Carters Lake Fishing Charters

The best out of 3 charter fishing deals in Carters Lake - enter dates to check availability

Carters Lake: 3 fishing charters available

Showing 1 - 10

Angler's choice

Listing image

19 ft

Up to 4 people

Fish Slayer Fishing Guide

5.0/5 (123 reviews)
Ellijay
The lakes of Georgia hide within them a lot of secret fishing spots, underwater holes, and tricky bays.

"My wife and I booked a trip with Fish Slayer “Len”and from the word go, he had us on fish." —⁠ Shawn,
Trips from
US $450
Listing image

18 ft

Up to 3 people

Xtreme Trophy Angling Fishing

4.9/5 (10 reviews)
Oakman
Running angling trips out of Oakman, Xtreme Trophy Angling Fishing invites you to check out the local fishery in style. Come on aboard with Capt. Kagney, whose main priority is to get you on some fish.

"Captain was very personable. He took care of everything and made sure we had every opportunity to catch fish." —⁠ Casey,
Trips from
US $400
Listing image

21 ft

Up to 3 people

Horton’s Fishing Adventure’s

4.9/5 (5 reviews)
East Ellijay
Spend the day with Horton’s Fishing Adventure’s and find out what the fishing in East Ellijay is all about! With Captain Josh at the helm, you’re in knowledgeable and experienced hands.

"I’ve got to say, with this being my first charter of any kind, Josh far exceeded my expectations." —⁠ Mike,
Trips from
US $350

Top Targeted Species in Carters Lake

Striped Bass image
Striped Bass
River
+3
Walleye image
Walleye
River
+1
Spotted Bass image
Spotted Bass
Lake
+1
Largemouth Bass image
Largemouth Bass
River
+1
Catfish image
Catfish
River
+3

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Carters Lake

What are the best private fishing charters in Carters Lake?

According to customer reviews, some of the most popular fishing charters in Carters Lake are:

How much does it cost to go charter fishing in Carters Lake?

The average price for a private 4 hour Carters Lake fishing trip is US $441, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $495 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Carters Lake are good for families?

Fishing charters in Carters Lake that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in Carters Lake?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Carters Lake are:

What are the top fishing techniques in Carters Lake?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Carters Lake are:

What are the top types of fishing in Carters Lake?

The top 3 types of fishing in Carters Lake are:

Do Carters Lake fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in Carters Lake provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in Carters Lake?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Carters Lake are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Carters Lake?

Who are the top awarded captains in Carters Lake?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Carters Lake?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Carters Lake are:

  • 4-hour fishing trips – US $383
  • 6-hour fishing trips – US $475
  • 8-hour fishing trips – US $575

Fishing in Carters Lake

Anglers all over the country associate Georgia with world-class freshwater fishing. This is in spite of the fact it has no large natural lakes. That problem was fixed with the help of the US Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for creating a number of reservoirs. Carters Lake is the largest of these man-made lakes, boasting a 3,220-acres of water. With that in mind, it’s small wonder that Carters Lake fishing draws in anglers from all over the north of Georgia and beyond.

Known For

Of course, the size of a lake isn’t the most important thing, it’s what you do with it that matters most. Nested between the towns of Calhoun and Ellijay, Carters Lake is diverse enough to offer plenty of challenges to the curious angler.

The dominant species in these deep and clear waters is the Spotted Bass. They’re not only abundant but a lot of them grow over 6 lb in size. These “Magnum” Spots are known to stay near rocky points in early spring and move into coves when it’s time to spawn. As the weather becomes colder later in the year, they’ll be found at deeper structures up to 60’ down.

Striped Bass are the just behind their Spotted cousins when it comes to the sheer amount found in the lake. Most of them will be in the 5-10 lb range, with big ones reaching an impressive 20 lb. The current lake record stands at an astounding 33 lb 5 oz, and you’re welcome to try and break it. October through June is the best time to enjoy Striper fishing in Carters Lake.

The rarest member of the Bass family in these waters is Largemouth Bass. They make about a tenth of the lake’s Bass but will make their presence known regardless. They are usually found in the coves on the north and south stretches of the lake, as it’s the only habitat they are comfortable with here. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find 7-8 lb fish but most of them don’t go over 2 lb.

There’s more to Carters Lake than just Bass, though. Walleye were introduced here two decades ago and have since developed a sparse but stable population. Their spawning run lasts from February through March, when you should search for them close to Ridgeway boat ramp. This area has a rocky shoreline nearby that is a great starting point. When it comes to Walleye, expect an average catch to be around 3 lb.

Other than Walleye, you can also find a sizeable amount of Catfish in the lake. These come in both the Flathead and Channel variety, with Channel Catfish making up most of the numbers. They love hiding in bunches of logs and trees that fall in the water every now and then.

