Nottely Lake

Lake Nottely is a 4,180-acre TVA reservoir near Blairsville with 106 miles of shoreline and mountain views from just about every angle. It is a good lake for boating, fishing, and just sitting on a dock doing nothing in particular - and it is only about 45-60 minutes from Helen.

Lake Nottely, also known as Nottely Reservoir, was created in 1942 when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) completed the Nottely Dam on the Nottely River in Union County, Georgia. Standing 184 feet high and stretching 2,300 feet across, the dam was primarily built for flood control and flow regulation in the Tennessee River watershed, with hydropower generation added in the 1950s. The lake extends about 20 miles upstream to Blairsville, reaching a full pool elevation of 1,779 feet above mean sea level and a maximum depth of 98 feet.

Much of the shoreline - around 70% - remains undeveloped under U.S. Forest Service management within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, preserving its natural beauty. The lake draws visitors from Atlanta (just two hours south) and ties into the broader outdoor recreation scene across the North Georgia mountains.

Spanning Union County entirely, Lake Nottely has calm coves worth exploring and a cool mountain feel year-round. Public access shines at spots like Poteete Creek Park (1040 Poteete Creek Road, Blairsville, GA; reservations at 706-439-6103), featuring a white sand swim beach, boat ramps, picnic areas, and a campground open April 1 to October 15. Parking there costs $5 per car for the beach and ramp; recreation hours run 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with gates locked 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Two main marinas anchor boating: Nottely Marina (86 Doucette Circle, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-745-3638; [email protected]; open daily 9 a.m.–6:30/7 p.m.) offers fuel (90-octane non-ethanol), slips, launches, restrooms, and pontoon rentals starting at $150 half-day (plus tax/fuel). North Georgia Watersports (Marina & Rentals: 1733 Murphy Hwy, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-835-1222; 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily) provides extensive rentals like 22′ pontoons ($449–$599 half/full day, fuel included) and jet skis ($150–$450). Nottely Boat Club & Marina (6036 State Hwy 325, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-897-9499) adds slips and rentals.

Pontoons rule for leisurely cruises, with rentals accommodating 5–13 people across models like Suntracker or Avalon tritoons ($399–$849 full day). Jet skis from North Georgia Watersports thrill with no-towable policies for safety, while kayaks/canoes rent for $100 half/full day. Launch from public ramps at Poteete Creek or marinas; expect free parking at Nottely Marina.

Insider tip: As a visitor, I hugged the shoreline early morning from marker #10 at Nottely Marina, dodging weekend crowds and spotting eagles - pure magic on glassy water. Fuel up on-site; non-ethanol gas keeps engines happy in this high-altitude lake.

Lake Nottely teems with spotted, largemouth, and striped bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, and hybrids - shad is prime forage. Spring (pre-spawn at 50–52°F) targets docks and points with jigs; summer deepens to 15–25 feet near brush piles; fall schooling on main lake points; winter suspended fish at 48–59°F. Best bass bites: spring/fall; stripers: summer nights; crappie: late winter.

Secure a Georgia fishing license online via GoFishGeorgia or agents ($15 annual resident; $10 one-day non-resident; trout extra). Limits: 12-inch largemouth minimum statewide; no more than 50 game fish total. Pro tip: From my trips, dawn planer boards with live shad near creeks yield 20–40 stripers - check water clarity (clear, slightly stained creeks).

Savor Southern comfort post-adventure. The Flying Trout (near Blairsville) serves local mountain trout, fried chicken, mac 'n' cheese, and prime rib - honest, tradition-rich fare. Nearby: Red's Country Store & Kitchen (brisket, ribs), Comfort Grub, Grizzly's (all 3–4 miles from marinas). The View Grill offers romantic lake vistas; Copperhead Lodge lodge-style eats.

Visitor perspective: I docked at a marina cove, grilled fresh-caught bass picnic-style - pair with Blairsville's craft brews for peak lakeside bliss. Many spots lack direct docks, so boat-to-shore or drive (5–10 minutes).

Swim at Poteete Creek's beach (anchor near dam for depths or cliffs for jumps). Hike Lake Nottely East Shore Trail (4.5 miles, 500 ft gain) for forested views. Camp at Poteete (88 sites, power/water, $ rates via 706-439-6103; tents/RVs). Paddle quiet coves, picnic pavilions, or disc golf at Meeks Park (south end, festivals like Scottish Fest).

Spring (March–May): Ideal fishing spawn (bass/crappie); mild 50–70°F; fewer crowds. Water rises to full pool.

Summer (June–August): Peak boating/swimming (75–88°F water); jet ski/jetski; busy weekends - book rentals early. Evening stripers explode.

Fall (September–November): Foliage peaks (68–76°F); schooling fish; scenic drives. Cooler evenings perfect.

Winter (December–February): Quiet bass/walleye (48–59°F); lower levels possible; cabins cozy. Avoid if seeking warmth.

Best overall: Spring/fall for balance; summers for families.

Launch pre-9 a.m. to snag calm coves - I've watched sunrise from a rented tritoon, coffee in hand, bass striking nearby. Pack bug spray (summer), layers (mountain chill), polarized sunglasses for spotting structure, cooler for catches, and GoPro for jumps. Respect no-wake zones near docks; join Lake Nottely Improvement Association cleanups for local cred. Cell service spotty - download maps.

Parking/Access: Free at marinas; $5 at Poteete ramps/beach. Ample at 86 Doucette Circle or 1733 Murphy Hwy. Drive from Helen: 45–60 minutes via GA-75/GA-356 (scenic Russell-Brasstown Byway).

Accessibility: Ramps ADA-friendly; beaches gentle entry. Call marinas for mobility boat options.

What to Bring: GA fishing license, sunscreen/hat, life jackets (required), snacks/water, trash bags (leave no trace), cash for fees. Rent gear on-site.

Connectivity: Blairsville (downtown 10–15 min) for groceries/ATMs.