2018 Western North Carolina Top 10 Fishing Lakes

We have so many great fisheries in Western NC (west of Asheville) and most of them are extremely deep and clear reservoirs! Every lake provides anglers with different opportunities for different species and the opportunity for quantities of fish and quality of fish! Some lakes are more diverse, some lakes have larger fish and some lakes have more fish! This is the where they stack up against one another as of 2018!!!

Lake Chatuge, Hayesville NC
Current Rank #1: 
Previous Rank #1
Size: 7,000 Acres
Without question Lake Chatuge is one of the most diverse fisheries in Western NC! Filled with all kinds of baitfish species it makes for one of the healthiest predatory fish habitats! Filled with gizzard shad, threadfin shad and blueback herring, Lake Chatuge largemouth, spotted bass and hybrid stripers grow to trophy sizes! Though this lake has tapered off in the number of big bags on any given weekend it can show up with a number of mid 20lb bags of largemouth and spotted bass!


Lake Glenville, Cashiers NC
Current Rank #2
Previous Rank #2
Size: 1,500 Acres
Lake Glenville is the highest lake in elevation east of the Mississippi River. It's cold deep water is a nice home for GIANT smallmouth and big largemouth! The blueback herring, yellow perch and native shiners make every fish species in the lake grow to trophy size! This lake has a possible smallmouth state record lurking in the depths! The lake is also home to big walleye, brown trout, rainbow trout and the occasional spotted bass as well!


Fontana Lake, Bryson City NC
Current Rank #3
Previous Rank #7
Size: 10,250 Acres
The mighty Fontana was known nationally as one of the most prolific big smallmouth fisheries in the country in the 90's and early 2000's! With the introduction of invasive spotted bass to Fontana the lake really spiraled out of control with the quantity of fish and lack of quality. Recently, there have been big bass starting to show up in numbers and the lake is definitely starting to respond to the blueback herring population! This lake probably won't wow you with the size of the bass but every once in a while GIANTS come out to play!


Nantahala Lake, Nantahala NC
Current Rank #4
Previous Rank #5
Size: 1,750 Acres
Way up through the back roads of the Nantahala National Forest is a beautiful mountain gem filled with all kinds of amazing fish! Nantahala Lake has a big threadfin shad population and a growing blueback herring population that feeds the smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and walleye! This lake is filled with trophy sized yellow perch, rainbow trout and brown trout as well! 


Lake Hiwassee, Murphy NC
Current Rank #5
Previous Rank #4
Size: 6,100 Acres
Tucked in the very west corner of North Carolina is a lake filled with a ton of beautiful views and GIANT fish! This lake is home of the state record smallmouth bass and is known to produce large fish! Big largemouth are very present as well as big stripers! Lake Hiwassee is thick with baitfish species! Threadfin shad, gizzard shad, blueback herring, trout, bream, perch and crawfish! Though the lake moved down in the rankings it is still a big fish factory! You can also catch good numbers of spotted bass as well!


Lake Apalachia, Hiwassee Dam NC
Current Rank #6
Previous Rank #4
This little hole in the wall lake in Western NC is full of GIANT bass! Smallmouth and largemouth gorge on trout and blueback herring in Apalachia! This fishery has some tanks and they stock trout to help control the herring population. It's well worth the adventure! Though it has moved down in the rankings, the fishing is still awesome!



Lake Junaluska, Waynesville NC
Current Rank #7
Previous Rank #6
Lake J is 200 acres and filled with fish that will make you smile! The lake will surprise you with phenomenal trophy bass! Local communities stocks it with trout during the winter! It's a trolling motor only lake that doesn't see a lot of fishing pressure! It may be small but it is one of the best lakes in the mountains, don't let the size fool you! There are a ton of perch and crappy in the lake which are fun to catch! The perch and crappy also grow the giant bass!



Bear Lake, Tuckasegee NC
Current Rank #8
Previous Rank #9
Bear lake is definitely a local favorite! Loaded with BIG bass and BIG trout Bear lake has a ton of trophy sized fish! This lake may actually possess the state record walleye too! The fish grow big in the deep clear water! This is a must fish if you've never fished it!


Wolf Creek Lake, Tuckasegee NC
Current Rank #9
Previous Rank #10
Wolf Creek sets up a lot like Bear Lake! Big walleye, trout, largemouth and smallmouth! Filled with threadfin shad and deep, clear water Wolf Creek can bring out the STUDS! It's beautiful shoreline, cliffs and beaches are great to fish for the different species! Way up 281 in Tuckasegee, it is well worth the drive!



Lake Santeetlah, Robbinsville NC
Current Rank #10
Previous Rank #8
Located right next to Tail of The Dragon is the beautiful Lake Santeetleh! This lake has a very healthy population of largemouth bass and quite a few smallmouth! The size can be suspect as there are a ton of 1 pound to 1 1/2 pound fish in Santeetlah. Definitely a top 10 fishery of Western NC!

