Fontana Lake is one of North Carolina's most spectacular mountain lakes, nestled among the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. Created by the completion of Fontana Dam in 1944, the lake is known for its exceptionally clear, deep water and more than 240 miles of scenic shoreline. Anglers come from across the region to fish for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, walleye, trout, and muskie, while visitors enjoy boating, kayaking, camping, and exploring the surrounding mountains. What makes Fontana Lake especially unique is its pristine water, dramatic mountain scenery, and vast stretches of protected, undeveloped shoreline, making it one of the Southeast's premier outdoor destinations.
