Lake Nottely's largemouth bass population is slowly improving due to the efforts of DNR to stock bass into this lake. Although bass stocking is not an effective way to improve bass populations in most lakes, it has been successful in Lake Nottely because of the limited natural reproduction that occurs in this reservoir. Bass anglers can expect to see the benefits of this recovery effort this year with the increased numbers of smaller fish. The increased abundance of small bass should be a good sign to anglers that the recovery is well on its way.
Technique
Largemouth bass feed on a variety of organisms including small sunfish, crayfish and blueback herring. Live baits or artificial baits that imitate these natural food sources will be the key to hooking in to some Nottely largemouths. During the winter, when bass are lethargic, slow-moving presentations like pig and jig combinations worked around fallen trees and along creek channels are effective. In general, bass will bite better in the afternoon when the water temperature reaches its daily peak. Bass spawn in April and May on Nottely in shallow water near visible structure. Shallow running lures, jerk baits and plastic lizards are effective during the spawning period when worked around visible structure and along creek channels. In the summer, largemouth bass retreat to deeper water in the 20 to 40-ft depth range where they can enjoy cooler temperatures. Since largemouths will only chase a bait for a short distance, it is critical to use lures that will target deeper fish. Drop shot and Carolina rigged soft plastics worked along points are a good choice for summer largemouths. The fall presents another set of challenges as bass transition from their deepwater summer hiding places in search of food to build their fat reserves for the winter ahead. Blueback herring are number one on the diet during the fall. Cover a lot of water in the major coves and around the dam during the early morning and evening with crankbaits, spinner baits and jerk baits that imitate blueback herring. During the day, work the points with crankbaits and pig and jig combinations that imitate crayfish.
Target
Largemouth bass typically prefer large coves and small pockets that indent the shoreline and will seek hiding place in fallen trees wherever they are available. DNR's annual bass sampling revealed higher largemouth bass concentrations in Ivy Log Creek and Young Cane Creek as well as the small pockets that occur all the way up to Canal Lake. The rocky face along Nottely Dam is a good secondary alternative.
Spotted bass
Prospect
The abundance of spotted bass has drastically increased in Lake Nottely over the past four years. Small spotted bass, averaging about 1 pound, are relatively abundant on the lower half of the lake. As the spotted bass population expands, DNR sampling indicated a higher abundance of large spotted bass exceeding three pounds. Anglers will enjoy catching these aggressive and hard fighting spots this year.
Technique
In addition to live nightcrawlers, crayfish and bait minnows, a variety of artificial lures that imitate blueback herring are successful.
Target
Spotted bass are more open water oriented and migratory than largemouth bass and will follow the schools of blueback herring throughout the year. The steep rocky points on the lower half of the lake is prime habitat for spotted bass and spotted bass anglers should focus their attention on these areas as well as along the face of the dam. During the winter, spotted bass will follow the blueback herring toward the dam in search of warmer water. Drifting live herring or slowly working jerk baits along the dam are effective techniques for catching sluggish spotted bass during the winter time. From mid-afternoon to dusk is generally the prime feeding period for bass during the winter time. An alternative winter technique is to fish the rock points on the lower end of the lake with soft plastics and crayfish imitations. Spotted bass will move into shallow water in April and May to spawn over rocky bottoms. Fast moving, shallow running lures and jerkbaits are very effective this time year. Focus your attention to fallen trees. In the summer, fish steep, rocky shorelines with fish head spins and drop shot rigs tipped with soft plastics. Also watch for surface feeding spotted bass during the early morning and evening in the vicinity of the dam. Spotted bass will also be concentrated on a number of DNR artificial reefs that are marked with buoys around the lake. With the onset of fall, spotted bass will take a wide variety of baits and lures. It is important to cover a lot of water with an assortment of lures and presentations until you find what the spotted bass are willing to bite that day. Be sure to have a variety of rods handy that are ready for topwater action, casting a jerkbait or throwing a crankbait, and for dragging a soft plastic worm along the bottom.
