Johnson City, TN

[Englewoodcowboy]

For those of us in the Eastern TN area we have 3 lakes, Boone, Watauga and South Holston. Boone dam spring a leak in October last year and the had to do an early draw down. They just had a meeting today that it will be at -10 of winter pool for at least a year while they effect repairs which means it is accessible for fishing but pretty much a no go for water sports. We have a lot of friends whose boats are now 40' above the water and no access to them for at least a year...

Looks like for me I will be spending my water time on SoHo this year along with my friends who happen to have their boats on a trailer.

 

[veedubtek]

You guys ever make it down to Fontana? Doesn't seem like that would be too far from ya, but I'm not sure.

 

[Englewoodcowboy]

I have to look into it. What is the closest access near I-77?

 

[veedubtek]

It's a hike from 77. We live an hour east or so of 77, and it's 4 hours from us. We take 40 to 74? It's just south of Knoxville, spitting distance from the end of the Dragon. We did labor day there last year, and plan to do it again. Just a gorgeous lake, and there are floating cottages you can rent. Nestled right in the mountains, and against Fontana Dam, so you can imagine the scenery.

 

[Englewoodcowboy]

Wow. I would like some more info on that. Might be a fun adventure on Labor Day weekend.

 

[veedubtek]

This is where we stayed last year:

http://www.fontanavillage.com/

We had a cabin and left the boat in the water all weekend (free if you have a cabin).

@DieselCamel might have some pics. Gonna try to stay on the water this year. Best lake I've ever been on, and we never did get to explore it all.

 

[Englewoodcowboy]

Is it a clear lake?

 

[DieselCamel]

Is it a clear lake?

Extremely clear you can see the length of your body. Let me see if I can dig up some pictures. The only real con to this lake is the shore is muddy(red clayish) and a little rocky. But it didn't really keep us off the shore

 

[DieselCamel]

Dam outlet

Fontana Dam. Think it's the largest dam on the east coast.

Middle of the lake

Rocky shore line
Fontana Village marina boat ramp

 

[bigwoo]

That's the lake the the moonshiners lost 50 gallon jugs of moonshine on .Discovery channel Tuesday 9:00 pm Mark and Jeff

 

[veedubtek]

#divingforshine2015