Fishing Techniques

You should be sure to use the right tools for the fish you’re looking to catch. Largemouth and Spotted Bass are partial to plastic worms, while Stripers will go nuts over free-lined shad. Shad also works very well for Catfish, you just need to put it on a weighted bottom rig and you’re ready to catch some dinner. If you’re out after Walleye, best make use of bait like minnows and night crawlers on lead jigs.

Many anglers would say that it’s not a real Georgian experience without fly fishing. Your weapon of choice in these parts should be a 5-7 wt medium action outfit along with a 8-9 lb tippet. You’ll want your flies to resemble the likes of blueback herring, shad, and minnows, and we’d advise settling for topwater poppers. Note that this doesn’t apply to Bass that go deep. For that purpose, you’ll need weighed streamers with long leaders.

Need to Know

Regulations

Every angler over the age of 16 will need a freshwater fishing license. Buy them either online or in person from local tackle shops and other approved vendors. The minimum size for Largemouth Bass is 12”. Please be sure to check the latest regulations prior to the trip or fish with a guide to maximise your catch and stay within the rules.

Getting There

You can reach Carters Lake in less than two hours when driving from Atlanta. The two State Routes that pass next to the river are SR 382 and 136.

If you’ve been around Georgia and fished all the Trout you possibly could and then some, Carters Lake will be a welcome change of pace. If you’re new to the local freshwater fishing scene, all the more reason to see what this lake has to offer for professionals and novices alike.

Carters Lake

4.9/5
Based on 29,166 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Carters Lake Fishing Seasons

January

As the year starts, bigger Walleye start showing up. Stripers should be scattered this time of year, making it easy to find them all over the lake.

February

It can get quite cold in February, so the fishing is likely to be a slow burn this month. You should still be able to have decent success with Stripers.

March

When it comes to Spotted Bass, you’ll have the most success looking for schools at depths of 30-50’. They’re stubborn but worth the fight.

April

Not only is the Walleye bite due to pick up as spring sets in, but it’s also a great time to be tackling Flathead Catfish. Here’s a tip for Catfish bait–the bigger the better.

May

Late spring is when you can expect much better fishing opportunities in the northeast parts of the lake. The fresher your bait, the better your chances are.

June

Jigging for Spotted Bass is absolutely on fire come summer! You’ll also find a bunch of Walleye in the shallow waters if you fish in the evening.

July

July is, as the local anglers like to say, a rinse and repeat type of month for fishing. In this case, this is great because it means the great angling from last month continues.

August

The weather is still hot, meaning that you’ll have the best chances of catching fish in deep water or near logs and timber that have fallen in.

September

Walleye and Spotted Bass still roam the waters in respectable numbers, but the real treat has to be the excellent Striper fishing.

October

Expect turnover in the first half of October, which will translate to less than stellar fishing conditions. Fishing near the dam is your best bet this time of year.

November

Winter might be windy, but the fishing itself is improving at a rapid pace. Just make sure you’re dressed for the weather and you’ll have a great time with the local Bass.

December

If you’re after the big ones, load up on shad and get to work. Stripers and Spotted Bass are as big as they’re ever going to get around here.

Carters Lake Fishing Calendar

Bass (Largemouth)Bass (Largemouth)
Bass (Spotted)Bass (Spotted)
Bass (Striped)Bass (Striped)
CatfishCatfish
WalleyeWalleye

What anglers said about fishing in Carters Lake

Absolutely! July is usually a little tougher because it’s beginning to get hot. Definitely try to get an experienced charter with good reviews. Be sure to use sunscreen and don’t forget the bug spray. You can’t beat the Deet.
5.0/5
Absolutely! July is usually a little tougher because it’s beginning to get hot. Definitely try to get an experienced charter with good reviews. Be sure to use sunscreen and don’t forget the bug spray. You can’t beat the Deet.
Shawn W.
Shawn W.
With school back in session early in August, Ellijay and surrounding areas are much quieter than we had expected. Shopping, dining and fishing have been calm and relaxing. On the lake, we were one of only a couple boats out there and it was soooo calm and beautiful!!
5.0/5
With school back in session early in August, Ellijay and surrounding areas are much quieter than we had expected. Shopping, dining and fishing have been calm and relaxing. On the lake, we were one of only a couple boats out there and it was soooo calm and beautiful!!
Scott V.
Scott V.
It was hot, but great to be on the water in good weather! Do be prepared, in this type of heat the fish will tend not to bite as frequently or at all, it’s tough finding them and even harder to get them to bite!
5.0/5
It was hot, but great to be on the water in good weather! Do be prepared, in this type of heat the fish will tend not to bite as frequently or at all, it’s tough finding them and even harder to get them to bite!
Earl M.
Earl M.
Do yourself a favor if you haven’t fished Carters Lake and hire a guide. I caught two strippers each over 36 inches plus a half dozen spotted bass on a four hour trip with Captain Len Slay on Carters Lake in October 2023
5.0/5
Do yourself a favor if you haven’t fished Carters Lake and hire a guide. I caught two strippers each over 36 inches plus a half dozen spotted bass on a four hour trip with Captain Len Slay on Carters Lake in October 2023
Bruce D.
Bruce D.

