Carters Lake

The steep shore limits land-based fishing. Nevertheless, there are several boat ramps on the lake, and you are free to set off on the freshwaters.

Besides Carters Lake, anglers can access the regulation reservoir for a peaceful afternoon, or they can head to the Coosawattee River for some swift-water fishing.

Carter’s Lake is a man-made reservoir, a relatively recent creation in the billion-year-old North Georgia Mountains.

The lake is located on the Coosawattee River and covers 3,200 acres. Its shoreline stretches for 62 miles. The average depth is only 200 feet; however, Carters Lake can reach depths over 450 feet, making it the deepest lake in Georgia.

Carter’s Lake was formed by the Carter’s Dam, which stands at 445 feet and is the tallest earthen dam east of the Mississippi River.

For decades, the dam has been used to control flooding and generate power. Yet the lake’s clear waters and rugged shoreline provide plenty of recreational opportunities and attract many visitors to the location.

The History Behind One of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ Gems

Carter’s Lake was formed in 1977 with the completion of Carter’s Dam on the Coosawattee River in North Georgia. Ever since, it’s been owned and managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The lake was named after Farrish Carter, a businessman who owned property nearby – over 45,000 acres worth of it – in the 19th century.

Even though the lake is among the newer additions to the long list of Blue Ridge Mountains reservoirs, it’s still over four decades old. This means that underwater woody debris that serves to attract fish has been lost through decay or sedimentation – the reality of any aging reservoir.

For this reason, the Carter Lake Fish Attractor Program was launched in 1999. This Carter’s Lake project aims to create a more enjoyable fishing experience for anglers by installing GPS-located attractors throughout the lake.

Not only that, but the Georgia Department of Natural Resources actively stocks the lake with fish such as walleye, striped bass, and hybrid bass – only some of the many species that can be found here.

Things to Do on Carters Lake in GA

Carter’s Lake is only around a two-hour drive from Atlanta. With no private docks or development along the shoreline, a visit to Carters Lake puts you in beautiful surroundings teeming with exciting ways to enjoy your stay.

On the lake’s shore, you can find plenty of picnicking, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities. You can even hit the beach for some water fun.

However, there’s no need to be restricted to the shore – the Carters Lake Marina offers storage for all kinds of boats and kayaks. Boaters and anglers alike can set off on the sparkling waters and revel in all the beauty the lake has to offer. Not only is the lake brimming with fish of all sorts, but the depth makes boating and navigating easy for both experienced and novice captains.

Best Time of Year to Visit Carters Lake

Cartes Lake is an incredibly scenic Georgia location that you would be remiss not to visit. Anyone who comes to explore the lakeside can’t help but fall in love with this charming place. The lake can be visited year-round. Still, many consider the end of summer and the beginning of fall to be ideal periods to visit Carters Lake and Lake Allatoona just to the south.

This is when the temperature is still warm enough to enjoy many different forms of recreation, such as camping, hiking, and, of course, fishing. However, winter anglers shouldn’t be deterred; even in the colder months, you can rent a boat from the marina and head off to the deep waters of the lake, angling for a good catch.

Carter Lake Boat Rentals & Cabin Rentals

As mentioned, there are no private docks or houses along the lake’s shore. However, there is a full-service marina that offers boat docks, cabins, and boat rentals.

Carters Lake Marina & Resort

The Carters Lake Marina & Resort is a charming place deep in the mountains of Georgia that offers visitors cabins right on the lake’s rural, undeveloped shoreline.

The marina provides both covered and uncovered docks. You can also expect to find boat repair and maintenance services, a ship store, a restaurant, and a self-service pump-out station.

The marina is open every day during summer – from April through September – but you should call ahead if you’re planning a trip outside of this timeframe, as working hours will vary.

Pictured is the Carter’s Lake Marina. There’s no private property along the shoreline, making for a more tranquil experience.

Carters Lake Charters

To see a complete list of excellent Ga Fishing Guides, please click here!

Fish and Diversity

Boating and angling are the main attractions, and Carters Lake heavily leans into that. There are over half a dozen boat ramps you are free to choose from. Boat rentals, bait, fishing gear, and many other services are right at hand.

Not only that, but the Georgia Department of Natural Resources fish-stocking program offers anglers plenty of diversity when it comes to species found in the lake.

Spotted Bass

The spotted bass is the dominant fish found in Carter’s Lake. You can typically expect a catch to be around 1 pound. However, the deep waters are also full of bigger, 3-4 pound spots waiting to be reeled in.

Striped Bass

Stripers are a big draw to Carters Lake. Most are 5-10 pounds, but stripers can range anywhere from 1-30 pounds – making them the more impressive catch you can angle.

Angling for striped bass is better done in the cooler months, while the best spots to hit are near the Doll Mountain ramp and the most oversized island in the Coosawatte River arm of the lake.

Hybrid Bass

The hybrid bass also represents one of the trophy fish to be found at Carter’s Lake, reaching over 10 pounds. This fish is continuously restocked, but you may see their numbers to remain small.

Largemouth Bass

The largemouth bass isn’t a huge percentage of the lake’s black bass population. However, they can still be readily found. Largemouth can come in different sizes – most will be around a pound, but 7-8 pound fish can also be expected.

Catfish

At Carter’s Lake, the typical flathead catfish is 5-8 pounds. However, this type is outnumbered by the more common, 1.5-pound channel catfish and rare but present Bullhead Catfish.

Walleye

The walleye is yet another fish that relies on annual fingerling restockings to keep its numbers up. Older fish may weigh over 5 pounds, while more recent additions will be in the 1-2-pound range.

Crappie

Crappie numbers aren’t too high and are usually less than a pound. However, you could also come across 1.5-pound fish.

Bluegill

There is an ample bream population in Carters Lake, but most individuals will catch bluegill less than 6 inches in length.

We also have great deals available on the following lakes that match your search criteria.