Page 39 - Blairsville NCG 2024

Lake Nottely Fishing Goes National

Fishing champion Will Harkins
casts a line in his favorite
waters of Lake Nottely.

W ill Harkins of Blairsville competes in fishing Nottely even has a dedicated fan club on Facebook aptly

tournaments throughout the Southeast. His home
named Lake Nottely Fishing Addiction. With more than 106
waters are in Lake Nottely. He is a competitor in the
National Professional Fishing League and runs Get Fishing miles of shoreline, some areas are developed with docks, but
much of the shoreline is natural and undeveloped with steep,
Guide Service with a mission to inspire people to go out and rocky banks and points. Public boat launches and boat rentals
enjoy fishing. are available from marinas along the lake’s shores.
“My grandpa took me fishing for the first time at age three,” The Blairsville Union County Chamber of Commerce is a major
said Harkins, a recent graduate of Young Harris College with sponsor of Harkins.
a Bachelor of Economics degree. “Until I could drive, my
grandpa and uncle would take me to the lake and fish after “We wish Will continued success and cheer him through every
school and on Saturdays.” fishing tournament, and even on the quiet days when it’s just
Naturally, Harkins credits his bass obsession to his grandpa. him and his fishing pole on his favorite local lake,” said Steve
“His advice was to always look at things from a different Rowe, Blairsville-Union County Chamber president.
perspective. There’s more to life than what meets the eyes.
And of course, never miss an opportunity to help someone!” Harkins is fishing the National Professional Fishing League
this year, along with many regional and local events on Lake
Lake Nottely is a quiet, laid-back TVA reservoir when it’s Nottely and beyond. Will said, “I want to thank everyone for
not hosting national or regional fishing tournaments. Lake the support along this journey, it means the world to me!”

For Blairsville area
Lake Nottely Facts: fishing info, please
scan the code.
COMMON FISH RECORD CATCHES Elevation (full pool): 1,776 feet above sea level
• Rainbow Trout 17lbs, 12oz - Channel Catfish (2021) Avg. Lake Level Fluctuation: 14 feet
• Crappie 11lbs, 5.6oz. - Hybrid Bass (2017) Avg. Water Temperatures: 40°-80°F
• Walleye 3lbs., 1.28oz. - Black Crappie (2014) Popular Lake Activities:
• Several types 11lbs., 7.52oz. - Brown Trout (2010) Fishing, Boating, Swimming,
of bass 8lbs., 15.2oz. - Walleye (2007) Shoreline Camping & Hiking

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