Wally Cawthon, Realtor, Lake Homes Realty

Wally Cawthon, Realtor, Lake Homes Realty Wally Cawthon is a Jackson Lake GA native and Realtor with Lake Homes Realty. Wally bought his first home on the lake in 1990.

For years, Wally and his team have sold more Jackson Lake Property than many top competitors combined. Wally Cawthon is a Jackson Lake native and has been enjoying the lake since childhood. Wally has spent his entire life on and around Jackson Lake and was instrumental in the creation of the Jackson Lake Homeowners Association where he served as its first President. His personal knowledge of the l

ake front marketplace, finance and economics serves his clients well. If you're looking for lakefront vacation or investment property an hour from Atlanta…take a look at Jackson Lake. With over 130 miles of shoreline and 4700 acres, JL offers some of the best values in waterfront homes and rentals in all of Georgia. Nestled near several charming Georgia towns, Jackson Lake is a hidden treasure, only an hour's drive from Atlanta and Macon. If you are searching for a quieter lake with clean, deep water, plenty of fishing and water sports, without the crowds, you have found the right place. Unlike many Georgia lakes, the water levels at Jackson Lake are constant, fed by three separate rivers and cool natural springs. History
Jackson Lake was created in 1910, being the largest hydroelectric dam of it's time. It continues to produce clean, renewable, hydroelectric power for the surrounding area. The lake covers nearly 5,000 acres with 135 miles of shoreline. For your fishing, boating and swimming enjoyment, boats with heads and galleys are not allowed, assuring very clean water and smooth rides without the huge waves generated by these larger vessels. Recreation and Entertainment
Jackson Lake is very popular with boaters, skiers, swimmers and kayakers during Spring Summer and Fall, while offering calm tranquility, wildlife and beauty year round. This secluded lake has six uncommon marinas, featuring anything from fishing and food supplies, indoor and outdoor dining, weekend bands, trivia, karaoke, holiday boat parades, and poker runs, and more throughout the year. Shopping, Hiking, Cycling
Within 10-20 minutes by car, you can explore
• Dauset Trails Nature Center (wildlife preserve, trails)
• Indian Springs State Park (mineral water, botanical gardens)
• Shop, have ice cream, or lunch at the Village at Indian Springs
• Tanger Outlet Mall & charming towns for lunch and boutique shopping. The rural roads surrounding Jackson Lake offer quiet and safe bicycling from 20-100 mile routes for cycling enthusiasts, with rolling terrain and sparse traffic. Life on Jackson Lake holds new wonders each day, with wildlife including Bald
Eagles that soar and fish, ducks and birds of all kinds, and the famous Goat Island near one of the main marinas. Below the dam, the Ocmulgee river begins its journey to the Atlantic Ocean. It is great for kayaking, fishing and snorkeling. This river is truly an escape from civilization.

🏡 Lakefront luxury in the sought-after Alcovy section of Jackson Lake! 5 bedrooms, 4+ baths, and exceptional upgrades th...
08/25/2026

🏡 Lakefront luxury in the sought-after Alcovy section of Jackson Lake! 5 bedrooms, 4+ baths, and exceptional upgrades throughout. This all-brick, two-level home offers stunning water views, a finished walkout basement, custom dock with boat lift, concrete seawall, Trex decks, hot tub, workshop, generator, and so much more.

This is resort-style living on a deeded lot—outside the flood zone. Offered at $995,000. 🌊🚤 More info/photos: https://www.lakehomesjackson.com/idx/listing/featured/303660731/921-Yancey-Road-Covington-GA-30014

Wally Cawthon 866-LAKEHOMES
REALTOR®, Lake Homes Realty

Why Jackson Lake Water Levels Are DroppingMany residents have asked why Jackson Lake’s water level has been falling. The...
08/25/2026

Why Jackson Lake Water Levels Are Dropping

Many residents have asked why Jackson Lake’s water level has been falling. The simple answer is: less water is flowing into the lake than is flowing out.

Lower-than-Normal River Inflows:
Jackson Lake is supplied by the rivers and streams in the drainage basin north and east of the lake, primarily the South River, Alcovy River, and Yellow River.

Under more typical conditions, inflows to the lake may range from approximately 600 to 1,200 cubic feet per second (cfs). Right now, however, total inflow has been running much lower—generally in the range of less than 300 to 400 cfs.

That means the lake is not receiving enough water from its watershed to maintain normal levels.

Why Recent Showers Have Not Helped Much:
While we have seen scattered afternoon showers, they have been spotty and localized. Those storms may provide rain in one neighborhood or watershed area, but they do not necessarily deliver enough widespread rainfall across the full drainage basin to meaningfully increase river flows into Jackson Lake.

To substantially improve lake inflows, the region needs a steady, widespread soaking rain—particularly across the watershed east of Atlanta and north of the lake. Sustained rainfall is what helps replenish creeks, rivers, and runoff throughout the basin.

What Georgia Power Is Doing:
Georgia Power is currently releasing the minimum flow required, which is approximately 400 cfs.

When inflows are below that level, the lake naturally declines because more water is being released downstream than is entering the lake upstream.

For perspective, conditions can change dramatically during major rain events. In a significant storm, inflows into Jackson Lake can rise to anywhere from 10,000 to 40,000 cfs, with water moving through and over the dam accordingly. Current conditions are the opposite: very low inflow and limited replenishment.

