Lake Jocassee

Duke Energy

Industry	Energy
Headquarters	United States
Products	Hydroelectric power

Lake Jocassee (, ) is a deep reservoir situated in the northwestern region of South Carolina. Established in 1973 through a collaboration between the state government and Duke Power, the lake benefits from pristine, cold Appalachian mountain streams that help preserve its clarity throughout the year. The Jocassee Dam, which creates the reservoir, measures high and extends long. This body of water is located within the boundaries of Devils Fork State Park.

Prior to inundation, most human-made structures were removed; however, divers have recently discovered a lodge submerged beneath more than of water. Additionally, the Mount Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery, known from the film Deliverance (1972), now rests under of lake water.

Several waterfalls cascade directly into Lake Jocassee, including Laurel Fork Falls, Mill Creek Falls, Wright Fork Falls, and Moondance Falls.

Hydrology

Four rivers supply water to Lake Jocassee: the Whitewater River approaches from the west; the Thompson River flows in from the northwest; while the Horsepasture and Toxaway Rivers enter from the northeast and east, respectively.

At the southeastern edge of the lake, the Jocassee Hydro Station separates it from Lake Keowee, which has expanded along the Keowee River. Unlike Lake Keowee—characterized by dense development near Seneca city and the former mill town of Newry—the land surrounding Lake Jocassee remains largely undeveloped under Duke Power and South Carolina ownership.

Natural history

This area is distinguished by rare plant species such as the Oconee Bell (Shortia galacifolia), first identified locally in 1788. The formation of Lake Jocassee submerged much of this species' original habitat. The region harbors many rare and endangered plants and animals, leading to conservation initiatives like transferring Eastatoee Gorge Heritage Preserve from Duke Power to state control in 1979.

Wildlife conservation efforts began in the 1930s with trout stocking programs aimed at enhancing recreational fishing opportunities. These programs continue today through state Game Management initiatives that support outdoor pursuits including hiking, hunting, and wildlife observation.

History

The term "Jocassee" derives from a Cherokee legend about a young woman who cared for an injured warrior during tribal conflicts. This land was historically Cherokee territory, now submerged beneath Lake Jocassee near where the Toxaway River flows.

Keowee Town served as an important Cherokee center on trade routes supplying deerskins to Charleston and played a pivotal role in early trade involving European firearms and tools. During the French and Indian War and American Revolutionary War, Cherokee lands were ceded following conflicts. In 1785, Cherokee leaders relinquished most of the Jocassee Gorges area to the United States government, with northern Oconee County ceded later in 1815.

European-American settlers of Scottish and Irish heritage migrated through Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Charleston. Land grants in this region date back to 1791.

Fishing

Lake Jocassee is home to state record catches for five different fish species, including three belonging to the sunfish family (Centrarchidae). Remarkable specimens include a Redeye bass weighing 5 pounds 2.5 ounces and a Smallmouth bass at 9 pounds 7 ounces, both caught in 2001, as well as an 8 pound 2 ounce Spotted bass captured in 1996. Within the salmon family (Salmonidae), notable records consist of a Brown trout weighing 17 pounds 9.5 ounces caught in 1987 and a Rainbow trout of 11 pounds 5 ounces taken in 1993.

Economy

Duke Energy operates the Jocassee Hydro Station, a pumped-storage facility with a capacity of 610 megawatts situated between Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee. In close proximity, the Bad Creek Hydroelectric Station, also owned by Duke Energy, is a pumped-storage plant near the Whitewater River that began functioning in 1991 and has a capacity of 1,065 megawatts. Both plants play a vital role in supporting local jobs and supplying energy to the region.

Nearby cities and towns

• Salem, South Carolina – population 126

See also

• Lake Keowee
• List of lakes in South Carolina

References

• Devils Fork State Park website