Once water temperatures hit 50 degrees at Lakes Hartwell and Burton, the annual walleye pilgrimage from within these reservoirs to their headwaters begins, according to biologists with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). Mid-to-late March typically is the prime time to target this species.

"For the past five years, WRD has stocked walleye in these waters and anglers now can enjoy the fruits of those labors," says WRD Fisheries Biologist Anthony Rabern. "Hopefully, the last two weeks of March will provide the best conditions of the year for catching this particular species."

Walleye have a golden brown colored body with a white belly. They have large, glassy marble-like eyes and long, sharp teeth. The current state record, caught on Richard B. Russell Lake in 1995, weighed 11 lbs. 6 oz., but typical weights are 2-4 lbs.

During daylight hours walleye retreat to deep water downstream of the rocky, shallow areas where they will spawn, so WRD personnel recommends trolling Shad Raps or live nightcrawlers near the bottom. In the evenings this species moves upstream, so change to floating Rapalas or curly-tailed grubs to be most effective.

For anglers who happen to miss the spawning run of walleye, there is still good fishing to be found in April. At this time of year, anglers should try trolling Shad Raps and nightcrawlers in 10-feet of water in the upper reaches of lakes Rabun, Seed, Tugalo, Yonah and even Hartwell.

Trout season officially opened in Georgia on March 25. Currently, trout hatcheries in the state are loaded with good-sized fish waiting to be stocked and from early March through Labor Day, WRD plans on stocking about 1.1 million trout for eager anglers.

"Fishing should be great if you are willing to make the short trip to north Georgia's trout streams and small lakes this year" says WRD Trout Stocking Coordinator Perry Thompson.

"Growing trout for spring and summer stocking depends largely on the fall and winter weather. When it's cold, trout eat less and are slow to reach catchable size. When it's mild, like it has been this year, they grow faster, putting on that extra bit of weight that, come opening day, will make anglers glad they ventured out."

Trout fishing information is readily available. Anglers can view a copy of the current Georgia Sportfishing Regulations, a list of streams stocked, a northeast Georgia fishing guide and the award-winning "Trout Streams of Georgia"
map, at the WRD website at www.gofishgeorgia.com.

A hard copy of the regulations and the trout stream map are available at all WRD Fisheries Management offices and regulations also can be found at 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 to possess trout. Licenses can be bought on-line, at many local sporting good dealers, or by calling 888-748-6887.

On general regulation trout waters there is a daily limit of eight trout. Trout season runs from Saturday, March 25 through Tuesday, October 31, 2006 for seasonal trout waters, while many other waters will remain open year around. Anglers are reminded to respect private property rights along streams flowing through private lands, and to obtain permission before fishing on private property.

"For those looking for some beginner or kid-friendly streams to introduce someone to the sport of trout fishing, try 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," says Thompson.

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

A recent national survey indicated that 87 percent of Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on family relationships. So take your family fishing and you will always have something in common. Visit takemefishing.org for more information.

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