The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Nantahala Lake
Macon County, North Carolina · about 1,220 acres (1.9 sq mi)
50°F water, calm this morning.
About Nantahala Lake
In Macon County, North Carolina, Nantahala Lake covers about 1,220 acres; it is a reservoir. Nantahala Dam holds it back on the Nantahala River. Known for exceptionally clear water and a popular trout and bass fishery in the Nantahala National Forest.
From end to end it runs about 3.6 miles with roughly 16 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 3,010 ft above sea level. Andrews lies about 7.5 miles to the west.
- Size
- About 1,220 acres (1.9 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 16 miles
- End to end
- About 3.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 3,010 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Nantahala Dam, Nantahala River
- County
- Macon County
- Water
- Known for clear water
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 6 mph
- 3:45 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 1 mph
- 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 1 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Nantahala Lake
Nantahala Lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout and catfish. At 50°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 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 5:29 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Nantahala Lake
- Andrewsabout 7.5 mi west
- Hayesvilleabout 12 mi southwest
- Robbinsvilleabout 12 mi northwest
- Franklinabout 15 mi east
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Questions about Nantahala Lake
What fish are in Nantahala Lake?
Nantahala Lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Nantahala Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Nantahala Lake?
About 1,220 acres, with about 16 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Nantahala Lake?
Andrews is about 7.5 miles west; Hayesville is about 12 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Nantahala Lake today?
The surface was about 50°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Nantahala Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
