LivewellNorth Carolina · Clay County · Lake
Chatuge Lake
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Chatuge Lake, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
1 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
North Carolina also has statewide guidance
North Carolina publishes rules that apply to lakes across the state — 16 recommendations covering 8 species — in addition to anything listed for Chatuge Lake below.
Strictest statewide rule: Black Crappie — For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: do not eat due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Chatuge Lake
White Bass Or Largemouth Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
| Women who may become pregnant & children under 15 | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: do not eat due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Is it legal to keep?
These are North Carolina's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 14" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 30" min | 1 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | — | 8 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | — | 20 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: North Carolina — North Carolina WRC
Getting on the water
- Boat ramp boat ramp 0.7 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 1.1 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.