How to Fish Nottely Lake

Nottely Lake fishing FAQ

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Nottely Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 50-52°F. Spotted bass are staging for the spawn, holding near transition areas between winter and spawning locations Fish are becoming more active but still require slow presentations due to cool water temperatures (50-52°F) Bass are relating heavily to available structure, particularly docks and any remaining brush or fallen trees Key locations: Docks and marinas where fish are staging for spawn; Fallen trees and brush piles in pre-spawn transition areas; Secondary points leading into spawning pockets. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly around structure, Shakey Heads fished methodically near docks, Small Soft Body Swimbaits retrieved slowly along transition areas. Primary forage: Shad (primary forage base per lake profile), Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Nottely Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 51-65°F. Actively staging in pre-spawn areas, following shad schools and becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise Moving from winter deep-water areas to shallower transition zones, particularly active during wind-generated current Key locations: Main lake points adjacent to spawning areas; Secondary points in major creek arms; Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range near channel swings. Best techniques: Umbrella Rigs worked through transitional depths, Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points, Bladed Jigs around shallow structure. Primary forage: Shad schools transitioning to shallower water, Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Nottely Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 51-62°F. Transitioning from winter depths to shallow pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Following daily temperature changes - moving shallow on sunny afternoons and retreating to slightly deeper water during cold fronts Key locations: Secondary points adjacent to spawning coves; Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range near spawning flats; Docks with deep water access near spawning areas. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs worked slowly around cover, Lipless Crankbaits across transitional areas, Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points. Primary forage: Shad schools staging in pre-spawn areas, Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Nottely Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Moving into shallower spawning areas as water temperatures rise, staging near structure adjacent to future spawning locations Actively feeding to build energy reserves for upcoming spawn, with increased activity during warming trends Showing preference for areas with morning sun exposure, becoming more active as waters warm throughout the day Key locations: Shallow coves with hard bottom adjacent to deeper water; Protected areas between docks with morning sun exposure; Brush piles and laydowns in 4-8 feet of water. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with small worms or crickets suspended under bobbers, Inline Spinners worked slowly near cover, Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily along dock edges. Primary forage: Emerging aquatic insects, Small crustaceans, Juvenile shad. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Dark Neutrals, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Nottely Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Spotted bass are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving from winter depths to spawning areas near rocky banks and protected pockets Males actively guarding nests in shallow areas while females stage on nearby deeper structure between spawning phases Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, with increased feeding activity during pre-spawn Key locations: Rocky banks and points in protected pockets with nearby deep water access; Secondary points leading into spawning coves; Shallow brush piles and laydowns near spawning flats. Best techniques: Shakey Heads worked slowly around rocky banks and spawning areas, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to spawning banks, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover near spawning areas, Bladed Jigs worked through staging areas. Primary forage: Shad schools gathering in spawning pockets, Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Nottely Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Staging near spawning areas in pre-spawn, moving into shallow tributary areas and coves during peak spawn Actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise Schooling behavior becomes more individualistic as fish focus on spawning activities Key locations: Main lake points adjacent to spawning coves; Shallow tributary areas with good current flow; Secondary points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Umbrella Rigs worked along point transitions, Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to shoreline structure, Bladed Jigs around shallow cover. Primary forage: Pre-spawn shad schools, Small baitfish in tributary areas, Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Nottely Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-65°F. Largemouth bass are actively spawning in shallow protected areas, focused on nest building and protection in 2-6 foot depths. Males are highly territorial and aggressive around nesting sites. Fish move between staging areas and spawning flats throughout the day, with most active periods during warmer afternoons Key locations: Protected shallow coves and pockets with firm bottom composition, especially near docks providing additional cover; Secondary points leading into spawning bays, particularly those with brush piles serving as staging areas; Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, offering quick escape routes and staging areas. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible beds and dock areas with precise presentations, Bladed Jigs worked around staging areas and along the edges of spawning flats, Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around beds and staging points to trigger defensive strikes. Primary forage: Shad schools moving into spawning areas, Bluegill beginning to move shallow. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Natural Shad Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Nottely Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 65-75°F. Actively moving into shallow spawning areas (1-4 feet), particularly around protected coves and shoreline areas with firm bottom Males aggressively guarding nests and striking at threats, while females stage slightly deeper near spawning colonies Key locations: Protected coves with gravel or sandy bottom near shoreline; Shallow areas adjacent to docks with stable bottom composition; Areas with laydowns and brush piles in 2-6 feet of water. Best techniques: Bobbers with small jigs suspended 1-3 feet deep, Inline Spinners worked slowly through spawning areas, Live Bait Rigs with small worms or crickets. Primary forage: Insects and larvae near shallow areas, Small crustaceans around vegetation and cover. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Nottely Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-75°F. Post-spawn spotted bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are moving between shallow and mid-depth zones, following shad schools and utilizing dock edges as ambush points Key locations: Secondary points and rocky banks adjacent to spawning pockets; Dock edges with access to deeper water; Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near channel swings. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to dock lines and points, Shakey Heads worked slowly around brush piles and rocky transitions, Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily along dock edges and through shad schools. Primary forage: Shad schools moving into post-spawn staging areas, Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow pockets. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Nottely Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Post-spawn striped bass are actively feeding to recover energy, following baitfish schools and utilizing wind-driven currents on points for ambush opportunities Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper main lake structures, showing aggressive feeding behavior during favorable conditions Key locations: Main lake points with wind-generated current, especially those adjacent to deeper water; Secondary points near spawning bays where fish stage during post-spawn transition; Deep water docks serving as staging areas between shallow and deep water movements. Best techniques: Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') with varied retrieve and sporadic twitches, Bladed Jigs worked through the upper-middle water column, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) mimicking shad schools. Primary forage: Shad schools beginning their post-winter movements, Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Nottely Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-65°F. Post-spawn bass are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer locations, using brush piles and docks as stop-over points Fish are actively feeding to recover energy from spawn, showing preference for reaction baits around ambush points Key locations: Brush piles near bridge structures or points; Dock areas with adjacent brush or cover; Secondary points with deep water access. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs worked around brush and dock edges, Spinnerbaits parallel to transitional structure, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating shad. Primary forage: Shad schools around brush piles and points, Bluegill beginning to spawn in protected pockets. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Nottely Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-75°F. Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting insects and small crustaceans around shallow to mid-depth cover Fish are establishing summer patterns, moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper resting zones near structure Key locations: Brush piles and laydowns in 4-8 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats; Dock edges with shade, especially those near deeper water access; Secondary points with natural structure leading to deeper water. Best techniques: Bobbers with light jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep near cover, Inline Spinners worked slowly around structure edges, Crappie Dock Shooting with small soft plastics. Primary forage: Insects, particularly mayflies and small beetles, Small crustaceans and larvae, Tiny shad fry beginning to emerge. Best bait colors: Bold Striped Patterns, Chartreuse Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Nottely Lake in Summer?

