The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) created Lake Chatuge in 1942 after the construction of a dam on the Hiawassee River. Lake Chatuge is located on the border between North Carolina and Georgia and covers 7,050 acres with 128 miles of shoreline. Fishing is popular on both the lake and the Hiawassee River. On the lake anglers can catch Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Black Bass, Crappi, Bream, and Channel Catfish. Because of the weirs below the dam wade fishing for trout is popular on the Hiawassee River in North Carolina. Lake Chatuge is large enough to also accommodate those who want to ski, swim, or just relax in a cove on a pontoon boat and enjoy the mountain views.