Fontana Lake

Fontana Lake

Franklin, Graham County, NC
7mi²
522.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Graham and Swain counties in North Carolina, Fontana Lake is a captivating reservoir renowned for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Spanning an impressive 4,480 acres, this expansive lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility amidst the stunning backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest. Fontana Lake owes its existence to the towering Fontana Dam, which impounds the waters of the Little Tennessee River, creating a sprawling reservoir that stretches as far as the eye can see. The lake's pristine waters offer a myriad of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, from boating and fishing to swimming and kayaking. Anglers will delight in the abundance of fish species that inhabit the lake, including bass, trout, and catfish, providing ample opportunities for a rewarding fishing experience. For those seeking adventure on the water, Fontana Lake beckons with its vast expanse of open water and scenic shoreline. Rent a pontoon boat or kayak and embark on a leisurely cruise along the tranquil waters, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests. Explore hidden coves and secluded beaches, perfect for picnicking or simply soaking in the serenity of nature. Fontana Lake also serves as a gateway to the vast wilderness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering access to miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and pristine wilderness areas. Whether you're embarking on a challenging backcountry trek or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, the park's diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife are sure to captivate outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. As the day transitions into evening, Fontana Lake takes on a magical quality, with the setting sun casting a golden glow across the tranquil waters. Relax on the shore and marvel at the kaleidoscope of colors painting the sky, or gather around a campfire with family and friends for an unforgettable evening under the stars. With its breathtaking natural beauty and wealth of recreational opportunities, Fontana Lake is a true gem of the North Carolina wilderness. Whether you're seeking adventure on the water or simply yearning for a peaceful retreat amidst nature, this enchanting reservoir offers something for everyone to enjoy. Come discover the wonders of Fontana Lake and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Current Conditions

62°F°
Feels like 64°F°
Rain
Today's High
74°F°
Today's Low
57°F°

Water Temperature

69°F
Updated: (May 13)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Fontana Lake is 69°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind1 mph NNE (Gust 3 mph)
Pressure
29.82 inHg
Visibility7 mi
Humidity94%
Cloud Cover73%

Forecast: Wednesday, May 14

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
58°F°
7%
10 AM
64°F°
13%
1 PM
72°F°
6%
4 PM
74°F°
40%
7 PM
72°F°
40%

Temperature

High
74°F°
Low
57°F°

Precipitation

Chance56%
Amount0.15"
Typerain

Wind

3mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
13mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed6 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise10:31 AM
Sunset12:32 AM
Moon PhasewaningGibbous
Max UV Index8 (Very High)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
4/5

Todays action is rated a 4 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

6:11 AM - 8:41 AM

7:28 PM - 9:58 PM

Minor Times (Good)

2:24 AM - 3:54 AM

10:53 AM - 12:23 PM

Outlook for Wednesday at Fontana Lake

Expect temperatures ranging from 57°F to 74°F. There's a 56% chance of rain, potentially bringing around 0.15" rain. Winds will be averaging 3 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 13 mph. The maximum UV index will be 8 (Very High), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 4/5 (Todays action is rated a 4 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 6:11 AM and 7:28 PM, or try the minor windows near 2:24 AM and 10:53 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Fontana Lake.

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May 12th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
522 ft
Area
7 mi²
Coordinates
35.442, -83.791

Weather Forecast

Wednesday

74°F
57°F

Thursday

82°F
60°F

Friday

83°F
66°F

Saturday

79°F
66°F

Sunday

77°F
63°F

Monday

79°F
60°F

Tuesday

81°F
59°F

Wednesday

77°F
65°F

Thursday

73°F
62°F
Wednesday - 5/14/2025
74°F
57°F
12am
58°F
69°F
29.84 hPa
2 mph
E
G: 5 mph
2am
58°F
69°F
29.84 hPa
3 mph
E
G: 8 mph
4am
58°F
69°F
29.84 hPa
1 mph
NE
G: 4 mph
6am
58°F
69°F
29.85 hPa
1 mph
SE
G: 2 mph
8am
59°F
69°F
29.88 hPa
2 mph
ENE
G: 3 mph
10am
64°F
69°F
29.88 hPa
2 mph
ENE
G: 5 mph
12pm
71°F
69°F
29.88 hPa
2 mph
WNW
G: 8 mph
2pm
72°F
69°F
29.87 hPa
5 mph
W
G: 12 mph
4pm
74°F
69°F
29.84 hPa
5 mph
W
G: 11 mph
6pm
72°F
69°F
29.84 hPa
4 mph
SW
G: 10 mph
8pm
69°F
69°F
29.83 hPa
4 mph
S
G: 12 mph
10pm
66°F
69°F
29.86 hPa
3 mph
S
G: 9 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for Fontana Lake

Current Temp

Sign in to view

Latest recorded surface temperature.

Lowest in Period

43°F

On Jan 19

Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.

Average in Period

60°F

Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.

Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months

Surface temperature over the selected period.

Key Observations (Last 12 Months)

  • Warmest avg: August (82°F).
  • Coolest avg: January (47°F).
  • Rapid warming often occurs: April → May (+13°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: September → October (-10°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

12am1am2am3am4am5am6am7am8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm10pm11pm0481216

Wind Direction

89°

Pressure

1011 mb

Cloud Cover

95%

Visibility

5 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

WedThuFriSatSunMonTueWedThu0.008.8617.7226.5835.44
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fontana Lake

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