Nantahala Lake

Affected River Basins

Little Tennessee

Affected Counties

Macon

Fish to avoid:

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Walleye

Yellow Perch

Generally, choose these fish from the western part of the state:

Black Crappie

White Crappie

Bluegill Sunfish (Brim)

Redbreast Sunfish (Brim)

Redear Sunfish (Brim)

Brook Trout

Brown Trout

Rainbow Trout

White Perch

Pollutants

Mercury

Advisory

Date issued: December 14, 2012

Smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch and largemouth bass caught in the lake may contain elevated levels of mercury. Women of childbearing age (15-44 years) and children under 15 should not eat any smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch or largemouth bass caught in Nantahala Lake. All other persons should eat no more than one meal (6 ounces) per week of smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch or largemouth bass caught in Nantahala Lake. Swimming, boating, other recreational activities, and handling the fish present no known significant health risks and are not affected by this advisory. State health officials are unable to positively identify the original sources of the contamination, but have determined that airborne sources such as wind-blown dust are the most likely source. A meal of fish is approximately six (6) ounces of uncooked fish.

In addition to the site-specific fish consumption advisories listed above, there is a statewide advisory for the consumption of fish high in mercury, including Largemouth Bass.