CARTERS LAKE
Located between Calhoun and Ellijay on the Coosawattee River, this 3,220 acre
reservoir is Georgia’s deepest, with steep bluff banks and an undeveloped
shoreline.
FISHING QUICK LINKS
CONTACT INFORMATION
Corps: http://carters.sam.usace.army.mil/fish.htm; ph. 706-334-2248.
BOAT RAMPS
There are seven boat ramps. For current information, visit:
http://carters.sam.usace.army.mil/clboat ramp elevations2.htm.
FEES
Many corps facilities have boat launch fees, user fees or both. Refer to contact
information for pricing.
ABOUT
Angling prospects are compiled by fisheries biologists and are based on
sampling efforts of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR),
knowledge of past fishing trends, angling experience and information provided
by anglers and marina owners. For more information, contact the Wildlife
Resources Division, Calhoun Fisheries office: ph. 706-629-1259.
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REGULATIONS
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SPECIES INFO
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FISH CONSUMPTION
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KIDS FISHING INFO
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ANGLER AWARD
PROGRAM
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BOAT RAMP
LOCATOR
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GO FISH GEORGIA
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LAKE MAP
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WEATHER.COM
FISHING PROSPECTS FOR CARTERS LAKE
BEST BETS: SPOTTED BASS, STRIPED BASS AND HYBRID BASS.
LARGEMOUTH BASS
Prospect
About 10 percent of all black bass in the lake are largemouth. Despite the
low percentage, those caught tend to be very healthy. Most will be just over
a pound, but 7-8 pound fish are certainly not out of the question.
Technique Fish larger u-tail or ribbon tail plastic worms. The classic pig-n-jig is also a
successful largemouth technique in this impoundment.
Target
The lake's steep banks provide limited habitat for largemouth. Focus on
coves, which typically provide the only shallow largemouth habitat in the
lake. Fish toward the back of these coves in areas with submerged timber
or fallen trees.
SPOTTED BASS
Prospect
Spotted bass are dominant. Their abundance will remain high in 2009,
and growth is good. Thick-sided spots around 1 pound can be expected,
but don’t let that fool you, there are plenty of 3-4 pound (or better!)
magnum spots in these waters.
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http://www.gofishgeorgia.com/
2009 Fishing Prospects
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Technique
Target
In spring, spots move shallow and can be caught using shad patterned,
medium diving crankbaits or top water baits fished in the early and latter
parts of the day. As the heat of summer sets in, slower presentations near
deep (20-30 feet) structure are preferred. Try Texas rigged plastic worms,
drop-shot rigs tipped with 3-4 inch plastic flukes or crawdad jig imitations.
In fall crankbaits will again produce spots. Switch to ½ - ¾ ounce jigging
spoons or live bait in winter.
In early spring fish rocky main lake points. As spring progresses, spots
move off the main lake points into cove areas to spawn. In summer, look
for spots on deeper (20-30 feet) structure like brush piles or the 45 plus
fish attractors created by the COE and DNR (see map link under
'Additional Information' below). Spots will feed aggressively on main lake
points with the cooling of fall. Winter-time anglers should again fish
deeper (50-60 ft.) structure in the lake.
STRIPED BASS
Prospect
Stripers range in size from 1 to 30 pounds in this impoundment. Most are
5 to 10 pounds, with the typical heavy weight in the 20-pound size class.
An abundance of shad in 2008 may afford anglers the opportunity to catch
a lineside in 2009, rivaling the current lake record of 33 lbs., 5 oz.
Technique Good numbers of stripers are caught each year on live bait presentations.
Live trout or gizzard shad free-lined or fished 3-4 feet below balloon rigs
when water temperatures are below 65 degrees (F) are hard to beat. When
water temps are above 65 degrees (F), live offerings fished on downlines in
20-25 feet of water are recommended.
Target
During the cooler months from Oct. - Jun., lineside fishing is best at
Carters. Stripers can be found just about anywhere in the lake but the
waters immediately adjacent to the Doll Mountain boat ramp and near the
largest island in the Coosawatte River arm of the lake are both perennial
hot spots.
