Has anyone ever fished Fonata Lake in the mountains of NC for smallmouth? I am going the end of October. The water levels there will be dropped around 50ft to account for snow melting and runnoff. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.

If you haven't fished there the lake is ultra clear. Like you can see 30ft down clear. The majority of the lake has some kind of rock on it, huge ledges and drop offs. Water temp should be around 40-50 degrees by the time I get there next month. Where do I start? I fish for largemouth 99% of the time. I am experienced in a good number of techniques. Smallmouth are a different animal if you will. Any tips or advice on how to start looking for these brownheads? Thanks!!

I have never fished there, but there is a high mercury warning for people eating fish out of Fontana and another lake there. The link to the article is below. Good luck with your fishing trip.

Jim

http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200880910031

I fish it all the time. I just live about 12 miles from it. The water tem. now is about 68 degrees. The water is very low now because (TVA) is trying to keep the lakes in tennesse full.