Lake Jocassee

Lake Jocassee is a deep, clear-water reservoir located in northwestern South Carolina at the headwaters of the Savannah River system, formed by the confluence of the Toxaway and Whitewater rivers. Covering roughly 7,500 acres, the lake is smaller than many regional reservoirs but notable for its depth, water clarity, and mountainous setting. Surrounded largely by protected lands, Jocassee retains a remote and undeveloped character uncommon among Southeastern lakes.

The shoreline is steep and heavily forested, with numerous waterfalls, narrow coves, and rocky points dropping quickly into deep water. Limited shoreline development and minimal shallow flats contribute to a basin dominated by bluff walls, submerged timber, and clear open-water structure. These physical characteristics create a distinctive lake environment shaped by elevation, depth, and cold-water inflows.

Lake Jocassee supports a cold- and warmwater mixed fishery, including populations of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, trout, and walleye. The lake is owned and managed by Duke Energy, which oversees hydropower operations, water quality protection, and controlled public access while maintaining the lake’s long-term ecological integrity.