The following news release is from the Georgia Department Natural Resources.
Frosty nights have cooled water temperatures and the trout are active once again making fall a great time to go fishing in one of Georgia's many year round trout streams. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) reminds anglers of the great fishing opportunities in designated trout streams under "Delayed Harvest" regulations, which take effect on November 1. These streams are Amicalola Creek on the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area, from Steele Bridge Road downstream to Georgia Highway 53, Smith Creek at Unicoi State Park, and the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta, between Sope Creek (off Columns Drive) and U.S. Highway 41. The Chattooga River, near Clayton, is a recent addition to the Delayed Harvest streams; it is open from the Highway 28 bridge upstream to Reed Creek. The Delayed Harvest program combines monthly trout stocking with catch-and-release regulations to give anglers high catch rates. Several trout of 15-20 inches also are stocked to give anglers a chance at a trophy fish. The delayed harvest streams are available for catch-and-release only from November 1 to May 14. Anglers fishing these streams must release all trout immediately and use and posses only artificial lures with single hooks. "Last year, many anglers told me that they were thrilled with catching and releasing ten or more trout per trip. Delayed harvest streams also are great places to introduce beginning trout anglers, young and old, to the sport of trout fishing," says WRD fisheries biologist Lisa Klein. "With the Chattahoochee River so close to thousands of Atlantans, many of them can now fish during a long lunch or in the evenings after work. Several anglers told me that they would fish and let the traffic die down before commuting home." Trout fishing information is readily available. Anglers can pick up a copy of the Georgia Sportfishing Regulations at all WRD offices or through fishing license dealers. This guidebook contains information on special trout stream regulations, general trout fishing information and more. Regulations information also is available by visiting the WRD website at www.gofishgeorgia.com. Anglers also can find trout stream maps on the website. Map hunters should choose "Fisheries Regulations" from the menu on the left then scroll down to "Trout Fishing" for more information or to view trout stream maps by clicking on the county name. 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. Anglers also are reminded to respect private property rights on streams flowing through private lands. The landowner controls access to, and fishing rights in, such streams so permission must be obtained before fishing on private property. For more information on trout fishing or the delayed harvest program, visit the WRD website at www.gofishgeorgia.com or call (770) 918-6418. |