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Georgia Seasonal Trout Streams Open March 29 |
GAINESVILLE, Ga. - Despite record drought conditions
in Georgia, trout anglers should still anticipate some exciting fishing
this season. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife
Resources Division (WRD) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
have been hard at work growing trout and increasing the potential for
successful harvest this year. Together, WRD and USFWS plan on stocking
more than 925,000 trout in Georgia streams, rivers and small lakes by
year's end.
"We've already started our trout stocking
efforts, and our goal is to replenish all of our stocked streams before
the end of the month, says Perry Thompson, trout stocking coordinator
for WRD's Fisheries Management Section. "Recent rains have offered some
relief, but we're still battling drought conditions and remain
concerned about what might happen as temperatures rise. Generally, we
stock a high percentage of our trout before July 4, but we're looking
to increase that percentage even more this year to avoid having too
many catchable
(nine-inch) trout in our hatcheries in the event of dry weather."
Anglers
anxious to fish the seasonal trout streams can do so starting Sat.,
Mar. 29. Some popular seasonal streams to check out during the season,
which runs Mar. 29 - Oct. 31, 2008, include Cooper Creek in Union
County, Wildcat Creek in Rabun County, Dicks Creek in Lumpkin County
and Johns Creek in Floyd County.
"If you want to venture out
prior to Mar. 29, you can visit one of the many streams open
year-round," says Thompson. He suggests trying Rock Creek in Fannin
County, Tallulah River in Rabun County or Holly Creek in Murray County.
The Chattahoochee River at Buford Dam Park and Jones Bridge are
excellent spots for metro Atlanta anglers. "These sites are
well-stocked and provide great angling experiences for someone new to
the sport."
For those seeking additional county-specific trout
fishing information, visit the WRD Web site at www.gofishgeorgia.com
where current Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations, a complete list of
stocked streams, a Northeast Georgia fishing guide, and the
award-winning Trout Streams of Georgia map are available. Printed
copies of the regulations and trout stream map are available at all WRD
Fisheries Management offices and all official fishing license dealers.
Anglers
must possess both a current Georgia fishing license and a trout license
to fish in designated trout waters and to fish for or possess trout.
Licenses can be purchased online and at various local sporting good
dealers. The daily limit is eight trout on general regulation trout
waters. Anglers are reminded to respect private property rights along
streams flowing through private lands and to obtain permission before
fishing on private property.
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