Deep-Diving Crankbait Fishing on Lake Nottely
Lake Nottely · Georgia · Southeast
Lake Nottely is a pristine, deep reservoir situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest, characterized by exceptionally clear water and a primarily rocky, mountainous shoreline. While known for its abundant spotted bass, the lake also supports a healthy population of largemouth bass, with fish often relating to deep structure and standing timber. The deep-water clarity and mountainous terrain mean bass fishing here demands a precise, often vertical, approach.
Crankbaits with extended lips dive to 10–25+ feet on a long cast. Designed for offshore structure fishing — ledges, channel swings, main lake humps, and submerged points. The key is getting the bait to contact bottom and deflect. Summer ledge fishing with 10XD-style baits is how tournament bass are caught in numbers.
Deep-Diving Crankbait Setup for Lake Nottely
| Rod | 7'6"–8' medium casting rod, moderate action, fiberglass or composite |
| Reel | 5.4:1 baitcaster (lower ratio puts less strain on rod and digs deeper) |
| Line | 10–12 lb fluorocarbon (thinner line = deeper dive, less resistance) |
| Weight | 3/4–1 oz deep diver (Strike King 10XD, Megabass +2, Lucky Craft LC 2.5) |
Seasonal Tactics on Lake Nottely
Lake: Bass transition from deep winter haunts to shallower creek arms and protected coves for spawning, making jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs effective as water temperatures rise.
Deep-Diving Crankbait: Not primary season. Use on secondary points as post-spawn fish move out.
Lake: A strong thermocline pushes fish deeper to main lake points, humps, and standing timber, where drop shots, football jigs, and deep crankbaits are highly productive, often in 20-50 feet of water.
Deep-Diving Crankbait: Peak season. Long cast, dig bottom on ledges at 15–25 feet. Bang rocks and deflect.
Lake: As water temperatures cool, shad migrations draw bass into creek arms and to the surface, offering opportunities for topwater lures, swimbaits, and reaction baits.
Deep-Diving Crankbait: Follow baitfish to shallower structure as water cools. Transition from 15-20 feet to 10-15 feet.
Lake: Bass move into the deepest sections of the lake, often suspending over the old river channel or holding tight to bottom structure, requiring slow presentations with A-rigs, spoons, and deep jerkbaits.
Deep-Diving Crankbait: Too cold — switch to slower presentations. Deep crankbaits require faster retrieve for action.
Best Conditions
Summer and early fall, offshore ledges and humps, clear to slightly stained water, schooling fish, 10–25 foot depth range
Long-line the cast to maximum distance — every extra foot of cast gets the bait 6 inches deeper. Position the boat over deeper water, cast to the structure.
More Techniques for Lake Nottely
Ready to fish Lake Nottely?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →