At Welch’s Guide Service, we have access to a variety of top fishing lakes in North Carolina and Georgia. Our expert guides will help you catch smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and spotted bass, all native to the scenic North Georgia region.
Two of our featured locations, Lake Chickamauga and Lake Burton, are nationally ranked for big bass fishing. Lake Burton is renowned for its exceptional bass fishing opportunities, while Lake Chickamauga is famous for producing trophy-sized bass. Explore the other fantastic lakes we service below and get ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure!
Lake Blue Ridge Fishing Guide
Discover Bass Fishing at Lake Blue Ridge
Lake Blue Ridge, spanning 3,300 acres with 60 miles of shoreline, is one of Georgia’s premier fishing destinations. It’s one of the last lakes in the state where you can still find a few prized Smallmouth Bass. While Spotted Bass dominate the catch due to their introduction in the early ’90s, you can still hook Smallmouth Bass weighing between 2.5 to 4 pounds. The lake also hosts healthy populations of Largemouth Bass, White Bass, and Walleye.
Fishing in the deep, clear waters of our mountain lakes, like Lake Blue Ridge, requires a different approach than fishing in shallow lakes and ponds. For the best results, use 6 to 8 pound fluorocarbon line and focus on steep rocky banks, lay downs, and long points. Effective techniques include dropshot, shaky head, jigs, tubes, and crankbaits.
Ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure? Book your guided fishing trip on Lake Blue Ridge today!
Lake Burton Fishing Guide
Experience Premier Fishing at Lake Burton
Lake Burton, one of the most beautiful lakes in North Georgia, spans 2,775 acres and features 62 miles of pristine shoreline. Known for its stunning scenery, the lake is surrounded by massive homes and impressive wooden boathouses owned by notable figures, including Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban, Country Music Artist Alan Jackson, and several professional athletes.
Lake Burton holds the Georgia state record for Spotted Bass at 8 lb. 2 oz. In addition to its renowned Spotted Bass, the lake is also home to massive Largemouth Bass. The best fishing spots on Lake Burton include docks, points, and main lake bluffs. For optimal results, use lures such as swim baits, jigs, dropshot, shaky head, crankbaits, and jerk baits.
Ready to explore the exceptional fishing opportunities at Lake Burton? Book your guided fishing trip today!
Lake Chatuge Fishing Guide
Discover the Best Fishing at Lake Chatuge
Lake Chatuge, spanning 7,500 acres with 132 miles of scenic shoreline, is nestled in the mountains of Hiwassee, Georgia, and straddles the Georgia-North Carolina border. This picturesque lake is abundant with Spotted Bass and boasts a healthy population of Largemouth Bass. Additionally, anglers can look forward to an increasing population of Hybrid Bass in the coming years, thanks to North Carolina’s restocking program.
To make the most of your fishing trip at Lake Chatuge, target laydowns, brush, and long points. Effective fishing techniques include dropshot, shaky head, fish head spins, jigs, topwater, and deep diving crankbaits.
Ready for an unforgettable fishing experience at Lake Chatuge? Book your guided fishing trip today!
Lake Nottely Fishing Guide
Experience Exceptional Fishing at Lake Nottely
Lake Nottely, spanning 4,180 acres with 106 miles of pristine shoreline, is another of North Georgia’s beautiful deep, clear lakes. This lake is home to Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, and Hybrid Bass. In recent years, Lake Nottely has gained fame for producing massive Stripers, ranging from 30 to over 40 pounds.
The lake features steep rocky banks, numerous docks, and winding creek runs. For the best fishing experience, focus on laydowns, points, and bank lines where the river and creeks come close. Effective techniques include dropshot, shaky head, fish head spins, jigs, and crankbaits.
Ready to embark on a thrilling fishing adventure at Lake Nottely? Book your guided fishing trip today!
Hiwassee Lake Fishing Guide
Discover the Pristine Fishing Experience at Hiwassee Lake
Hiwassee Lake, located in North Carolina and surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, spans 6,000 acres with 180 miles of unspoiled shoreline. One of the unique features of this lake is the minimal presence of lake houses and docks, preserving its natural beauty.
Hiwassee Lake offers endless steep, rocky bank lines and points, creating an ideal habitat for Smallmouth Bass. While the lake also has Largemouth Bass, the population of Spotted Bass is growing due to the inflow from the Nottely River, which originates from Lake Nottely. Additionally, North Carolina has begun stocking Striped Bass in Hiwassee Lake, promising a thriving Striper fishery in the coming years.
For the best fishing experience, use lures such as dropshot, jigs, crankbaits, tubes, shaky head, and topwater.
Ready to explore the serene fishing opportunities at Hiwassee Lake? Book your guided fishing trip today!
Nantahala Lake Fishing Guide
Discover the Serenity of Fishing at Nantahala Lake
Nantahala Lake, nestled in the picturesque Nantahala National Forest, covers 1,605 acres with 42 miles of pristine shoreline. Located approximately 12 miles from Andrews, North Carolina, this hidden jewel offers a unique fishing experience.
Unlike other lakes in the area, Nantahala Lake does not contain Spotted Bass or Blueback Herring Bait Fish. If you’re looking for a break from catching Spotted Bass and want to target Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, this is the perfect destination. Known for its crystal-clear waters, Nantahala Lake also features some houses and boat docks, adding to its charm.
For a successful fishing trip at Nantahala Lake, try using small jigs, shaky heads, crankbaits, dropshot rigs, and topwater lures.
Ready to experience the tranquility of Nantahala Lake? Book your guided fishing trip today!
Lake Chickamauga Fishing Guide
Explore the Thrills of Fishing at Lake Chickamauga
Nestled along the Tennessee River, Lake Chickamauga is a breathtaking reservoir offering 36,200 acres of pristine waters and 810 miles of picturesque shoreline in southeastern Tennessee. Formed by the Chickamauga Dam as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1940, this lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and anglers alike.
The upper half of Lake Chickamauga features a more riverine environment, while the lower end boasts sluggish waters with expansive sloughs and embayments. This diversity provides excellent habitats for a variety of gamefish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, walleye, sauger, and catfish. The reservoir’s varied habitat, such as stumps, laydowns, humps, points, rocky shorelines, and aquatic vegetation, supports thriving fish populations.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) enhances the fishing experience by annually stocking several fish species into Lake Chickamauga, including striped bass, walleye, and Florida largemouth bass.
Lake Chickamauga is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of fish species and habitats. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned angler, the lake’s beauty and abundant wildlife make it a perfect spot to cast your line and reel in unforgettable memories.
Ready to discover the tranquil fishing experience at Lake Chickamauga? Schedule your guided fishing adventure now! Learn more