Fontana Village has partnered with SMK Fishing to bring guided charter boat fishing trips to Fontana Lake, giving guests a fun, family-friendly way to explore the lake and reel in the many species of fish found in the lake.
Trips accommodate up to 6 people and are designed for all ages and skill levels, with a bold promise: guaranteed to catch a fish or you don’t pay. Resort guests can also enjoy added convenience with fish freezer and refrigerator storage for their catch, and the experience may even pair well with a catch-and-cook offering from Fontana.
Leading the trips is Captain Jared Schuster, a seasoned guide with more than 15 years on the water and a 99%+ success rate. Jared grew up fishing the Great Lakes, began his professional guiding career in Wisconsin trout streams, and has spent the last 7 years guiding in Graham County, North Carolina through the deep waters of the Nantahala National Forest. He holds a USCG OUPV/6-Pack Captain’s License, is Wilderness First Aid and ACA Rescue certified, fully insured, and welcomes families, beginners, experienced anglers, and even dogs.
Book your Father’s Day Fishing trips NOW!
June 19 Friday 6pm-9pm Sunset Fishing $275 per person
June 20 Saturday 6am-11am, 12:30pm-5:30pm, 6pm-9pm
June 21 Sunday 6am-11am, 12:30pm-5:30pm, 6pm-9pm
½ day $375 per person, full day $600 per person
With your booked fishing trip, use code FISH to get a discounted room rate!
Fontana Lake hosts a diverse range of fish species, including bass, trout, catfish, walleye, muskie, and panfish, making it a prime destination for every angler.
Fontana Lake, located in Swain and Graham Counties, North Carolina, is renowned for its cold-water fishery and scenic mountain setting, offering excellent fishing opportunities year-round lake supports both warm-water and cold-water species, providing variety for anglers of all skill levels and ages.
Major Fish Species
- Bass: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and Kentucky spotted bass are abundant, with bass tournaments often held on the lake. Large bass over 10 pounds are not uncommon.
- Trout: Rainbow trout, brown trout, and steelhead thrive in the cold waters, particularly near creek mouths during spring runs.
- Catfish: Channel catfish and flathead catfish are present, with some individuals exceeding 50 pounds, making them a popular target for trophy fishing.
- Walleye: Stocked in the 1970s, walleye have established a healthy population and can be caught year-round.
- Muskie: As apex predators, muskie patrol the lake hunting smaller fish, offering challenging sport fishing for experienced anglers.
- Panfish: Bluegill, crappie, and yellow perch are plentiful, especially in spring, providing excellent options for family fishing outings.
- Other species: Carp and white bass are also present, particularly during seasonal runs.