Water temp 82-88°F. Spotted bass are actively feeding in shallow to mid-depth zones, particularly during lower light conditions, with clear patterns of relating to shade-providing structure during bright periods Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior on shad and responding well to moving baits, especially around dock areas and rocky structure Key locations: Boat docks with deeper water access, particularly those near points or channel swings; Rocky banks and points with adjacent deep water; Brush piles and downed trees in shallow water. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs worked with alternating retrieve speeds around docks and structure, Hard Topwater (Popping) around shallow brush and timber early and late, Shallow Diving Crankbaits worked across rocky points and banks. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated around docks and points, Minnows in shallow brush areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Nottely Lake in Summer?

Water temp 82-86°F. Actively feeding at night around lighted dock areas, using darkness and structure as ambush points Seeking thermal refuge in deeper water during daylight hours, moving shallow to feed during low light periods Following large schools of shad, particularly during early morning and evening transitions Key locations: Deep water docks with submerged lights, especially those near channel swings; Main lake points with access to deep water; Brush piles in 15-25 feet of water near primary feeding areas. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs worked through illuminated areas and dock shadows at night, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) during daylight hours, Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges near points. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated around dock lights, Suspended shad in deeper water during daylight hours. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Shad Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Nottely Lake in Summer?

Water temp 75-86°F. Largemouth bass establish deeper summer haunts near docks and brush piles, moving between shaded areas during the day and feeding more actively during dawn/dusk periods Fish are suspending near structure during midday heat, transitioning to more aggressive feeding in low-light conditions Key locations: Deep docks with adjacent brush piles, particularly those near points or creek channels; Deeper brush piles in 15-25 foot range offering thermal refuge; Main lake points with access to deep water and shade. Best techniques: Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along deep structure during morning/evening periods, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting shaded dock areas and brush, Drop Shot near suspended fish around deeper structure. Primary forage: Shad schools suspending near deep structure, Bluegill around dock pilings and shallow brush, Crawfish in deeper rock and brush pile areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Dark Neutrals, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Nottely Lake in Summer?

Water temp 75-86°F. Bluegill are actively feeding on insects in shallow water areas, particularly around cover and structure during early morning and evening hours Fish are seeking shaded areas during mid-day heat, utilizing dock cover and fallen trees for temperature regulation and ambush points Key locations: Laydowns and fallen trees in 2-6 feet of water, especially those near shoreline; Dock areas providing shade and structure; Shallow coves with vegetation and woody cover. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits (particularly beetle spins) worked slowly near cover, Bobbers with small jigs or live bait suspended near structure, Inline Spinners cast parallel to shoreline structure. Primary forage: Insects, particularly around shallow cover, Small invertebrates near woody structure, Young-of-year shad in open water areas. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Nottely Lake in Fall?

