Nantahala Lake
Affected River Basins
Little Tennessee
Affected Counties
Macon
Fish to avoid:
Generally, choose these fish from the western part of the state:
Pollutants
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.