Fishing Lake Jocassee

            Lake Jocassee is a man made reservoir located the northwest region of South Carolina. Known for its crazy clear water, Lake Jocassee is a fairly large lake, averaging around 7500 acres and having a depth as deep as 300 feet. This lake is one that should be on any anglers bucket list. The reason being the challenge and reward. Lake Jocassee is exceptionally deep in most parts and incredibly clear. This makes the bass fishing a little more tricky according to certain anglers. According to Jeff Samsel, a writer for the "Game and Fish Magazine", "Anglers must learn to find and fish structure they cannot see from the surface and often must turn to lighter lines, deeper deliveries and smaller offerings than they are accustomed to throwing." This lake is not your average run of the mill lake where bass are right where you would expect them to be. Don't let this fool you though. According to local anglers who have mastered Jocassee, almost every fish that is caught, is usually a monster. 

Lake Jocassee is not only known for it's advanced bass fishing, but also for the insane trout fishery. Due to the many tributaries flowing into the reservoir, the presence of big trout is abundant in the lake. VERY abundant. 

Lake Jocassee has even been known to hold striper in its crystal clear depths, giving this large mass of water a mysterious aura surrounding it. This lake is definately a lake that is home to once in a lifetime opportunities. We are happy to announce we will begin trips down to Lake Jocassee in the following months. If you'd like a chance to fish with us on this lake, stop by and give us a visit!

Come Visit us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply at 21 Steeple Road, Sylva, NC 28779

Bass Fishing Report Lake Chatuge, Fontana Lake, Lake Glenville, Lake Burton- January 2018

WOW! It has been a COLD past couple of weeks in the Smoky Mountain region! The water temps are dropping extremely fast but don't be alarmed the fish are still chewing! This time of the year if you can brave the cold or get a warmer day to get on the water, you can do some damage to the fish! The bass group up really well in the winter and just like most times of the year the key to finding them on these deep clear reservoirs is finding the SHAD! There are 6 key techniques that we rely on in the winter that can be used on all of the lakes during the winter! Underspin, A-Rig, Football Jig, Jigging Spoon, Ned Rig and a Swimbait!

Lake Glenville
Water Temp: 43*
Clarity: 12ft
Water Level: -16
Pattern: The water is extremely far down but don't let it deter you from getting out there! It is tough to launch the boat because the launches are just about out of the water but the fish are eating! This time of the year the fish are grouping up in ditches and off shore in the stable deep water! Jigging spoons, Damiki Rig's, and underspins will catch some fish out deep. Dragging a jig will also prove itself as a worthy weapon! The two go to's this time of the year are a Megabass Vision110+1 and a Duo Realis Spybait! In windy conditions the jerkbait is the deal, where in calm conditions the spybait is.

Lake Chatuge
Water Temp: 48*
Clarity: 10ft
Water Level: -10
Pattern: A lot of fish are starting their winter time suspending! An a-rig, spoon, drop shot and underspin are and will continue to play throughout the winter. Off shore structure, humps and ditches will hold a lot of fish! On the occasional warm day look for some largemouth moving shallow on docks and wood with a jig! A ned rig is also a beast lure this time of the year on Chatuge!

Fontana Lake
Water Temp: 46*-51*
Clarity: 15ft
Water Level: -65
Pattern: Suspended fish are in good numbers throughout the lake! A lot of balls of threadfin and herring are hanging out in that 60ft-80ft zone. Points and the middle of pockets and creeks have a lot of fish! A small spoon is lethal on every species out deep! A small underspin is a great go to! There are a few fish to be had shllower with a jig and swimbait!

Lake Burton
Water Temp: 49*
Clarity: 10ft
Water Level: -10
Pattern: The water is down on Burton compared to past winters but the fish are doing great! There is not a lot of shore line structure in the water but the fish are really ganged up of shore! Creek channels, bluff walls and off shore humps and structure have big largemouth and spotted bass! Schooling fish will be present too! A single keitech, or an underspin will catch some solid fish! An a-rig will also put fish in the boat as well!

The Greatest Christmas Gift

                     With Christmas just a few days away, it is quite easy to get caught up in the routine of rushed shopping to find something you think your loved one may like. Too often do we ignore the fact that we get so enveloped with the holiday craze, we turn a blind eye to the thing that is most important. We have developed a skewed perception that the most important task is to please others with gifts and have forgotten to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. This Christmas, we want you to look differently at this special day. Look at Christmas as a beautiful time to spend with family, to laugh and tell fishing stories, and to love one another without hesitation. Take a moment and notice other people you pass by while shopping, wishing them a merry Christmas. To some, that may be just what they need to hear. Christmas is not about gifts and trying your best to please others, but it is about the quality time you spend with those you love. Take a child fishing, teach them the beauty of the sport, and tell ridiculous overly exaggerated fishing stories to your great relatives... they probably have a few to tell themselves. But most importantly, take note of the opportunity you have. The opportunity to change others lives. Whether it be a trip to the lake, or a random act of kindness, these are the moments that really make this the season of joy. In our eyes, the greatest gift does not come in a box or a stocking, but it comes with the heartfelt sincerity of caring for one another. The greatest gift is not a material thing, but the love and precious time you share with those around you.