Hybrid Bass
Prospect
Hybrid bass have been stocked into Lake Nottely by DNR for the past 11 years. These stocking efforts have produced a moderate population, but anglers can expect the number of hybrid bass to dwindle in the future as DNR places greater emphasis on building the striped bass fishery. For the next few years, anglers can expect to incidentally catch quality-sized hybrid bass up to 8 pounds while they are fishing for other species like striped bass and spotted bass.
Technique
The same baits and methods that work for striped bass will also work for hybrid bass.
Target
Hybrid bass will use the same habitats that are frequented by striped bass.
Striped Bass
Prospect
The striped bass population in Lake Nottely has maintained a stable density for the past five years. The most noteworthy change in Nottely's striped bass fishery will be the higher abundance of fish in the 5 to 10 pound range. Nottely also produces some huge trophy fish each year that have the potential to eclipse the 50 pound mark. Based on DNR sampling, trophy fish seem to prefer Ivy Log Creek, Youngcane Creek and the points and flats near Reece Creek.
Technique
Striped bass in Lake Nottely feed primarily on blueback herring and large gizzard shad. A good electronic fish finder coupled with an understanding of the seasonal movements of these bait species will greatly increase your chances of catching some Nottely stripers. In the winter months, drifting live herring or gizzard shad at various depths near the dam is the most likely place to find stripers during the cold weather. From late March through May, stripers will move into creek channels and windblown points to feed on herring. Casting jerkbaits and bucktail jigs as well as trolling live herring behind planer boards are all effective methods for catching stripers during the spring. In the summer, stripers retreat to deepwater in search of cooler temperatures. As summer progresses, stripers inch their way closer to the dam. Downlining and trolling live bluebacks on lead core line are your best bets during the summer. When the water temperature consistently drops below 75 degrees, stripers will resume feeding at the surface. Look for surface feeding fish on the lower lake during low light conditions. During the day, return to downlining and trolling methods to catch suspended fish over deep water.
Target
Striped bass roam freely throughout the entire lake and can be found anywhere between the surface and the bottom depending on the time of year. Despite their wide distribution throughout the lake, there are some seasonal patterns that emerge to help striper anglers on Lake Nottely narrow their search. In general, the deep, open water on the lower lake provides the best striper habitat for most of the year, especially in vicinity of the dam. However, when the water temperature ranges between 50 and 70 degrees, things can get pretty interesting. During this temperature window that occurs in spring and fall, striped bass can be caught on artificial lures in shallow water, but knowing where to look is the key. First, scan the open water for surface feeding fish. Second, look for shallow water stripers on the points and flats from the mouth of Ivy Log and Youngcane Creeks all the way to the back and into the creek itself. You may be surprised to find huge stripers in just a few feet of water. Also look for shallow stripers in other places such as Chastain Branch and in the Nottely River. If the wind is blowing, concentrate your efforts on windblown points in these same coves as well as along the main river channel in the upper half of the lake between the Deavertown boat ramp and Canal Lake boat ramp.
Crappie
Prospect
Lake Nottely does not support an abundant crappie population, but quality fish can be caught in early spring around fallen trees and in the shallow parts of the major coves.
Technique
Minnows and minnow-tipped jigs are most productive.
Target
Targeting visible structure in relatively shallow water is the key to locating crappie on Lake Nottely. In late winter and spring, look for concentrations of fish around brush and fallen trees in 5-10 feet of water in the upper end of the reservoir or in the back of the major coves around the lake.
Other Species
Prospect
Bream, catfish and carp also are available. For larger bream, 1/4 to 1/2 pound, target spawning beds from May - August. Live earthworms, crickets or small jigs are effective bream baits. If interested in catfish, target the upper half of the reservoir using nightcrawlers or chicken livers. Entice carp with prepared catfish baits, corn and dough balls in shoreline areas adjacent to the Jacks Creek boat ramp, Deavertown ramp and Canal Lake ramp.
Additional Information
This year, several partners plan to help set a number of PVC fish attractors at selected cove sites throughout the lake. For information concerning attractor locations call the Wildlife Resources Division office at 770.535.5498.
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