoy fishing, boating, and camping. Whether you're targeting bass, crappie, walleye, or catfish, the lake provides ample opportunities for a rewarding fishing experience.
Primary fish species residing in Chatuge Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Chatuge Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Marinas
Chatuge Cove Marina
2397 NC-175
Hayesville, NC 28904
828 389-6155
Boating is a popular activity on Chatuge Lake, and the lake provides ample opportunities for boaters to explore its vast waters. Anglers can take advantage of the lake's boat ramps and marina facilities for convenient access to different fishing areas. Whether you prefer a motorized boat, kayak, or canoe, Chatuge Lake offers a variety of boating options.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Jackrabbit Boating Access
From highway 65 on the east side of the lake, use Jack Rabbit Road to access this two-lane concrete ramp with primitive parking.
Ledford Chapel Road boat ramp
Ample paved parking and two docks make this two-lane boat launch ramp a good choice. It is located in the northern sector of the lake off Ledford Chapel Road.
Fishing Guides On Chatuge Lake
Fish Chatuge Guide Service - bass
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a North Carolina Fishing License.
Camping facilities are available near Chatuge Lake, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trip and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, there are options to suit different preferences and needs. Camping by the lake provides the opportunity to fish at your campsite.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Long Ridge Campground - 762 500-2055
Jackrabbit Mountain Campground - 828 837-5152
Ho-Hum Campground - 828 389-6740
Clay County Park Campground - 828 389-3532
Chatuge Lake NC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Chatuge Lake
Boundary Waters Resort & Marina
107 Boundary Waters Dr
Hiawassee, GA 30546
706 896-2530
Fishing lakes in each state.
081224
Chatuge Lake in North Carolina.
NORTH CAROLINA
Bass, crappie and sunfish fishing in southwest NC.
