The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Fontana Lake
Swain County, North Carolina · about 6,150 acres (9.6 sq mi)
57°F water, calm tomorrow morning.
About Fontana Lake
Fontana Lake spreads over about 6,150 acres in Swain County, North Carolina. It was made by Fontana Dam on the Little Tennessee River. North Carolina's deepest lake, held back by one of the tallest dams in the eastern United States.
From end to end it runs about 16.9 miles with roughly 101 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 1,670 ft above sea level. It reaches about 440 ft at its deepest, with an average depth near 135 ft. The nearest town, Bryson City, is about 3.5 miles east. The closest city is Knoxville, about 34 miles away.
- Size
- About 6,150 acres (9.6 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 440 ft (average 135 ft)
- Shoreline
- About 101 miles
- End to end
- About 16.9 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,670 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Fontana Dam, Little Tennessee River
- County
- Swain County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 3:45 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 6 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 3:45 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual North Carolina mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 57°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- FairWhite bass
Schooled on deeper humps. A slow spoon works.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:07 am · sunset 5:28 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Fontana Lake
- Bryson Cityabout 3.5 mi east
- Robbinsvilleabout 8.2 mi southwest
- Cherokeeabout 11 mi east
- Franklinabout 16 mi southeast
- Knoxvillenearest city, about 34 mi northwest
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Fontana Lake
What fish are in Fontana Lake?
Lakes like Fontana Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Fontana Lake?
About 440 ft at the deepest point, about 135 ft on average. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Fontana Lake?
About 6,150 acres, with about 101 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Fontana Lake?
Bryson City is about 3.5 miles east; Robbinsville is about 8.2 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Fontana Lake today?
The surface was about 57°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Fontana Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
