LivewellNorth Carolina · Graham County · Lake
Fontana Lake
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Fontana 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 Fontana Lake below.
Strictest statewide rule: Black Crappie — For women of childbearing age, pregnant or nursing women, and children under 15: do not eat due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Fontana Lake
Walleye
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | Everyone else | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
| Women of childbearing age, pregnant or nursing women, and children under 15 | For women of childbearing age, pregnant or nursing women, and children under 15: do not eat due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-11-06
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
- Flat Branch boat launch boat ramp 1.9 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 2.2 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 2.2 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 2.9 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 3.2 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 4.0 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.