The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) impounded the Watauga and Elk Rivers to create this reservoir in 1948. Representing the reservoir with the highest elevation in Tennessee, Watauga Lake is accessible only by winding mountain roads. Only one third of the shoreline is privately owned, and a major portion of the lake is surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. This lake is a favorite among anglers who seek record-breaking Ohrid and lake trout.

The Appalachian Trail crosses over the lake at Watauga Dam, which empties into Wilbur Lake. Visitors can reach Wilbur Lake -- a 72-acre reservoir -- by taking Wilbur Dam Road. That road also leads to more TVA campgrounds, fishing ramps, and picnic grounds.

Fishing

Some Watauga Lake fish available to anglers include black bass, crappie, rainbow and lake trout, and walleye. Forage fish include gizzard shad, alewife, bluegill, and minnows. Smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing is good, especially along the lower end of the reservoir. Two record fish caught in this lake include an Ohrid trout at fourteen pounds and five ounces in 1986, and a 22-pound, two-ounce lake trout in 2008.

  Search Watauga Lake Resources
     Coordinates:
36.0970N -85.8269W
Map It:
Lake Type:
Reservoir
Surface Area:
6,000 acres
Maximum Depth:
265 ft
Elevation:
1,959 ft
Normal Water Clarity:
3 ft
Major City:
Charlotte, NC
Airport:
Charlotte, NC

Although automobile access to the lake is limited via winding mountain roads, a new handicap-accessible pier at Rat Branch is available at the lake. Boaters also have access to eight public boat ramps, seven marinas, and two recreation facilities along the lake.

• TN Fishing Licenses
• TN 2012 Statewide Limits and Regulations
• TN Fish Consumption Advisories
• Cherokee National Forest
• Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency