Photo by Kevin Dallmier.

In much of the Peach State, enduring the summer can feel like slaving over a hot stove from dawn until dark for endless days. Sometimes, though, it's best to just get out of the kitchen when it gets too hot. Fortunately, Georgia bass anglers do have an escape: the mountain lakes of North Georgia, perfect places to go for summer bassin' when the mercury's rising. Higher elevation helps moderate the temperature, and since cool streams feed many of these lakes, conditions remain more conducive to fish feeding.

Let's take a look at some of the best places for escaping the heat this summer.

LAKE CHATUGE
When the gates at Chatuge Dam closed in 1942, this 7,050-acre Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir impounded the Hiwassee River near the similarly named town of Hiawassee. The lake has always been popular for summer recreation. Cabins line much of the shoreline, and boat traffic is heavy.

Lake Chatuge is a relatively infertile reservoir, and its waters are usually clear. As one might expect from the mountainous surroundings, the lake is deep; fishing depths of 25 feet or more is no big deal.

Chatuge has over time seen some dramatic changes in character -- for instance, it once was the best place in Georgia for catching smallmouth bass; the longstanding state record for smallmouths is held by a 7-pound, 2-ounce fish from Chatuge. But in the mid-1980s, spotted bass were illegally introduced, and the bronzebacks' decline began. To add insult to injury, blueback herring were put into the lake in 1990s, also illegally.

Spotted bass now dominate Lake Chatuge's fishery, such that anglers can expect more than 90 percent of their catch to be spots. The average fish -- a lot of which swim the lake -- weighs from 1 to 2 pounds. Jumbo specimens exceeding 3 pounds are rare, but are definitely out there.

To catch Chatuge's spots, target main channel shorelines and points in 15 to 25 feet of water. A rocky bank is good; if stumps or brush are present, it's even better. The stretch from the U.S. Highway 76 bridge north to the dam is the best part of the lake in which to find this type of habitat; the Bell Creek arm, midway up on the east side of the lake, is also a worthwhile area. Fish these areas with small topwater plugs or shallow-diving crankbaits early in the day; switch over to a deeper presentation once the sun's on the water. Effective deep-water lures include small jigs or soft plastics; green color schemes are local favorites.

Really getting on a concentration of fish involves the use of a good lake map to find the offshore structure that attracts forage fish, primarily blueback herring. Spots are never far away from baitfish, and if you're lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, the action on schoolie spots can be fast and furious.

Chatuge is a border lake, stretching into North Carolina. Georgia-licensed anglers may fish from boats in all portions of the lake as long as the boats aren't tied to the shore or a dock. Bank-fishermen must be licensed by the state in which they are fishing. Keep in mind that creel regulations of the appropriate state apply to whatever jurisdiction you're in.