Largemouth Bass

The mountain lakes and rivers surrounding Murphy, NC offer excellent largemouth bass fishing. Lake Hiwassee and Chatuge Lake are prime locations, offering a mix of deep, clear water and shallow, vegetated areas. These highland reservoirs provide diverse habitat, including rocky points, submerged timber, and boat docks. Spring is an exceptional time to fish as the bass move shallow to spawn. Topwater lures and shallow-diving crankbaits can be highly effective during this period. Fall is another great time, as the bass aggressively feed before winter. Local tip: Pay close attention to water clarity. In clearer water, use natural-colored lures and lighter line. In stained water, opt for darker colors and heavier line. Many anglers launch from the public ramps on Lake Hiwassee, but smaller boats can access some of the river sections for a more secluded experience. The largemouth in this area are known for their hard fighting ability, likely due to the cooler, oxygen-rich waters.