Lake Chatuge

Lake Chatuge is situated in the Blue Ridge Smoky Mountains, on the Georgia/Western North Carolina borderline. The water is clear because of the lake’s infertility, which adds to the beauty of the scenery.

The lake is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Its surface area in the summertime is about 7,000 acres, with 130 miles of shoreline. Chatuge Reservoir is a 13-mile-long reservoir on the Hiwassee River in North Carolina that stretches southeast from the dam into north Georgia.

The lake was constructed in the 1940s by the Tennessee Valley Authority for power supply and to control floods. An adjacent Cherokee town inspired the reservoir’s name.

Thousands of people visit Chatuge Lake each year. Besides fishing, visitors can enjoy outdoor hiking, various water sports, and visit one of the many streams. Boating is also available, either by boat rental from the marinas or by bringing your own vessel.

What is Lake Chatuge Ga known for?

The yearly trout fishing contests are the most well-known feature of Lake Chatuge. Because of the annual trout fishing, each portion of the lake has become renowned.

Top Targeted Fish Species

Northern Bass

Shoal Bass

Spotted Bass

Hybrid Striped Bass

Crappie

See all fish species >>>

Fishing Lake Chatuge

The Chatuge Reservoir has 32 fish species. Chatuge contains some stumps, logs, and undergrowth, but not much. Tournament fishing is popular, and the lake has produced numerous state records.

On Chatuge, fishing at depths of 25 feet or more is frequent. The lake is home to spotted bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, and white bass. Lake Chatuge also has crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, walleye, hybrid bass, and bluegill.

Chatuge caught the state record smallmouth of 7 pounds, 2 ounces in 1973. While the decrease of the smallmouth bass is disappointing, there are 30 other fish species to keep anglers occupied.

How Do You Catch Fish on Lake Chatuge?

There are numerous ways that visitors may use to catch fish. You can fish offshore, from a boat launch ramp, a boat, or a canoe. Wade fishing for trout is also attractive below Chatuge Dam and in the Hiawassee River. Visitors can rent boats from several Towns County marinas.

Does Lake Chatuge have walleye?

Lake Chatuge is home to walleye, as well as to many other fish species, which makes it one of the best lakes for a fishing trip.

Lake Chatuge Charters

To see a complete list of great Ga Fishing Guides, please click here!

North Georgia Vacations Best Places to Stay at Lake Chatuge, Hiawassee & Young Harris

Chatuge Lake offers many lodging options, including campgrounds, cabins, cottages, hotels, and resorts. Most of them are located at Hiawassee near the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds and Young Harris, but you can find private accommodations on all sides around the lake as well.

Bed & Breakfast

Chatuge offers a few Bed & Breakfast lodging options. ‘Bed & Breakfast at Swan Lake’ and ‘Hidden Valley Bed & Breakfast’ are the most popular in Hiawassee.

Cabin & Cottage

Many cabins and cottages feature large porches, swings, and fireplaces where visitors can relax. These are fantastic locations to renew relationships, stay with family, and motivate your business team, and range from palatial to rustic. The guest reviews state that the facilities are pretty affordable and well-kept.

Activities at Chatuge Lake

The lake’s most popular feature, apart from its natural beauty, is water activities, including fishing, sailing, boating, jet-skiing, and sunbathing and tanning on its sandy beaches.

There are authorized camping areas along the lake’s forested coastline, as well as good local and beachfront hotels. There are many approved picnic spots, multiple boat launches with easy access, and two marinas.

There are numerous tranquil wilderness paths along the lake’s coastline, as well as one track in the Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area. It is just north of Hiawassee and east of Blairsville and Morganton, both of which are highly popular with mountain bikers.

Lake Chatuge Map