Construction of Carters Lake, a 3,220-acre Corps of Engineers pumped-storage hydropower and flood control reservoir, was completed in 1977. Carters Dam towers to a height of 445 feet above its foundation, making the reservoir the second-deepest lake east of the Mississippi River. Spotted bass like that situation just fine, though, and make up more than 90 percent of the lake's black bass population.

Since Carters Lake has a pumped-storage operation, the lake is in a constant state of flux. Whether the best fishing comes on falling water during generation or rising water during pumpback is a matter of opinion.

Carters Lake has undergone changes over the years. The unauthorized introduction of gizzard and threadfin shad in the 1990s changed the lake's predator-prey relationships and the dynamics of the fishery.

In the first few years after shad were introduced, their numbers spiked and the spotted bass took advantage of the abundant prey. During this time, Carters Lake produced numerous spotted bass that were contenders for the state record, and a world record wasn't thought to be out of the question. After a few years, though, as the fish populations reached equilibrium, catching a truly huge spotted bass returned to being a celebrated event and not a weekly occurrence.

"The outlook for 2005 is good," Jim Hakala noted. "Spotted bass have been increasing in number the last few years. Our 2004 sampling produced a catch rate of 54.4 fish per hour, which was the highest recorded for Carters. Spots average 10 1/2 inches and about 2/3 of a pound on Carters. Just like Allatoona, the 2002 year-class was strong on Carters, and there should be plenty of 12- to 14-inch fish to catch. This being Carters Lake, trophy potential is always there, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear of some in the high 6-pound range caught in 2005."

Patience is the name of the game for Carters Lake spotted bass angling. Finessing small plastic baits through deep-water structure is the norm for catching fish. Since the lake is relatively clear and the favorite baits are small, light tackle is preferred.

Other than a brief period during the spawn, the best places to fish are points or other offshore structure sweetened by the presence of stumps or brushpiles. Angler-placed brushpiles can be sleuthed out with a depth finder. Or you can short-circuit the process and simply call the Summerville WRD Fisheries Section Office at (706) 857-3394 and Jim Hakala will supply you with a map of fish attractors constructed by the WRD working with the Corps of Engineers.

Another way to get your bait in the water in areas of good fish-holding structure is to look for the hazard markers. These shallow points and humps that could be a hazard to navigation are marked on the lake and also mark good fishing holes. Start shallow and then work your way out until you find the magic depth for the day.

A good backup plan may be to target the ends of downed trees on deep banks. Finding these areas shouldn't be hard. The Carters Lake area has suffered extensive pine beetle damage, so forest and fish management have intersected to make the best of the situation. Many of the damaged pines have been dropped into the water to increase fish habitat.

Early in the day, don't overlook fishing a trick worm around and through the trees. This can be one of the most exciting ways to experience Carters Lake's hard-charging spotted bass.

Carters Lake is just east of the intersection of U.S. Highway 411 and State Route 136 south of Chatsworth. There are several well-maintained boat ramps to choose from.