Carters Lake Fishing Spot

  • Max Depth: 450'
  • Elevation: 1072'
  • Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/08/09 01:36 PM
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Fish Species

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  • Fishing opportunities in the tailwaters below the dam include walleye, white bass, sunfish, crappie, and an occasional striper. Fishing jetties are located on both banks downstream of the lower pool dam. In February, as the walleye prepare to spawn, anglers should try to locate them staging along wind-swept rocky shorelines, points, and shoals in the Coosawattee River. Jigging spoons, deep diving crankbaits, and live bait fished on leadhead jigs are all popular walleye lures. Experienced anglers usually switch to a trolling approach in the summer months, again using deep diving crankbaits such as Hot-N-Tots and Wallydivers. Look for walleye on deeper structure where baitfish are concentrated during summer and fall. Evening and night fishing will be a summer anglers best bet at consistently landing these toothy predators. A fish finder or word of mouth should put new anglers in areas of submerged brush found throughout the lake. Bass anglers should also be able to find fish in the Harris and Crump creek areas where the COE and WRD have toppled shoreline pine beetle infested trees into the lake to improve fish habitat. Finesse and subtle presentation are the rule; however, this is a trophy bass lake and persistence has its rewards. Though often overlooked, crappie populations have responded well to the striper stockings and the good food base. The average crappie will be is 8-10 inches. Anglers should focus their effort around the areas of standing timber found throughout the lake. Crappie will suspend in the timber year round.Anglers should not overlook the abundant white bass and yellow bass population. Vertically jigging spoons or small jigs in areas where shad are present can take these plentiful game fish. Bluegill are abundant, although most fish will be less than 6 inches. A bucket of worms or crickets is all one should need to sample the bluegill action.

Carters Lake Baits and Tackle

Live Bait (Other) Check Prices

  • Uses several biats; wax worms, jigs, rooster tial, small crank baits and some soft baits

Carters Lake Description

Carters Lake is located in northern Georgia, fifty miles outside of Atlanta, on the south end of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Carters Lake embraces a spectacular tract of foothills scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Its sparkling waters and rugged shoreline provide a beautiful surrounding for a variety of recreational opportunities which include camping, fishing, picnicking, boating, mountain biking and hunting. Carters Lake has 3,200 surface acres. Carters Lake is more than 450 feet deep Carters Dam is the tallest earthen dam east of Mississippi river Carters Lake shoreline has no private docks or development along 62 miles of natural shoreline Carters Project offers fishermen diverse opportunities in terms of locations to fish and fish species. In addition to Carters Lake, anglers can fish the reregulation pool or Coosawattee River. Carters Lake is approximately 11 miles long with 3,200 acres and 62 miles of shoreline. Shoreline fishing locations are limited due to steep shoreline terrain. Boaters can access the lake via six boat ramps. Deep clear water and a rocky shoreline characterize Carters Lake. The reregulation pool or lower lake is located below Carters Lake and can be accessed from a boat ramp near the Carters Powerhouse off Old Hwy 411. Reregulation pool conditions (water depth and surface acres) fluctuate based on powerhouse discharge. Fishing on the lower lake is peaceful and few PWC's or pleasure boats operate on the shallow waters. Limited shoreline fishing opportunities also exist on the lower lake. Swift water fishing in the Coosawattee River can be found below the reregulation dam. Two concrete fishing decks have been constructed along the river accessible from Old Hwy 411. Picnic tables, a hiking trail and bathrooms are also provided at the downstream fishing areas. A handicapped accessible ramp is provided on the south side fishing area. An active fish stocking program by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources along with native fish found in the lake provide diversity for anglers. Fish species include bass (largemouth, smallmouth, hybrid, stripped, spotted) crappie, walleye, bream and catfish. All Fishermen and recreation visitors required to pay a $4 day use fee or purchase an annual pass for $30. Carters Lake Marina is available to serve all your boating needs throughout the year.

Carters Lake is classified as one of Georgia's great lakes. It is one of the biggest lakes in the state of Georgia. This lake is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Chatsworth. It was named after Farrish Carter who lived in the 1800's. It has a surface area of 3,200 acres and has 62 miles of shoreline. This lake is a natural lake with no public docks or houses along its shore.[1] This lake is feed by the Coosawattee River that runs between Ellijay and Chatsworth. Carters Lake's dam was completed in 1977. Since then, it has been used to act as a watershed to control annual flooding and generate power.[2]

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