Boating At Chatuge Lake In North Carolina

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Nestled in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and straddling the Georgia state line, Chatuge Lake is a captivating destination for boating enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, the lake offers a tranquil and scenic setting for a variety of recreational activities.

Boating is a favorite pastime on Chatuge Lake, attracting both locals and visitors from afar. With its expansive waters and numerous coves to explore, boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises or thrilling water sports adventures. The lake is equipped with marinas that provide essential services and facilities, ensuring a seamless boating experience. For those seeking a day of adventure, rental boats are available by the hour or the day, offering options such as pontoon boats, fishing boats, and family boats to cater to every boater's preference.

Water sports enthusiasts will find no shortage of excitement on Chatuge Lake. Activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and jet skiing are popular among visitors seeking an adrenaline rush. The lake's scenic beauty and calm waters create the perfect environment for a thrilling and enjoyable water sports experience.

Boat launch ramps are conveniently located around the lake, providing easy access for boaters to enter and exit the water with their vessels. This accessibility allows boaters to spend more time on the lake, taking advantage of the boating season, which typically spans from spring to fall. During this time, the weather is mild and conducive to outdoor activities, making it an ideal period for boaters to explore and savor the beauty of Chatuge Lake.

In addition to its boating attractions, Chatuge Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck at catching various fish species, including bass, trout, and catfish. The lake's diverse underwater habitat and well-maintained fishing areas make it an angler's paradise, enticing fishing enthusiasts from all around.

For those wishing to extend their stay, Chatuge Lake offers camping facilities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. Several campgrounds dot the lake's shoreline, offering a chance to relax under the stars and wake up to breathtaking views of the water and surrounding landscape.

Chatuge Lake is a hidden boating gem in North Carolina, offering a wide array of boating experiences amidst stunning natural beauty. Whether it's cruising on the water, trying thrilling water sports, or enjoying a peaceful day of fishing, Chatuge Lake provides an unforgettable boating adventure for all who venture to its shores.

Boating, camping and fishing.

Come enjoy boating, fishing, water skiing and other water sport activities at Chatuge Lake in the southwest corner of the state, at Hayesville. This is a 7,480-acre lake 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. With three kinds of bass this is a great destination for bass anglers. 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.

Area 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

Camping

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

Lake Chatuge Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Chatuge Lake include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, bream and hybrid striped bass.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Spotted bass Channel catfish Black crappie Walleye Bluegill Hybrid Striped Bass