Description: Located between Calhoun and Ellijay on the Coosawattee River, this 3,220-acre reservoir is about a 2 hour drive from Atlanta. Carters Lake is Georgia's deepest reservoir, with many steep bluffbanks and a completely undeveloped shoreline. A map showing contours and other features of the reservoir, as well as access information, is available from the CaE Resource Manager's office (706-334-2248).
Walleye in year classes resulting from a large stocking in 1995 and a good spawn in 1996 have continued to grow due to the abundance of threadfin shad; however, natural mortality and fishing pressure have lead to fewer fish. WRD conducted an additional walleye stocking in 2000 to counter the decline in numbers. Anglers can expect walleye to average 3-4 lbs with some fish now approaching and exceeding 10 lbs. As fish from the 2000 stocking grow to catchable size, there should be good numbers of smaller fish mixed in with a few trophies. In early spring, as the walleye prepare to spawn, anglers should try to locate them staging along wind-swept rocky shorelines, points, and shoals. Jigging spoons, deep diving crankbaits, and live nightcrawlers fished on leadhead jigs are all popular walleye lures. Into the summer months, experienced anglers usually switch to a trolling approach, again using deep diving crankbaits such as Hot-N- Tots and Wallydivers. Look for walleye in the summer and fall on deeper structure where baitfish are concentrated.
Striper stocking continues as the populations of gizzard and threadfin shad grow. Some of the earlier stocked stripers are now exceeding 20 lbs. Survival from recent stockings has been excellent due to the abundant forage base. While providing excellent fishing, the stripers are doing double-duty by gobbling up lots of big shad. This causes the shad to reproduce and provides more small shad for the spotted bass, crappie and walleye to eat. Though often overlooked, crappie populations have responded well to the striper stockings and the good food base. The average length for crappie 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. White bass and yellow bass are also abundant and can be taken by vertically jigging spoons or small jigs in areas where shad are present.
Spotted bass and largemouth bass numbers have been stable over the past few years. The average spot will be a little better than 12 inches and weigh just over lb. Don't let this fool you, there are still plenty of the "magnum" spots that Carters is famous for. Unless someone finds a big largemouth, most bass tournament big-fish prizes will go to a 4+ lbs spot. In addition to the big spotted bass, WRD staff have collected largemouth bass up to 9 lbs. Bass fishing can be difficult for the inexperienced due to the deep water, steep banks, and the lack of visible cover. However, this is a trophy bass lake and persistence has its rewards.
Other offerings include bluegill, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Channel catfish will average between 1-2 lbs and the less abundant flatheads will average a bit over 7 lbs. Rocky banks and points upriver are likely spots to find the cats. 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.
Though boat access is limited to small jon boats, the lower (reregulation) pool at Carters, comprising 1,030 acres, supports good quantities of fish year round. Species include largemouth bass, bream, white bass, drum, buffalo, and catfish. There are many areas around the lower pool where bank anglers can gain access. Those who do venture out in a boat are reminded to use extreme caution since the water level in this pool can change rapidly and there are numerous shallow stumps and rocks.
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 with picnic, restroom, and playground facilities nearby.
Services:
Species: Spotted Bass
Deep jigging with spoons over underwater structure can put a limit of spots in your boat!
