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Santeetlah or Nantahala?

Austin
47 posts
Santeetlah or Nantahala?

We are planning a July trip to North Carolina. We are debating between Lake Santeetlah and Lake Nantahala. We are looking for a pretty, clean & reasonably warm lake for swimming, tubing/skiing, and kayaking. My husband also wants to fish (mostly fly fishing local streams). We also would like to try area rafting, horseback riding, zip-lining, hiking, etc. Given all of this, would either of the lakes be better to go to? I have found affordable rentals on both. I have heard Santeetlah is much larger, but not sure that matters. Is Nantahala that small? Is it colder? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

3 replies to this topic
Atlanta, Georgia
696 posts
1. Re: Santeetlah or Nantahala?

You really can't go wrong with either. There is great fly fishing for trout near both. Santeelah is larger. Both have very little boat traffic. If I had to choose from the two I would take Lake Santeelah.

Atlanta, Georgia
696 posts
2. Re: Santeetlah or Nantahala?

Just one other thing on fishing. There is salmon in Lake Nantahala. In July they are in deeper water. Will not be able to catch them on a fly rod. I know the area like the back of my hand. Any questions please message me.

1 post
3. Re: Santeetlah or Nantahala?

I live in http://N.Georgia.When I was younger,I would go to Lake Ocoee(or Parksville lake),it was always cold unless after rain. I now want to take my family to a lake. I read online that Lake Santeetlah is unusually warm-is that true and do you know why @atlanta 0070

Edited: 8 years ago
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