Submitted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources

GAINESVILLE — 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 March 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.

For more trout fishing information, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com or call (770) 535-5498.