Water temp 68-76°F. Actively chasing shad in mid-depth areas, showing aggressive feeding behavior as evidenced by reaction to crankbaits Utilizing dock areas as ambush points while targeting shad, with increased activity during shaded periods Key locations: Main lake docks with deeper water access; Brush piles near points in 13+ feet of water; Rocky points with nearby deep water access. Best techniques: Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked over brush piles and points, Soft Jerkbaits worked around docks and shade lines, Hard Jerkbaits worked along rocky banks. Primary forage: Shad schools in mid-depth zones, Smaller baitfish relating to dock structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Nottely Lake in Fall?

Water temp 58-72°F. Actively following and feeding on shad schools as they migrate into creek arms and coves during fall cooling Exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior during early morning and evening hours, taking advantage of lower light conditions Schooling activity increases as water temperatures moderate, with fish herding bait against points and shorelines Key locations: Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with wind-generated current; Backs of major creek arms where shad are congregating; Steep shorelines and bluff walls adjacent to deep water. Best techniques: Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools, Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points and channel edges, Bladed Jigs near surface activity. Primary forage: Schooling shad in large concentrations, Smaller baitfish seeking shallow water refuge. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Nottely Lake in Fall?

Water temp 62-72°F. Bass actively chasing shad in the water column, following baitfish to backs of creeks and coves Transitioning between summer deep water patterns and shallow feeding zones, often relating to points and channel swings Increased feeding activity during morning and evening hours, taking advantage of cooling water temperatures Key locations: Main lake points adjacent to creek channels; Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range near creek channels; Shallow dock areas with nearby deep water access. Best techniques: Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to points and channel swings, Spinnerbaits around shallow cover during cloudy conditions or low light, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching prevalent shad forage. Primary forage: Shad schools moving into creeks and coves, Smaller sunfish around dock structures. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Nottely Lake in Fall?

Water temp 58-72°F. Bluegill are transitioning from shallow summer patterns to deeper, more structure-oriented locations, actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter Fish are schooling more tightly and becoming increasingly concentrated around key structure, particularly brush piles and dock areas Key locations: Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water; Deeper dock edges with access to deeper water; Points and channel swings with woody cover. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Live Bait Rigs, Crappie Dock Shooting. Primary forage: Small insects and aquatic larvae, Young-of-year shad, Small crustaceans. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Nottely Lake in Winter?

Water temp 48-54°F. Spotted bass are actively feeding on shad around brush piles, with a preference for slower-moving presentations in the cooler water Fish are showing chase behavior but may need multiple presentations before committing, indicating a more methodical winter feeding pattern Key locations: Brush piles in deeper water, particularly those near channel swings or points; Deep dock corners adjacent to creek channels; Rocky points with access to deep water. Best techniques: Slow-rolled Spinnerbaits around brush piles, Underspins with soft plastic trailers, Shakey Heads worked methodically through structure. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated around deeper structure, Small bluegill seeking refuge in brush piles. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Nottely Lake in Winter?

Water temp 51-58°F. Schooling behavior around baitfish concentrations in deeper water, actively feeding during warmer parts of the day More predictable location patterns due to thermal preferences, typically holding in the same general areas for extended periods Increased feeding activity during weather warming trends and stable barometric conditions Key locations: Deep main lake points adjacent to channel swings (15-25 feet); Brush piles and laydowns in deeper water near creek channels; Deep water docks near primary points that provide vertical structure. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Blade Baits, Umbrella Rigs. Primary forage: Schooling shad concentrated in deeper water, Small baitfish seeking warmer water in deeper areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Nottely Lake in Winter?

Water temp 51-59°F. Largemouth bass are concentrated in deeper water around brush piles and docks, with reduced but deliberate feeding activity Fish are moving less and holding tight to specific structure, requiring slower presentations and precise bait placement Key locations: Deep brush piles adjacent to channel swings or points in 15-25 feet; Deeper dock edges with vertical posts, especially those near creek channels; Main lake points with access to deep water. Best techniques: Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom near structure, Blade Baits vertically jigged around suspended fish, Shakey Heads for finesse presentation on deeper docks. Primary forage: Shad schools suspended in deeper water, Smaller baitfish holding tight to structure, Crawfish emerging occasionally during warmer periods. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Nottely Lake in Winter?

Water temp 51-58°F. Bluegill school tightly in deeper water near structure, typically suspending at depths of 15-25 feet where water temperatures are more stable Feeding activity is reduced but remains consistent during stable weather patterns, with fish most active during mid-morning to early afternoon hours Key locations: Deep brush piles and fallen trees in 15-25 foot depth range; Deep dock edges where they meet channel swings; Deep water areas adjacent to coves where schools stage for winter. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Live Bait Rigs, Drop Shot. Primary forage: Small insects and larvae, Juvenile shad. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Chartreuse Colors, Purple Colors.