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Georgia · Fishing
Blairsville sits in the Georgia Blue Ridge at an elevation that keeps summer water temperatures cooler than the rest of the state, which matters when you're planning a fishing trip.
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Blairsville sits in the Georgia Blue Ridge at an elevation that keeps summer water temperatures cooler than the rest of the state, which matters when you're planning a fishing trip. The main draw here is Nottely Lake, a TVA reservoir sitting at 1,775 feet that holds a solid mix of largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, and catfish. It's a straightforward fishery — easy to access, easy to navigate — and it produces fish year-round for anglers who know when to show up. Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area adds another option, a smaller mountain lake managed under the Blue Ridge Ranger District that suits anglers looking for a quieter setting away from the main reservoir. Both waters are within a short drive of town, so you're not burning half your day just getting to the water. Whether you're running a bass boat on Nottely or bank fishing at Winfield Scott with a spinning rod, Blairsville gives you legitimate options without requiring a long haul into the backcountry. Georgia fishing licenses are required on all of these waters, and TVA reservoir rules apply on Nottely.
Nottely Lake holds largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, and catfish. Spotted bass tend to be more common in the deeper, clearer sections of the reservoir, while largemouth hold closer to coves and structure near the banks. Crappie fishing picks up noticeably in spring around brush piles and dock pilings.
Spring (March through May) is the most productive window overall, especially for bass during the pre-spawn and spawn on Nottely Lake. Crappie also stack up in shallower water during this period. Fall is a close second, when cooling water temperatures push fish into feeding mode before winter. Summer midday fishing on Nottely can slow down, so early morning and evening hours are worth prioritizing.
Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near GA.
Standing Indian Campground
~52 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Thunder Rock Campground
~56 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TN.
Doll Mountain Day Use Area Shelter
~1h 7m drive
A worthwhile stop near GA.
Nottely Lake
~13 min drive
Easy
Smithgall Woods State Park - Dukes Creek
~21 min drive
Moderate
Cohutta Wilderness - Jacks River
~1h 2m drive
Hard
Cassidy Bridge Primitive Camp
~1h 16m drive
A worthwhile stop near SC.
Morganton Point
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near GA.
Donley Cabin
~57 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TN.
Blue Ridge Ranger District
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near GA.
Massey Branch Fishing Pier
~60 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Yes. Lake Winfield Scott is a small mountain lake within the Blue Ridge Ranger District and is well-suited to bank fishing and light tackle. It's a better fit for anglers without a boat who want a quieter, more scenic setting than the main reservoir. Expect a different experience than Nottely — smaller water, slower pace.
Yes, a valid Georgia fishing license is required on all waters in this area, including Nottely Lake and Lake Winfield Scott. You can purchase one online through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website or at local sporting goods and bait shops in Blairsville. Non-residents need a non-resident license, which is available through the same channels.
For bass, a medium-action spinning or baitcasting setup in the 10-17 lb line range covers most situations on Nottely. Soft plastics, crankbaits, and jigs all work depending on the season. For crappie, a light spinning rod with 4-6 lb line and small jigs or live minnows is the standard approach. Catfish anglers typically bottom-fish with cut bait or chicken liver near deeper channel areas.
