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
Hiwassee Lake
Cherokee County, North Carolina · 5,950 acres (9.3 sq mi)
Calm this morning.
About Hiwassee Lake
In Cherokee County, North Carolina, Hiwassee Lake covers 5,950 acres; it is a reservoir. It was made by Hiwassee Dam on the Hiwassee River. A deep TVA reservoir in the Nantahala Mountains once used by the US Navy to test torpedoes.
From end to end it runs about 8.3 miles with roughly 63 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 1,500 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 250 ft. Murphy is right by the lake.
- Size
- 5,950 acres (9.3 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 250 ft
- Shoreline
- About 63 miles
- End to end
- About 8.3 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,500 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Hiwassee Dam, Hiwassee River
- County
- Cherokee County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 4:30 pm – 6:15 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 in Hiwassee Lake
Anglers come to Hiwassee Lake for smallmouth bass and striped bass.
- Smallmouth bass
- Striped bass
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
No clear reading right now. Narrow or small lakes often have none; the weather and bite times below still apply.
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:09 am · sunset 5:31 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Hiwassee Lake
- Murphyon the shore
- Hayesvilleabout 13 mi east
- McCaysvilleabout 14 mi southwest
- Andrewsabout 14 mi east
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Questions about Hiwassee Lake
What fish are in Hiwassee Lake?
Hiwassee Lake holds smallmouth bass and striped bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Hiwassee Lake?
About 250 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Hiwassee Lake?
5,950 acres, with about 63 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Hiwassee Lake?
Murphy is on the shore; Hayesville is about 13 miles east.
Is the water warm enough to swim in Hiwassee Lake?
Check the water temperature on this page before you go: under 70°F feels cold to most swimmers, and under 60°F cold-water shock is a real risk.
Hiwassee Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