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Carters Lake?

Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
We did the Carters Lake fishing charter and had a great time. Both the 82 yr old and the 12 yr old enjoyed the trip. Caught several fish of various sizes! Would book again
Tiffany G.
Tiffany G.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
My wife and I booked a trip with Fish Slayer “Len”and from the word go, he had us on fish. Len was friendly and really easy to talk with. We started out early morning and had a terrific experience the whole trip. I really liked that when the biting slowed down in one spot, we didn’t linger on a single place too long. We left with a cooler full of fish, some great pictures, and some really good memories about our shared experience.
Shawn W.
Shawn W.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
After our first captain canceled on us and I screwed up my booking with Len, selecting both the wrong date(his day off) and the wrong lake. Len worked with us, he was very professional, got up early to get bait since he wasn’t planning on fishing. Kids had a blast, step daughter caught her first fish, boys caught about 20 bass and one walleye.
Craig K.
Craig K.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
Captain Len was awesome and put us on good quality fish of multiple species!
Riley E.
Riley E.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
We had an amazing time on the lake for my son’s birthday! Captain Lan was fantastic — friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience enjoyable. We even caught a couple of fish, which made the day even more memorable. It was a fun and unique way to celebrate, and we’d definitely do it again!
Ken L.
Ken L.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
Fish Slayer is a great Captain and a great guy to spend a day on the lake with.
Thad S.
Thad S.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
Went out for striper but they were giving us a tough time. Didn’t end up with any but caught a couple spotted bass. Even though we didn’t get our target species the captain did all he could and made sure we had a great day! Would definitely recommend.
John S.
John S.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
Was cold and overcast but guide did a great job putting us on some spotted bass.
Joseph W.
Joseph W.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
The captain was awsome on this trip caught our first stipped bass and it was a good one definitely will be back for a spring trip you can tell that he really cares for his customers and will go above and beyond to get you fish also you can tell he loves what he does
Eduardo S.
Eduardo S.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
My trip was awesome!!!! Caught two new species of fish I’ve never caught before. I was wanting to go after striper bass and he delivered! Caught some big ones and a keeper I ate that night. Len was super cool and personable. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND going fishing with him! He put me on the exact fish I wanted! I will be going again.
Brittany H.
Brittany H.
Horton’s Fishing Adventure’s
Horton’s Fishing Adventure’s
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
Captain Josh was great, his knowledge of the lake and wildlife made for a wonderful trip.
Ken C.
Ken C.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
We did a trip to Carters Lake for my son’s 9th birthday and had the best time. Len was an awesome guide and came prepared with more than we even anticipated. He really went above and beyond!
Lizzie R.
Lizzie R.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
My husband and 10 year old son had a wonderful trip with Len. They caught a 15lb and a 30lb bass, along with quite a few others. They’ve been showing pictures and raving about their trip for days. I highly recommend this fishing trip!
Nicole S.
Nicole S.
Horton’s Fishing Adventure’s
Horton’s Fishing Adventure’s
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
I’ve got to say, with this being my first charter of any kind, Josh far exceeded my expectations. From the ease of booking the trip, to finding him on the dock early in the dark morning to spending hours on the water having a great time, this was really a GREAT experience. Not to mention, we hooked into some monsters! I would highly recommend Josh to anyone looking to have a great day on the lake and those who want to catch fish!
Mike S.
Mike S.
Horton’s Fishing Adventure’s
Horton’s Fishing Adventure’s
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
The father and son Horton team combined a their experience, knowledge and personalities to create an unforgettable day for my son and I. We will be back soon!
Stanton S.
Stanton S.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
4.7/5
We were hunting large strippers and Capt Len did his best to find them. Bottom line (no pun) 4 very nice fish to 34” length, missed 2 more on the bite, several nice spotted bass.
Tom G.
Tom G.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
Booked a 4 hour fishing trip and I can say I would highly recommend the Fish salyer . He was very knowledgeable and patient with us , we ended up catching some monsters about 8 hybrid and striped bass up to 34 inches. I did this as a birthday trip and it has been the best ever Thanks to the fish sayler .
Tejaun T.
Tejaun T.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
Captain Len was wonderful. We had a really great time on a perfect day catching fish, chatting and enjoying the beautiful lake. We can’t say enough about the tour - we loved it!!!
Scott V.
Scott V.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
4.3/5
Captain Len was great! He is enjoyable to be around and we caught fish. There’s not much else you can ask for. We caught several very big stripers and quite a few other fish. I would definitely recommend Len Slay to my friends and family.
Phillip P.
Phillip P.
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fish Slayer Fishing Guide
Fishing charter in Carters Lake
5.0/5
Fish Layer slayed fish on our trip. Great guide, great day. Wouldn’t change anything.
John S.
John S.