From all of us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply, Merry Christmas.

DYNAMIC DUO! These baits are crushing them!

           

               As we've stated in the previous blogs, this cold weather is making it tougher and tougher to catch bass. Thankfully, we've found two baits that seem to be just what the fish are craving right now. These baits are none other than the bladebait and the drop shot rig. Back to the basics folks! From what we've been throwing, these two rigs have seemed to be pretty dang productive in multiple lakes in WNC. For those who don't know, the bladebait is almost like a simple lipless style crankbait. Compact in size, this bait features a weighted head with a literal blade as the body. The action is one that is simple yet effective. Yoyoing this bait off the bottom is great for this time of year as the shad are dying off. These baits are fairly cheap and are proving to be a lethal weapon for any fisherman now.

The dropshot rig is also becoming one of favorites recently. It's simplicity and elegance that it displays are driving these bass BONKERS in the cold water. This bait, along with the bladebait is a great search-bait, covering a ton of water in a quick amount of time. This increases the chances of catching more fish in a shorter span of fishing.

The water will be getting even colder yet, which means the bass will move on to other tactics. That just gives us as fishermen to improve our skills even further! We hope ya'll catch some hawgs this winter!


Come visit us! at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Rd! 28779 Sylva, NC

EFFECTIVE WINTER BAITS

             
 
                     I think it's safe to say it's officially that time of the year. The leaves are all gone, there is ice on our windshields almost every morning, and you can no longer leave the house without a jacket on hand. Winter, along with it's frigid weather and harsh elements brings some pretty tough fishing conditions as well. The average angler would probably be packing up their gear and putting the cover over the boat. But we all know... We're not the average anglers.

          This is the time of year that really tests a fisherman's skills and grit. Thankfully we have a couple baits that we think may be some help during this tough upcoming season!

1. Jigs
How could we leave out the go to bait for so many fisherman. When the fish are deep and lethargic, sometimes all you need is a slowly worked jig. This is a great bait to trigger some strikes from bass that are down deep looking for an easy meal. Usually paired with a craw trailer is a great option, giving the jig a crawfish like imitation.

2. Spoons
Sometimes simple is the way to go, especially when it's cold out. Spoons, depending on size, can be worked slowly giving off a bit of action still. Spoons are also sometimes pretty heavy, allowing you to target deeper fish

3/ Bladebaits.
Bladebaits are a cool hybrid bait that gives off a ton of action with not alot of effort. These can be yoyoed off the bottom or even trolled slowly. Regardless, these baits are super versatile and a deadly weapon during the winter months.

4. Ned Rigs
Last but defiantly not least is a highly overlooked bait. The ned rig is a simple 3 inch  stick bait threaded onto a ned rig hook. These simple baits give off a natural and simple presentation that seems to be just what those lethargic fish are looking for when the water cools off.


Those are just a few of the baits that we look forward to using during these upcoming months and hope they help you out as well!
Good luck and tight lines!


Come Visit Us At Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva, NC 28779!

Most Beautiful Lakes of WNC

                   One of the greatest parts of fishing areas such as Western North Carolina is being able to take in the amazing scenery and beauty. Luckily, we have a variety of breathtaking lakes that are readily accessible for anglers. Below are, in our opinion, some of the most beautiful places to fish in WNC.

1. Fontana
Fontana lake is a beautiful reservoir nestled in the mountains of the Smoky Mountains. Being such a popular vacationing site, it's a beautiful lake that is quite large for our area, offering amazing scenery for anyone who fishes it.

2. Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee is a seven thousand acre reservoir created by Duke Energy in 1973. This large lake sits just south of the South Carolina border, making it not too bad of a drive from WNC. This lake features crystal clear water, some beachy areas, and even a coupe waterfalls. It's the perfect lake if you are looking for something different to fish!

3. Lake Chatuge
Chatuge is a shallower man made lake, completed in the late 40's. It spans across southern North Carolina and Northern Georgia, making it a large, beautiful place to come and fish.

4. Lake Glenville
Lake Glenville is a beautiful reservoir located in Jackson County, NC. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and waterfalls that ensure an amazing fishing experience.

5. Lake Burton
Lake Burton is a nice sized lake located in Rabun County, Georgia. It is about 3,000 acres and has many different coves that call for great angling. If you're even in the northeast part of Georgia, make sure to stop by and visit Lake Burton!


Those are just a few of the many amazing bodies of water we have in and around WNC. Have any favorite places to fish? Let us know!

Come Visit Us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply! on 21 Steeple Road, Sylva NC, 28779!