Trout anglers anxious to hit the waters should prepare for some exciting fishing this season. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) has been hard at work increasing the potential for successful harvest this year. In fact, WRD will have over one million trout available for stocking in Georgia streams, rivers and small lakes by year’s end.

Faced with the challenge of overcoming the adverse effects produced by last summer’s scorching temperatures, WRD trout program managers were able to customize a successful trout production strategy for 2007.

“Last summer’s loss of fingerling trout due to extremely high temperatures during July and August put this year’s supply of catchable (nine inch) fish in jeopardy,” says WRD Trout Stocking Coordinator Perry Thompson. “But we’ve rebounded nicely. By maximizing production in our three state trout hatcheries and through our cooperative efforts with South Carolina DNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to obtain more trout, we should have more than a million catchable trout available for Georgia anglers in 2007.”

Although anglers interested in fishing seasonal trout streams must wait until March 31st to schedule their first fishing trip, harvest can begin immediately in areas open for year-round trout fishing.

Additionally, this season offers both beginner trout anglers and individuals looking for kid-friendly streams an abundance of opportunities across the state.

Thompson suggests trying Rock Creek, next to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service trout hatchery near Suches, Wildcat Creek on Lake Burton Wildlife Management Area near Lake Burton Trout Hatchery, Dicks Creek on Chestatee Wildlife Management Area in Lumpkin County, the Chattahoochee River in Helen, Johns Creek near Armuchee, Holly Creek near Chatsworth or the Tallulah River west of Clayton, for those looking for beginner or kid-friendly streams.

“These streams are well-stocked and will provide a great angling experience for someone new to the sport. In addition, Buford Dam Park and the Jones Bridge Area along the Chattahoochee River are close to downtown Atlanta and provide family-friendly angling opportunities,” says Thompson.

For those seeking additional county-specific trout fishing information, visit the WRD website at www.gofishgeorgia.com where current Georgia Sportfishing Regulations, a list of stocked streams, a northeast Georgia fishing guide and the award-winning “Trout Streams of Georgia” map can be found. Hard copies of the regulations and the 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. On general regulation trout waters the daily limit is eight trout. Anglers are reminded to respect private property rights along streams flowing through private lands and to obtain permission before fishing on private property.

Anglers can support Georgia trout conservation and management programs by purchasing a Trout Unlimited license plate. Funds from the plates benefit the WRD Fisheries Management section’s conservation efforts, including trout production, stocking and stream restoration in North Georgia. Tags can be purchased at local county tag offices for a one-time fee of $25.

For more trout fishing information, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com or call 706-947-3112.

Take Me Fishing! * According to a recent national survey, 87 percent of Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on family relationships. So, turn your quality fishing time into quality family time and create a fun, meaningful family tradition.

Editor’s Note: Take Me Fishing is a national campaign developed by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. Information about the campaign is available at www.takemefishing.org , select “Press Room”.
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