Jig (Casting & Pitching) 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.
A lead or tungsten head with a weed guard, skirt, and soft plastic trailer. Fished on the bottom by pitching, casting, or slow-rolling. The jig imitates crawfish and bottom-dwelling forage. More big bass have been caught on jigs than any other lure category — it's the lure that separates serious anglers.
Jig (Casting & Pitching) Setup for Lake Nottely
| Rod | 7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 15–20 lb fluorocarbon (cover) or 50 lb braid (heavy grass) |
| Weight | 3/8 oz standard; 1/2–3/4 oz in wind or deep; 1/4 oz finesse |
| Hook | Built-in, typically 4/0–5/0 |
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.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Pre-spawn is prime season — pitch brown/green pumpkin jig to 45° bank transitions and rocky points.
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.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Football jig on offshore ledges 15–30 feet. Swimming jig around grass edges at dawn.
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.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Swim a jig around baitfish schools near points and flats. Shad trailer colors in fall.
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.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Slowest presentation — drag a 3/8 oz football jig on deep hard bottom. Barely move it.
Best Conditions
All seasons, all depths, all cover types; most effective in 50–70°F water; excellent in pre-spawn and when fish are on hard bottom
Match trailer to conditions: craw trailer in cold water (slower fall, bigger profile), swimbait trailer when swimming, chunk trailer for flipping.
More Techniques for Lake Nottely
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