RALEIGH, N.C. (May 24, 2005) — More fishing opportunities await Granville County residents now that Lake Devin in Oxford has joined the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Community Fishing Program and Tackle Loaner Program.

As part of a cooperative agreement between Oxford Parks and Recreation Department and the Wildlife Commission, the 196-acre lake will receive monthly stockings of 8- to 12-inch channel catfish from April to September. On April 14 and May 11, 3,000 fish were stocked to supplement the existing fishery, which comprises numerous 5- to 7-pound largemouth bass and a variety of sunfish, including redear and bluegill. By the end of September, the Wildlife Commission will have stocked 9,000 channel catfish into the lake.

Commission personnel also installed three solar-powered fish feeders to provide a supplementary food source for the stocked fish, allowing them to grow bigger, faster. Bank fishing is now allowed in designated areas at Lake Devin, so Commission personnel installed the feeders at prime locations around the lake to provide better opportunities for bank-bound anglers. Two feeders were installed in the lower portion of the lake near the park entrance. The third was installed in the upper section of the lake.

So that anglers of all abilities will have opportunities to fish, Wildlife Commission personnel and park staff will build a floating, handicapped-accessible fishing pier next summer. The pier will feature a T-section at the end to accommodate several anglers at one time and will have three low handrail sections to make it easier for anglers confined to wheelchairs to cast their lines.

For individuals who like to fish but don’t have the necessary equipment, 35 loaner rods and reels are available free of charge, on a first-come, first-serve basis, through the Commission’s Tackle Loaner Program (TLP).

The TLP loans rods and reels just as a library loans books. Anglers register at the Lake Devin office to receive a tackle loaner ID card which allows them to check out a rod and reel for the day. While the program is geared toward children under 16, anyone interested in fishing may participate. Anglers under 16 must have a parent or guardian complete the registration form.

After returning the loaner rods and reels to the park office, first-time participants under 16 will receive a free mini-tackle box containing hooks, bobbers, sinkers and a stringer. Anglers can use the tackle loaner ID cards at all 41 TLP sites in North Carolina, but they must return the rods and reels to the original loaner site.

The Community Fishing Program (CFP), begun in 1992, is a cooperative venture between the Wildlife Commission and local governments to provide more fishing opportunities in city and county parks, particularly for the young, elderly and physically challenged.

“Now, anglers can go to Lake Devin and reel in a nice catch, even if they only have an hour or two to spare,” said Brian McRae, fisheries biologist with the Wildlife Commission. “By providing fishing opportunities in urban areas, the Wildlife Commission is taking fishing to the people.”

Presently, the Commission funds more than 40 CFP sites across the state. Program expenses are cost-shared with local cooperators, with the Commission providing 75 percent of the operating funds through the Sport Fish Restoration Fund and local cooperators paying the remaining 25 percent. Sport Fish Restoration funds come from fishing and boating excise taxes and motorboat gas taxes.

Lake Devin, located west of Oxford on S.R. 1164, is one of the premiere fishing spots in Granville County. For more information on Lake Devin, contact the Oxford Parks and Recreation Department at (919) 603-1135.

For more information on the Wildlife Commission’s Community Fishing and Tackle Loaner programs, visit www.ncwildlife.org, or call the Division of Inland Fisheries, (919) 733-3633.
 

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