SEASONAL BONUS TROUT STOCKINGS!

Lake Burton Hatchery - Finally it feels like WINTER, and Georgia trout anglers can consider the recent spring like weather, and special trout stockings as a treat and bonus. Make an excuse to get outdoors with family and friends for a trout fishing expedition, encourages the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. These trout were stocked through mid December in many popular year 'round trout waters and unlike the trout stocked in Delayed Harvest streams, these fish may be kept. "While seasonal trout streams closed on October 31st, it is still a great time to get outdoors and do some trout fishing in the streams and lakes that remain open through winter," says WRD Fisheries Management Chief Chuck Coomer. "These special trout stockings are a bonus for anglers while providing WRD an opportunity to release some fish that we currently are unable to keep in the hatcheries. Good growing conditions at DNR hatcheries this fall have led to a surplus of fish."

WRD still plans to stock more than one million trout in Georgia waters during 2002. Trout fishing opportunities in the state vary and include heavily stocked creeks and lakes, unstocked wilderness rivers, and streams with special regulations. Some of the waters being stocked include:

· Nancytown Lake in Habersham County
· Panther Creek in Stephens County
· Tallulah River in Rabun County
· Chattahoochee River in Cobb and White counties
· Lake Hartwell Tailwater in Hart County
· Toccoa River in Union and Fannin counties
· Blue Ridge Tailwater in Fannin County

In addition to the streams listed above, WRD will stocking the Chestatee and Etowah Rivers in Lumpkin County, Brasstown Creek in Towns, and Sautee Creek in White. The Cartecay River in Gilmer County is a good spot, as well as the Coosawatee. The Coosawatee has easy access at the recreation park complex just below highway 76/282 bridge. In Rabun County, the Tallulah River, and also the West Fork of the Chattooga. Both of these are easily accessible on USFS land. In Murray County we will be stocking at Holly and Mill Creeks. Mill Creek has good access on USFS land.

Georgia trout anglers between the ages of 16 and 64 must possess a valid fishing license and trout license to fish in designated trout waters and to fish for or possess trout. Resident senior lifetime and honorary license holders are not required to have a trout license, and landowners and their immediate families may fish on their own property without a trout license. The creel limit is eight trout per day. Anglers always should secure landowner permission before entering or fishing on private property. Fishing licenses are inexpensive and readily available through the WRD website, by phone at 1-888-748-6887, or at any license agent. For stream maps call (770) 535-5498.

Perry Thompson, Assistant Hatchery Manager, Lake Burton Hatchery

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