Lake Nottely

Lake Nottely is a 3,970-acre Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir in Union County, Georgia, near Blairsville and the North Carolina border. The reservoir lies within the Chattahoochee National Forest and offers a mix of mountain scenery, long creek arms, steep banks, main-lake points and open water.

TVA reports about 102 miles of shoreline and manages a seasonal water-level change of roughly 20 feet. Those changes can reposition fish and affect shoreline access, so anglers should check current water levels, weather and ramp conditions before traveling.

Lake Nottely Fishing Overview

Lake Nottely fishing is best known for spotted bass, largemouth bass, striped bass and crappie. Georgia DNR identifies those four fisheries as the reservoir’s current best bets, while TVA also lists rainbow trout among fish commonly found in the lake.

The reservoir’s clear mountain water and varied depth allow anglers to fish shallow cover, rocky banks, creek channels and offshore structure during the same trip. Conditions can change quickly after rain, strong wind or a reservoir drawdown, so productive depth and water clarity should guide lure choice more than an old fishing report.

Primary Fish Species

Spotted and Largemouth Bass

Spotted bass are a central part of the Nottely Lake fishery. They commonly use rocky points, steep banks, channel swings and offshore structure, especially when blueback herring or other forage moves away from shore. Jerkbaits, small swimbaits, crankbaits, drop-shot rigs and finesse worms help cover different depths.

Largemouth bass are more likely around protected pockets, wood, docks and shallow cover. During spring, work secondary points and protected spawning areas. In summer, early topwater activity may give way to deeper brush, points and channel edges as the sun rises.

Striped Bass

Lake Nottely also supports a popular striped-bass fishery. Stripers follow open-water forage and may roam widely, making current sonar information especially valuable. Live bait, spoons, swimbaits and controlled trolling presentations can all be effective when matched to the depth of baitfish.

Cooler months can place striped bass higher in the water column, while summer heat often concentrates them deeper. Anglers should minimize handling time and release fish promptly when warm surface temperatures create additional stress.

Crappie and Rainbow Trout

Crappie use submerged brush, docks, creek channels and protected coves. Small jigs and minnows are dependable choices, with spring and fall often producing the most accessible concentrations.

Rainbow trout may also be present, particularly in cooler water. Their location and availability are less predictable than the lake’s core bass and crappie fisheries, so review the current Georgia DNR forecast before planning a trout-specific trip.

Best Times to Fish Lake Nottely

Winter: Striped bass and trout can benefit from cooler water, while spotted bass often relate to rock, points and deeper channel structure. Slow presentations and accurate depth control are important.

Spring: Spring is the strongest all-around period for bass and crappie. Bass move through staging areas toward protected spawning habitat, and crappie become more accessible around cover and creek arms.

Summer: Fish early and late for shallow activity, then move toward deeper points, channels and open-water forage. Boat traffic and afternoon storms deserve extra attention.

Fall: Cooling water can create renewed bass and striper activity as baitfish move through creek arms and across main-lake structure. Crappie may also regroup around brush and channel edges.

Productive Fishing Areas

Main-Lake Points and Channel Swings

Rocky points and places where the river or creek channel approaches the bank provide depth changes that spotted bass can use throughout the year. Start with moving baits to locate active fish, then slow down with finesse presentations.

Creek Arms and Protected Coves

Creek arms offer spawning habitat, crappie cover and protected water. In spring and fall, work from the mouth of a creek toward the back until water clarity, temperature and baitfish activity reveal the most productive zone.

Lower Lake and Dam Area

The lower reservoir generally offers deeper, clearer water suited to spotted bass, striped bass and seasonal trout. Open-water anglers should use sonar to track bait and avoid assuming fish will remain at yesterday’s depth.

Upper River Section

The upper end can respond quickly to rain and current. Inflow may add color and concentrate forage, but floating debris and changing water levels can create navigation hazards. Slow down and use updated mapping when leaving marked routes.

Boat Access and Water Levels

TVA operates Lake Nottely for flood-storage and power-system purposes, with a normal seasonal fluctuation of about 20 feet. A ramp that works at summer pool may be limited during a drawdown. Verify current TVA conditions and local access information before towing a boat to the reservoir.

Poteete Creek Recreation Area is a practical Blairsville-side reference point for lake access, but facilities, hours and launch conditions can change. Carry required safety equipment, use navigation lights in low visibility and watch for standing timber or newly exposed shoreline structure.

Nearby North Georgia Communities

Blairsville is the primary nearby community and the best starting point for lodging, supplies and local services. Morganton and Blue Ridge are also useful regional connections for travelers exploring North Georgia.

These city relationships remain attached to the lake for site search and filtering, while Blairsville is presented as the primary location on lake cards.

Guided Fishing and Trip Planning

Lake Nottely rewards anglers who can follow bait, interpret changing reservoir levels and adjust between shoreline and offshore patterns. A local guide can shorten that learning curve when verified trip inventory is available. Check the Lake Nottely fishing guide results for current captains and availability.

Before departure, review the TVA Nottely Reservoir information and the Georgia DNR fishing forecast. Bring layered clothing, rain protection, drinking water and a charged communication device; mountain weather can change quickly.

Fishing Licenses and Regulations

Most anglers age 16 and older need a valid Georgia fishing license, with exemptions and residency rules determined by Georgia DNR. Review BassOnline’s fishing-license guide, then confirm current requirements, seasons, size limits and possession limits on the Georgia fishing regulations page.

Regulations can change, and species-specific rules may differ from general statewide limits. Treat the current Georgia DNR regulations as the controlling source.