WALLEYE
Prospect
Some limited natural reproduction occurs, but annual stockings of
fingerlings primarily sustain the population. Now, with several
consecutive years of walleye stocking, a modest, but stable population has
been established. Fast growth will put the bulk of the fish stocked in the
last two years in the 1-2 pound range. Fish stocked several years ago will
be 5-plus pounds in size.
Technique Jigging spoons, deep diving crankbaits and live bait such as minnows or
night crawlers, fished on 3/8 ounce lead jigs are popular walleye
techniques year-round. During the spring spawning run, walleye move
shallow and can be caught with shallow running shad or minnow-colored
baits.
Target
During the walleye spawning run (Feb. - Mar.), target rocky shorelines
and points in the upper Coosawattee River arm of the lake above
Ridgeway boat ramp. After spawning, fish areas with standing main lake
timber and long rocky main lake points. As temperatures warm,
concentrate on deeper structure where baitfish congregate during summer
and fall. In late fall through winter, focus efforts again on rocky points in
the Coosawattee arm of the lake. Regardless of season, night fishing can
be a productive approach for walleye.
http://www.gofishgeorgia.com/
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2009 Fishing Prospects
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HYBRID BASS
Prospect
Despite continuous stockings of hybrids over the last five years, the
population size has not yet reached its full potential. Hybrid numbers
remain modest, but fish larger than 10 pounds will stretch lines in 2009.
Technique Trolling artificial baits like u-rigs or crankbaits can be effective, but like
stripers, live trout or shad are typically more consistent techniques.
Wintertime hybrids may also hit cut fish bait or chicken livers fished on
the bottom at near-shore locations.
Target
Hybrids are most often found close to schools of shad, which travel
throughout the lake. Use your boat’s electronics to locate concentrations
of baitfish because hybrids will likely be nearby. In summer, slow trolling
down-lines in 20-30 feet of water should produce hybrids. There are also
several mid-lake humps located in the lake where hybrids are known to
frequent.
CRAPPIE
Prospect
Though never overly abundant, ½ to ¾ pound crappie are typical. Larger
individuals will top 1- 1 ½ pounds in size.
Technique Crappie size minnows (1-2 inches) fished several feet below a bobber or
small plastic jigs are recommended for the spring angler. Live minnows or
jigs are used to target crappie on deeper structure outside the spring
spawning months.
Target
Focus spring fishing efforts around standing timber, visible in a number of
areas throughout the lake, as well as the cover offered under the few boat
docks found in the lake. Fish deeper brush piles or other deep lake
structure throughout the remainder of the year.
CATFISH
Prospect
Channel catfish far outnumber flathead catfish at Carters. Channels are
typically around 1 ½ pounds, and the average flathead is usually 5-8
pounds in size.
Technique Live or cut shad fished on weighted bottom rigs will produce dinner size
catfish. Chicken livers, earthworms or catalpa worms are other common
options for Carters’ “whiskered” resources.
Target
Target the cracks and pockets found in rocky banks and points throughout
the lake. Tangles of fallen logs and trees in the backs of coves are also likely
hideouts for catfish..
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OTHER SPECIES
Prospect
Yellow bass are present in high numbers, but the species tends to be small in size. Anglers are
encouraged to harvest yellow bass because this illegal introduction competes with larger, more
desirable game fish. Bluegill are abundant, although most fish will be less than 6 inches in length.
Technique Yellow bass can be caught with a host of small lures. However, jigging ¼-½ ounce spoons in and
around structure is an effective approach for them. For bluegill action, a bucket of worms or
crickets is all one needs.
Target
Outside of spring, fish for yellow bass near deepwater structure anywhere in the lake. In April and
May, spawn-run yellow bass will concentrate in the upper reaches of the Coosawattee River Arm of
the lake. For bluegill, the shallows found in the backs of most coves are typical places to find this
species.
Best Fishing Times Calendar Key:
Fair:
http://www.gofishgeorgia.com/
Good:
Excellent:
2009 Fishing Prospects
Additional Information
The COE, DNR and local volunteers actively work to improve fish habitat in Carters Lake. Anglers can find
information about the program, as well as current maps with coordinates for 45-plus fish attractor sites created in
the lake at the following DNR Web site:
http://www.georgiawildlife.org/documentdetail.aspx?docid=117&pageid=11&category=fishing
http://www.gofishgeorgia.com/
2009 Fishing Prospects