The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Carters Lake
Gilmer County, Georgia · 3,200 acres (5 sq mi)
58°F water, windy Friday (15 mph NW).
About Carters Lake
Carters Lake spreads over 3,200 acres in Gilmer County, Georgia. It was made by Carters Dam on the Coosawattee River. Georgia's deepest lake, held back by the tallest earthen dam east of the Mississippi River.
From end to end it runs about 3.7 miles with roughly 30 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 1,070 ft above sea level. It reaches about 450 ft at its deepest, with an average depth near 200 ft. Ellijay is about 8.7 miles northeast. The closest city is Alpharetta, about 40 miles away.
- Size
- 3,200 acres (5 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 450 ft (average 200 ft)
- Shoreline
- About 30 miles
- End to end
- About 3.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,070 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Carters Dam, Coosawattee River
- County
- Gilmer County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Georgia, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 58°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:10 am · sunset 5:34 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Carters Lake
- Ellijayabout 8.7 mi northeast
- Chatsworthabout 11 mi northwest
- Jasperabout 13 mi southeast
- Calhounabout 18 mi southwest
- Alpharettanearest city, about 40 mi southeast
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Questions about Carters Lake
What fish are in Carters Lake?
Lakes like Carters Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Carters Lake?
About 450 ft at the deepest point, about 200 ft on average. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Carters Lake?
3,200 acres, with about 30 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Carters Lake?
Ellijay is about 8.7 miles northeast; Chatsworth is about 11 miles northwest.
What is the water temperature at Carters Lake today?
The surface was about 58°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Carters Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
