What the Cartecay River offers anglers

The Cartecay River is a cold-water tailrace fishery that flows out of Carters Lake Dam near Ellijay, making it one of North Georgia's most reliable trout streams. The dam releases water from deep in the lake, keeping the river in the 50s and low 60s year-round — cold enough to hold rainbow and brown trout even through summer. The upper section, from the dam down to where it meets the Coosawattee River, runs about 8 miles and holds the most consistent trout populations.

The character of the Cartecay changes depending on how far downstream you fish. Near the dam, the river is narrow and fast, with pocket water and small pools that reward precise casting. As you move downstream toward Ellijay, the current slows, the river widens, and you find deeper pools and longer runs. The lower sections hold larger fish but require different tactics — longer drifts, deeper presentations, and patience.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cartecay is a tailrace stream fed by Carters Lake Dam, staying cold enough for trout year-round and fishing well from spring through fall.
  • The upper 2 miles below the dam hold the most consistent trout; the middle and lower sections offer larger fish but fewer of them.
  • Nymphs and small streamers work better than dry flies most days, especially in the deeper pools downstream from Ellijay.
  • Water releases from the dam can change flow dramatically and quickly, so check current conditions before you fish and watch the river while you are there.
  • The river is open to public fishing along most of its length, but access points are limited and parking is tight near the dam.

Where to fish and how to access the water

The best access point is at the Cartecay River Recreation Area, located just below Carters Lake Dam. This is a small parking area with a short walk to the river — the upper mile or so below the dam. The water here is pocket water and small runs, perfect for nymphing or small dry flies. The parking fills up on weekends, especially in spring and fall, so arrive early or fish on weekdays if you can.

Downstream from the recreation area, access becomes harder. There is limited roadside parking along GA 52 as the river runs toward Ellijay, and most of the land along the banks is private. A few informal pull-offs exist, but they are small and easy to miss. The Coosawattee River confluence, where the Cartecay ends, is accessible from Ellijay, but that section holds fewer trout because the water warms and slows.

If you want to fish the middle and lower sections without trespassing, ask locally in Ellijay — some landowners allow access for a small fee or with permission. The Cartecay River Outfitters in Ellijay can point you to current access and may offer guided trips if you want a local to show you the water.

What to fish and when

Nymphs are the most productive flies on the Cartecay most of the year. Small patterns — size 14 to 18 — work best: Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, and small Copper Johns. Fish them under a strike indicator in the deeper pools, or use a tight-line nymphing technique in the faster pocket water near the dam. The trout here see a lot of fly pressure, so matching the hatch matters less than presenting a small, natural-looking nymph at the right depth.

Dry fly fishing works best in late spring and early fall when mayfly hatches occur. Look for Hendricksons in April and May, and small yellow mayflies (Pale Morning Duns) in September and October. During these hatches, the upper mile below the dam can be excellent, especially in the slower pools. Outside of hatch windows, dry flies are less reliable.

Small streamers — size 10 to 14, in black, olive, or brown — can produce larger fish, especially in the deeper sections downstream. Fish them on a dead drift or with a slow, steady retrieve. Early morning and late afternoon are best for streamers, and water temperature matters: streamers work better when the water is in the upper 50s or low 60s.

Seasonal patterns and water conditions

Spring (March through May) is the most popular season. Water temperatures are in the 50s, hatches are beginning, and the river is at a good level for wading. The upper section near the dam is crowded on weekends, but the middle sections see fewer anglers. Nymphs and small dry flies both work well.

Summer (June through August) can be productive, but the river gets warm by afternoon — sometimes reaching the low 60s — and the trout become less active. Fish early morning and late evening. Water releases from the dam can be heavier in summer, so check conditions before you go. The lower sections stay cooler longer than the upper sections.

Fall (September through November) is excellent. Water temperatures drop back into the 50s, hatches resume, and the crowds thin out after Labor Day. October is often the best month. Winter fishing is possible but slow; the water stays cold, but the trout are less active and the days are short.

Dam releases affect the Cartecay significantly. The river can rise 1 to 2 feet in an hour when the dam opens gates. Check the Carters Lake water release schedule online before you fish, or call the dam directly. Fishing is often better during stable flow periods than during or immediately after a release.

Tackle and technique for the Cartecay

A 9-foot, 4-weight or 5-weight rod is standard for the Cartecay. The upper section near the dam is tight, so a shorter rod (8 to 8.5 feet) can be an advantage. Use a weight-forward floating line and a 9-foot leader tapered to 4X or 5X tippet. The trout here are not large — most are 8 to 12 inches, with occasional fish to 15 inches — so light tackle is appropriate and makes the fishing more fun.

In the pocket water near the dam, nymph under a strike indicator or use a tight-line technique. Cast upstream and slightly across, let the nymph drift naturally through the pocket, and watch for a twitch or hesitation. Set the hook on any pause. In the deeper pools downstream, use a longer drift and fish deeper — 3 to 5 feet down depending on the pool.

The trout in the Cartecay are selective about presentation but not about fly pattern. A drag-free drift matters more than the exact fly. Practice casting accuracy and mending your line to keep the nymph drifting naturally. In the faster sections, a short, tight line works better than an indicator.

Regulations and what you need to know

Georgia trout regulations apply on the Cartecay. You need a valid Georgia fishing license. The river is open year-round, but there are specific rules for the Cartecay section: check the current Georgia fishing guide for any special regulations on this stream, as rules can change. Most of the Cartecay is catch-and-release only, but confirm this before you fish.

Wading is possible in most sections, but the bottom is rocky and slippery. Felt-soled waders or wading boots with good grip are essential. The current near the dam can be strong, especially after a dam release, so be cautious. Never wade alone in unfamiliar water.

The Cartecay is a small river, and it gets crowded on weekends. Respect other anglers, don't crowd the pools, and practice catch-and-release to keep the fishery healthy. If you hook a fish, play it quickly and release it gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cartecay good for beginners?

The upper section near the dam is good for learning because the water is small and manageable, and the trout are willing. The pocket water teaches you to cast accurately and read water. However, the river gets crowded, and the trout see a lot of flies, so patience and practice matter. The middle and lower sections are harder because the water is deeper and the fish are fewer.

What time of day is best to fish the Cartecay?

Early morning, from first light until mid-morning, is usually best. Late afternoon and evening also work well. Midday is slowest, especially in summer. If a dam release happens, the fishing often improves for a few hours as the water oxygenates and the trout become active.

Can I fish the Cartecay in winter?

Yes, the river stays open and the water stays cold enough for trout. However, fishing is slow because the trout are less active and the days are short. Winter can be good if you have the time and patience, but spring and fall are more productive.

Do I need a guide to fish the Cartecay?

No, the upper section near the dam is easy to fish on your own. If you want to explore the middle and lower sections or learn the water faster, a guide from Cartecay River Outfitters can save you time and show you productive spots. Guides also know current access and water conditions.

What is the best fly to start with on the Cartecay?

A size 16 Pheasant Tail nymph under a strike indicator works in almost all conditions. It is simple, effective, and matches the natural food in the river. If that does not work, try a size 14 Hare's Ear or a small black streamer. Dry flies are less reliable unless you see fish rising.