Watauga Lake Tennessee

Lets go out to the lake! After traveling through the mountain scenery, the last thing you would expect to see is a large body of water. Yet here it is, the clear green water of Watauga Lake.

With a water level elevation around 1960 feet, Watauga Lake is one of the highest TVA reservoirs. It was created by filling the Watauga River Valley with water after construction of Watauga Dam was completed in 1948. Many homes and the entire community of Butler were displaced. The lake is about 17 miles long with over 100 miles of shoreline. Near the dam the depth exceeds 280 feet in the old river channel. The upper end of the lake, above Butler Bridge, is not much over 100 feet in depth. Much of the shoreline is Cherokee National Forest land, which has helped limit overdevelopment of this beautiful location. The Appalachian Trail passes through Shook Branch Recreation Area, runs around the southwest end, crosses the dam, and runs along the crest of Iron Mountain on the northwest side of the lake. The upper half of Watauga Lake is in Johnson County, where it is fed by Roan Creek, the Elk River, and the Watauga River.

Downstream from Watauga Dam is Wilbur Lake and Wilbur Dam. Wilbur and Watauga both generate hydroelectric power for the TVA. Wilbur and the Watauga downstream are fed by water from the bottom of the Watauga Lake. The water is a fairly constant cold temperature all year round and is popular with trout fishermen. If you fall in, hypothermia will result. It is COLD. There is a river access location at the base of Wilbur Dam for white water rafting down the Watauga River into Elizabethton. Most of the rapids aren't too extreme. The countryside is pastoral and scenic. We've done it in inflatable kayaks a few times. Another great way to spend an afternoon. There are several local outfitters that conduct expeditions on the Watauga.

Watauga Lake is well stocked with a variety of fish, including bass, walleye, and trout. The last two state record lake trout, over 20 lbs., have been caught in Watauga Lake. There are a number of public boat ramps. Picnic areas, swimming areas, and camping are found at the lake. Events at the lake include bass tournaments and a large July 4th boat parade. For the latest lake and fishing news, try one of the marinas on our resources page. Find a roadmap here. For fishing regulations check the TWRA site.

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