Fontana Lake has been called
the best-kept secret in the mountains

The 29-mile long, 11,700-acre Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) lake has more than 240 miles of shoreline. And its deep, cold waters provide the ideal habitat for a variety of fish. In fact, record size muskie and walleye have been pulled from its depths. And many believe it’s one of the best smallmouth bass fishing lakes in the country, including the Fisherman’s Bass Tournament Circuit, which held its annual Hall of Fame Classic at Fontana in Fall 2001.

Fontana Lake is unique in many ways. Unlike most lakes in the area, shoreline development has been kept to a minimum. More than 90 percent of the land around the Lake is owned by either the National Park Service or the US Forest Service. Maps of the Lake are available at local fishing stores.

Fontana Lake provides a number of recreational diversions including fishing, boating and water skiing. And the scenery from the lake is unmatched. Those fortunate enough to go boating on Fontana Lake have a unique perspective of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At places the view is unobstructed from the lake level to the top of towering Clingmans Dome, the Park's highest peak.

There are a number of private boat docks and marinas where boats can be rented (see below).

Public Boat Ramps — If you're towing your own boat, TVA has several public access areas; two are close to Bryson City. The Old 288 ramp is west of town; turn off Everett Street next to the Family Dollar Store and continue several miles staying next to the Tuckasegee River. The Lemons Branch ramp is west of town; follow Highway 74, then turn North on Highway 28; look for the Tsali Recreation Area on your right and follow signs to boat launch.

For a guide to water activities in Swain County, click here for a downloadable PDF.

Smoky Mountain Jet Boats
22 Needmore Road, Bryson City, NC 28713 828-488-0522 or 888-900-9091 Fax: 828-488-0522 Contact: Nick Williams
Our 12-passenger Jet Boats take all ages for an exhilarating and scenic ride on beautiful Lake Fontana. Along the way you will do the unique Hamilton Spin, view a 50-foot waterfall and possibly a Bald Eagle or family of otters. Ask about our combination hiking trip in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Allow an hour.

Fontana Realty
55 Main Street P.O. Box 2478 Bryson City, NC 28713 828-488-1090 or 888-777-1090 Fax: 828-488-1650 Contact: Dan Sikorra
Fontana Realty, a full service real estate firm in Bryson City, North Carolina, specializes in the sales of exclusive developer estate lots in the gated communities of Fontana Lake Estates. Fontana Trace and other developments in the area. The firm also offers resales of homes and lots in these developments as well as homes and mountain land outside of these communities. These developments include lake front , high elevation and high elevation/long range mountain views. Owned by Dan and Linda Sikorra who are property owners in Fontana Lake Estates, Fontana Realty seeks to provide opportunities for others to invest in this magnificent area of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Fontana Guide Service
3336 Balltown Road Bryson City,NC 28713 828-736-2318 or 828-488-9793 Contact: Joshua Fronrath/Kyle Fronrath
Be our guest for lake fishing and sight-seeing on the beautiful waters of Lake Fontana in the Great Smoky Mountains. Day and night trips available with all tackle and equipment provided. Sit back in comfort on our spacious pontoon boat for a full or half day trip. Lodging packages available.

Fontana Lake Charter Boat Service
PO Box 914 Cherokee, NC 28719 828-736-4118 Contact: Wolf Dean
Charter a 4, 6 or 8 hour personally guided tour or fishing trip on beautiful Fontana Lake aboard the "4 PLAY," a 22' luxury Leisure Craft pontoon boat. Visit www.fontanalakecharters.com for rates and package offer, or call Wolf Dean at 828-736-4118 for more information. Year-round boating charters.

Almond Boat & RV Park
1165 Almond Boat Park Road, Bryson City, NC 28713 828-488-6423 Fax: 828-488-8175 Contact: Jim & Jo Mathis
Lakeside housekeeping cottages, one & two bedroom. Each with complete electric kitchen with cooking utensils and table service for six. In addition there is a sofa bed in the living quarters which will sleep one adult or two small children. Each cabin has electric heat, air conditioned and private front porch facing the lake. All bedding and linens are furnished. Towels are changed daily and clean linens offered every fourth day.