What Lake Nottely offers anglers

Lake Nottely is a 410-acre mountain reservoir in Union County, Georgia, about 15 minutes north of Blairsville. The lake sits at 1,800 feet elevation and holds smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish — a mix that makes it different from the warm-water lakes you'll find lower in Georgia. The water stays cooler year-round because of the elevation and the dam's depth, which means the fish behavior shifts with seasons more dramatically than it does on flatland reservoirs.

The lake has two main public access points: the Nottely Dam Recreation Area on the south end, which has a boat ramp, and the Vogel State Park access on the north end. Both charge a day-use fee. The shoreline is mostly forested and rocky, with some residential development on the western bank. Depth ranges from 15 feet in the shallows near the dam to over 80 feet in the main channel, and that variation matters for where fish hold at different times of year.

Key Takeaways

  • Smallmouth bass are the primary target, with fish holding on rocky points and ledges year-round; spring and fall produce the most consistent action.
  • Walleye fishing peaks in early morning and evening, especially in spring and fall, with live shiners or small crankbaits working best near the dam and main channel.
  • The lake's elevation and depth mean water temperature changes faster than on lowland reservoirs, so seasonal patterns shift earlier and more sharply.
  • Both public ramps charge a day-use fee; Nottely Dam Recreation Area is the larger facility with more parking and amenities.

Smallmouth bass patterns by season

Spring (March through May) is when Nottely smallmouth move shallow to spawn. Look for rocky banks, gravel flats, and the backs of coves where the water warms first. Jigs tipped with crawfish, small crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range, and tube baits all work. Fish the shallower water early in the morning and late in the day; midday, bass retreat to deeper structure. Water temperature in spring ranges from the low 50s to the high 60s, so the bite can be inconsistent early in the season but improves as the water warms.

Summer (June through August) pushes smallmouth deeper and into shade. The lake's elevation keeps it cooler than lowland reservoirs, but fish still move away from direct sun. Target the main channel ledges, drop-offs near the dam, and deep rocky points. Early morning and evening still produce, but midday fishing requires going deeper — 25 to 45 feet — and fishing slower. Jigs and soft plastics work better than crankbaits in the heat.

Fall (September through November) is the second-best season. Water cools, smallmouth move back to shallower structure, and the bite becomes aggressive. Rocky banks, points, and shallow coves hold fish all day. Crankbaits, jigs, and topwater lures all produce. The transition happens fast at this elevation — by late October, water temperature can drop 15 degrees in two weeks.

Winter (December through February) slows the bite but does not kill it. Smallmouth move to the deepest structure — the main channel, deep ledges, and the basin near the dam. Fish move less and eat less, so slow presentations and patience matter. A jig fished vertically near the dam in 50 to 80 feet of water will catch fish, but you may only get a few bites in a full day.

Walleye fishing and timing

Walleye at Nottely are a secondary target but worth pursuing if you know when to fish. They are most active in low-light conditions — early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before sunset). Spring and fall are the best seasons; summer heat pushes them deep and inactive, and winter slows them significantly.

Live shiners 3 to 4 inches long are the most reliable bait. Fish them on a simple rig — a small split shot 18 inches above the hook — and work the main channel and the area near the dam where depth changes quickly. Small crankbaits (2 to 3 inches) that mimic shiners also work, especially if you cast toward rocky banks and retrieve slowly. Walleye at Nottely are not abundant, so you may fish all day and catch one or two, but they are there.

Access, ramps, and facilities

Nottely Dam Recreation Area is the primary public access point. The ramp is concrete, well-maintained, and can handle most trailers. There is a day-use fee (amount varies by season and is set by the U.S. Forest Service). The facility has parking, picnic tables, and restrooms. It is located on the south end of the lake, near the dam, and is the better choice if you want amenities or plan to spend the day on shore.

Vogel State Park offers a second access point on the north end of the lake. The ramp is smaller and less developed than Nottely Dam, but it is less crowded. Vogel charges its own day-use fee and has limited parking. If you want solitude or plan to fish the northern end of the lake, Vogel is worth the drive.

No gas stations or tackle shops are immediately adjacent to the lake. Blairsville, 15 minutes south, has a few general stores and a Walmart, but for serious tackle selection, you may want to bring what you need or stop in town before heading to the lake.

Seasonal water temperature and clarity

Water temperature at Nottely ranges from the low 40s in winter to the low 70s in summer — cooler than lowland Georgia lakes because of the elevation. Clarity is usually good, ranging from 8 to 15 feet depending on recent rain and dam releases. After heavy rain, the lake can turn slightly off-color for a day or two, but it clears quickly.

The dam releases water for power generation, and those releases can affect water level and current. Check the release schedule before you go if you plan to fish near the dam or in the lower end of the lake. Releases can make the water slightly colder and muddier for a few hours.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring a light jacket or fleece even in summer — the elevation and wind can make it cooler than you expect. Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses are essential; the rocky banks and clear water mean you can sight-fish in shallow areas. A depth finder is useful for locating the main channel and ledges, especially in summer and winter.

Nottely is a working reservoir, not a recreation lake, so it can feel quieter and less crowded than lakes closer to Atlanta. That also means you may see fewer boats and more wildlife — deer, eagles, and herons are common. The fishing is solid but not explosive; you are more likely to catch 5 to 10 fish in a good day than 20 or 30. That is typical for mountain reservoirs at this elevation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Lake Nottely?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most consistent. Water temperature is in the comfortable range for fish activity, and both smallmouth and walleye bite throughout the day. Summer and winter are slower and require more specific techniques and timing.

Do I need a boat to fish Lake Nottely?

A boat helps you reach deeper structure and the main channel, but you can fish from shore at both access areas. The rocky banks near the dam and around Vogel State Park hold smallmouth, and you can cast from the bank or wade in shallow areas. Shore fishing is slower but possible.

Are there size or bag limits for smallmouth and walleye?

Georgia sets statewide limits. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size and a 5-fish daily bag limit. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily bag limit. Check the current Georgia fishing regulations before you go, as rules can change.

Can I fish at night?

Night fishing is allowed, and walleye often bite better after dark. However, the recreation areas close at sunset, so you would need to fish from a boat anchored in the lake or arrange private access. Most anglers fish during daylight hours.

What should I do if the water is muddy after rain?

Wait a day or two for the lake to clear, or fish near the dam where the deeper water stays clearer longer. Muddy water makes sight-fishing impossible, but smallmouth will still bite — use darker lures (black, brown, or dark green) and fish slower so fish have time to find your bait.