Situated along the Georgia and North Carolina border is a body of water nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The scenic beauty of the forest-lined lake is the perfect escape from city life. Here you will find plenty of activities to engage in like fishing, pleasure cruising, and water sports. What is Chatuge Lake?

Is Lake Chatuge A Man-Made Lake

If you’re wondering is lake Chatuge man made, the answer without a doubt is yes. The lake finalized construction in 1942. Engineers built the Chatuge damn to reduce flooding for the towns along the Hiawassee River. As a result of the placement of the damn, in 1951, the power authorities built a powerhouse to produce hydroelectric power.

How Far Is Chatuge Lake From Atlanta

Many Atlanta residents have summer homes along the shores of Lake Chatuge. The drive can be completed in two hours and is an escape from the daily routine of life in a big city. Most important is the ability to escape the sweltering summer temperatures. The city of Atlanta is know for high temperature from June through September. The lake sits at an elevation of just under 2,000 feet. 

Tourists who travel in from out of state have the opportunity to fly in at a low cost because Atlanta offers a major airport. As a result, many car rental agencies are on-site to travel to the lake by car because it is such a short drive. 

Can You Swim In Lake Chatuge

Don’t worry about the question is lake Chatuge clean? The lake is unquestionably clean therefore yes, the lake is safe for swimming. Most importantly, the water is extremely clear to allow for excellent visibility. Whether you are planning to lounge on a noodle, water ski, water tube, the water is clean and can be entered at any time. 

A second option for cooling off in the water if you do not have a boat is to visit a lake Chatuge beach. Without a doubt, swim during the summer months as the water cools during the winter.

What Is the Deepest Part Of Lake Chatuge

People often ask, how deep is lake Chatuge? The deepest section of the lake measures 144 feet. To find the deepest section drive the boa to the Chatuge Dam. On average, the water is thirty feet deep. As a result, you have a low risk of running aground when boating on the lake.

What Kind Of Fish Are In Chatuge Lake

The lake has ample opportunity to target a wide range of fish species. There are many of the most desirable fish that anglers prefer to catch. 

Anglers engaging in Chatuge lake fishing catch smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, spotted bass, walleye, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. 

How Do You Catch Fish On Lake Chatuge

Catching fish on Chatuge Lake can be done in a variety of ways. At over 7,000 acres and 130 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space to spread out. One of the most straightforward methods of finding where the fish are biting is reading a lake Chatuge fishing report.

For the angler seeking bass, troll or cast with crankbaits along rocky bottoms, weedy shoreline, or structures such as fallen trees. A second option is to tie up a soft plastic worm and work it slowly along the bottom. 

Catfish are bottom feeders, so cut bait on a hook with a weight in soft muddy areas is the ticket. Channel cats are ferocious eaters, so they will suck up bait in short order. 

Walleye is often considered a fish of the nort, but these mountain lakes have cool enough water to sustain the population. Bounce jigs with worms along rocky bottoms or troll deep diving crankbaits.

Bluegill and crappie will take small jigs tipped with a paddle tail soft plastics. An even better option is live crickets under a float, especially for young children learning how to fish. 

Do You Need A Fishing License

Understanding which license to purchase can be challenging because the lake is between two states. Any angler above 16 years of age is required to have a fishing permit on hand at all times in Georgia or North Carolina.

When lake Chatuge fishing by boat, a Georgia or North Carolina will be accepted. Fishing from land is a different story. The angler is required to have a license that matches the state in which they are fishing. Purchase your North Carolina or Georgia fishing license. 

Should you be purchasing a license from a tackle shop ask for Chatuge lake fishing reports. Undoubtedly the shop attended will provide up to date information as a result of speaking with anglers daily.

Head Out To Chatuge Lake

Whether you’re coming in from out of town by plane or car, the lake is just a short two-hour drive from downtown Atlanta, Georgia. A boat is not required. Numerous boat rental companies are on the lake to enjoy a day on the water for a day or more. Most boaters come back year after year because of the clear water and views of the mountainous terrain.