The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plan to stock more than 80,000 trout during the last full week of March, with more than one million trout scheduled for stocking by the end of this year.
“The four trout hatcheries in Georgia are full of high quality fish this year. A small amount of stocking has already taken place, but it will pale in comparison to the amount of fish scheduled for stocking from March 23rd through 27th to celebrate Opening Day for seasonal streams,” says John Lee Thomson, trout stocking coordinator for the Wildlife Resources Division. “Almost every water body, with very few exceptions, that is stocked by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources or our partners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be stocked by Opening Day, March 28th.
“Some popular seasonal streams include Cooper Creek in Union County, Wildcat Creek in Rabun County, Dicks Creek in Lumpkin County and Johns Creek in Floyd County. “One of the best opportunities for fishing success will be this spring when stream flows are high and the water is cool,” says Thomson.
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.
Anglers must possess a current Georgia fishing license and a trout license to fish in designated trout waters and to fish for or possess trout. Anglers must also possess a wildlife management area license or Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass (GORP) in order to fish on certain WMAs. Find a list of designated areas at www.georgiawildlife.com/Georgia-Outdoor-Recreational-Pass .
How can you get a license? It’s easy! Buy it online, find a list of retail license vendors at www.georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes or buy it by phone at 1-800-366-2661.
Purchasing a Trout Unlimited license plate supports Georgia’s trout conservation and management programs. These efforts impact trout production, stocking and stream restoration throughout north Georgia. Purchase or find out more at your county tag office.
For the list of stocked trout streams, online versions of the Georgia trout stream map, and other trout fishing tips, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/Fishing/Trout or call (770) 535-5498.
