Make it a trout and turkey day! Trout anglers eagerly are anticipating the opening day of the Georgia trout season on Saturday, March 26, 2005. Those wanting to make a full day of activities should consider turkey hunting in the morning, as turkey hunting opens on the same day, and trout fishing in the afternoon. North Georgia streams will be well stocked prior to the season opening date. Trout season is Saturday, Mar. 26-Monday, Oct. 31, 2005.

“Efforts will be well rewarded if you are willing to make the short trip to any of North Georgia’s trout streams or small lakes this spring and summer,” says WRD Trout Stocking Coordinator Perry Thompson. “Our production of catchable trout for stocking depends on the fall and winter prior to the upcoming season and this year, rainfall was plentiful and temperatures were relatively mild providing good growth opportunities for trout. The hatcheries currently are busting at the seams with good-sized trout and we plan to stock approximately 1.1 million trout from early March through Labor Day.”

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 northwest Georgia fishing guide coming soon) 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.

“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 and Trout Hatchery, Dicks Creek on Chestee 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 within an hours drive of downtown Atlanta and provide great trout fishing and are very family-friendly.”

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. There is a daily limit of 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.

Download your free Georgia trout stream map and other trout fishing tips from the WRD website, www.gofishgeorgia.com or call 770-535-5498 for trout fishing information.

Take Me Fishing! ™ 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.

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