How Residents Can Monitor Conditions 📱
Residents can follow river flows and lake conditions through the RiverApp – River Levels app. Search for these locations:
South River, Alcovy River, Yellow River, and
Ocmulgee River — helpful for monitoring water released downstream from Jackson Lake, as well as lake-level information

Download RiverApp:
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/riverapp-river-levels/id667012473
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.android.riverapp&hl=en-US

The Bottom Line
Jackson Lake’s lower water level is primarily the result of persistent low river inflows caused by dry conditions across the watershed. Until the area receives widespread, sustained rainfall, lake levels may continue to remain lower than normal.

Please be patient, conserve where possible, and—most importantly—pray for rain. 🌧️

Wally Cawthon
Lake Homes Realty | JacksonLakeLife.com
President, Jackson Lake Association JLAGA.ORG
770-313-0574 | 866-LAKEHOMES

🏡 Lakefront Living in Turtle Cove! 🌊For sale: 71 Canvasback Court, Monticello, GA💲 $749,000 | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 3,600...
08/20/2026

🏡 Lakefront Living in Turtle Cove! 🌊

For sale: 71 Canvasback Court, Monticello, GA
💲 $749,000 | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 3,600 Sq. Ft.

Beautifully renovated in a quiet deep-water cove with year-round lake access! Enjoy a stunning updated kitchen, hardwood floors, two fireplaces, screened porch, media/family room, private boat ramp, and a covered two-slip dock with lift. 🚤✨

Plus, Turtle Cove amenities include golf, pool, private beaches, restaurant & pickleball!

📞 Listed by Wally Cawthon 866-LAKEHOMES, REALTOR®, Lake Homes Realty
Details and more photos: www.lakehomesjackson.com/idx/listing/featured/303559116/71-Canvasback-Court-Monticello-GA-31064

Have you signed up to donate to our local blood drive? Now's the time. It's in front of Turtle Cove Clubhouse in just ov...
08/20/2026

Have you signed up to donate to our local blood drive? Now's the time. It's in front of Turtle Cove Clubhouse in just over a week.

🩸 BLOOD DRIVE — SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 🩸
Hosted by Turtle Cove Woman’s Club & Jackson Lake Association
📍 Turtle Cove Clubhouse
⏰ 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Your blood stays LOCAL — help save lives right here at home.

💉 Schedule your appointment:
https://tinyurl.com/483en2hm

🚶‍♂️ Walk‑ins welcome but signing up helps keep the flow smooth and reduces wait times.

📱 Questions? Contact Anne:
Text or PM: 770‑883‑5626

“I give local to save local.”

Lakefront living / 3 BR in Covington $589,000This custom-rebuilt home sits on a deeded lot in a peaceful Jackson Lake co...
08/19/2026

Lakefront living / 3 BR in Covington $589,000
This custom-rebuilt home sits on a deeded lot in a peaceful Jackson Lake cove, featuring a new boathouse with lift, deep clean water, beautiful lake views, and a spacious covered porch with V-groove pine ceilings. Enjoy a designer kitchen and baths, luxurious primary suite, flexible upstairs guest/office suite, fast internet, and exceptional craftsmanship throughout. Perfect as a full-time home or weekend getaway—schedule your private tour today!

Call Wally Cawthon 866-LAKEHOMES
REALTOR®, Lake Homes Realty

More info: www.lakehomesjackson.com/idx/listing/featured/303650657/480-Mitchell-Road-Covington-GA-30014

Turtle Cove on Jackson Lake—the joy of waterfront living all year round.This 5-bedroom home sits on a level half-acre lo...
08/18/2026

Turtle Cove on Jackson Lake—the joy of waterfront living all year round.

This 5-bedroom home sits on a level half-acre lot in a large, deep-water cove. Designed for easy living, it offers step-free access from the garage to the main level and a spacious deck shaded by a mature oak tree.

Enjoy effortless lake access with a custom dock and private boat ramp. The property also features paved access, a new extra-wide driveway, abundant parking, and a two-car garage.

Turtle Cove residents enjoy a golf course, private beaches, clubhouse, on-site dining, pickleball courts, and community security.

More information, photos, and contact details:
https://www.lakehomesjackson.com/idx/listing/featured/303553074/2601-Turtle-Cove-Monticello-GA-31064

Wally Cawthon | REALTOR®
866-LAKEHOMES | Lake Homes Realty

NEW PRICE for Your Lake Escape $599,000Take a look at this DEEDED Bungalow on 2 lots in the clear Alcovy area of Jackson...
08/17/2026

NEW PRICE for Your Lake Escape $599,000
Take a look at this DEEDED Bungalow on 2 lots in the clear Alcovy area of Jackson Lake.
Full details: https://bit.ly/-custom-by-source-0-
Wally Cawthon 866-LAKEHOMES, REALTOR®, Lake Homes Realty

Just an hour from the fast-paced energy of Atlanta, you'll find a completely different world-peaceful, private, and welc...
08/14/2026

Just an hour from the fast-paced energy of Atlanta, you'll find a completely different world-peaceful, private, and welcoming-right here at Jackson Lake. Tucked inside the highly sought-after Turtle Cove community, this fully renovated lake home offers the perfect escape from the busy city lifestyle, where quiet mornings, friendly neighbors, and endless outdoor enjoyment become part of your everyday life. Learn more: https://www.lakehomesjackson.com/idx/listing/featured/303548322/318-E-Mourning-Dove-Court-Monticello-GA-31064

Wally Cawthon 866-LAKEHOMES, REALTOR®, Lake Homes Realty

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Atlanta, GA

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+17703130574

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