The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) announces the re-opening of Dukes Creek to normal angling activity beginning Wednesday, Oct. 3. Dukes Creek, located on the Smithgall Woods Conservation Center in White County, has been temporarily closed since Aug. 16 due to high water temperatures and low stream flows.

Fortunately, with the onset of fall and milder north Georgia weather, triple digit temperatures no longer pose a threat to trout. With the drop in air temperature, WRD biologists have recently observed cooler water temperatures and therefore, are able to allow the resumption of normal angling activity.

“The ideal temperature for trout streams is between 550 and 650 F. Our current observations have yielded temperatures which are sufficient enough to re-open the creek without risking the fishery,” explains WRD Fisheries Biologist Lee Keefer.

Anglers planning fishing trips to Dukes Creek will need to call the Conservation Area at (706) 878-3087 to make reservations.

In addition to Dukes Creek, trout anglers can also visit nearby Waters Creek on the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Anglers must possess a WMA license, in addition to a fishing license and a trout license, to fish Waters Creek.

For more information on trout stream conditions, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com, contact the nearest WRD Fisheries Management Office or call (706) 878-3087.

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