Lake Chatuge in Hayesville, NC
Clay County - Western North Carolina Mountains

Lake Chatuge was founded in 1942. TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) constructed a 2,950 foot earth-filled dam across the Hiawassee River. Originally for the purpose of flood control and to bring affordable electrical power to the area.

Lake Chatuge has an abundance of scenic coves along its 133 mile shoreline are great for fishing, swimming, boating, camping and other water sports. Lake Chatuge which travels between Hiawassee Georgia and Hayesville North Carolina. The entire lake is approximately 7,200 acres, 3,700 of which are in Clay County.

The Weir, just north of the dam, offers picnic tables and a launch for canoes and tubes for a trip on the Hiawassee River to a take out area near Fires Creek Wildlife Management Area.

There are three public boat ramps on the North Carolina side of Lake Chatuge: Jackrabbit Mountain Campground, off Hwy 175; Gibson Cove Campground, off Myers Chapel Road; and Ledford Chapel Wildlife Access Ramp, on Hwy 64.

Fish species:  Thirty-two species of fish inhabit Lake Chatuge, with Small Mouth Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Sunfish and White Bass predominating.  Striped White Bass hybrids are stocked annually.

Fishing licenses are required for all except residents using digestible bait, whether fishing in streams or the lake; short-term licenses are available for visitors.

For more Information and Licenses
919-662-4370

For Water conditions and Release Schedules
828-837-7395.

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