Carter's Lake-Georgia's "Other" Mountian Lake

Carter's Lake seen from the Marina


Conveniently located about midway between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Carter's Lake is 3500 acres of unspoiled paradise for boaters and fishermen in the north Georgia mountains. Carter's Lake may not have the panache of lakes Burton and Rabun to it's northeast, or the prime location near a bustling town like Lake Blue Ridge or Chatuge..but it certainly deserves mention along with those lakes when watersports, fishing and recreational opportunities are discussed.
There is only one commercial establishment on the shores of the lake, Carter's Lake Marina and Resort. The marina offers full service for boaters along with boat rentals and cabins. The rest of the lake is pretty much operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The visitor's center operated by the Corps is a great first stop for visitors to the lake. Here you will find exhibits explaining the history of the area and construction of the lake and dam, wildlife in and around the lake, and the recreational opportunities provided. Maps of the lake and pamphlets for the various camping areas, hiking trails and the Ridgeway Mountain Bike Trail can be picked up free of charge.
Carter's Lake is a little less crowded than the other lakes mentioned above, and that makes it a prime destination for fishermen pursuing largemouth, striped and smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish and panfish. The Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources manages 6,000 acres of public land around the lake which is available to hunters during the season.
Carter's Lake is located near Oakman, GA just south of Chatsworth off of US Hwy 411, and south of Ellijay and north of Jasper off of Hwy 515.