Smoky Mountain News

A boat ramp on Bear Creek Lake in the Tuckasegee area of Jackson County has been renovated by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. A new floating dock with handicapped-accessible handrails was also installed.

Bear Lake is small — but is the “biggest” in the chain of “small” lakes that dot the upper Tuckasegee River.

The new access includes a 14-foot wide, 90-foot long ramps. The bottom elevation of the ramps is 88 feet, so boaters can launch even when the lake levels are low in the winter. It is the only public access on Bear Lake.

“The lake is quite deep, and offers anglers bass, bluegill, trout and other species,” said Jeff Ferguson, an engineer with the Commission.

The Commission manages the lake as hatchery-supported trout waters, and stocks it with catchable-size rainbow trout, with a total of 6,000 planned for this spring and fall.

Duke Energy and the Wildlife Commission jointly own the access area, and the Commission maintains it. The renovation was funded using Sportfish Restoration Federal Grant Funds and vessel registration receipts. Duke Energy plans to pave the parking area, install a toilet and build an accessible fishing pier.