The Hugh M. Gillis PFA is open

Hugh Gillis PFA is open
in Laurens County

August 23, 2003
From Lisa Doty, Public Affairs Coordinator, GA DNR.
Image by Bill Byrd.
Edited by Bill Byrd.

The long awaited opening of the new public fishing area (PFA) in Laurens County is here! Anglers now can cast a line in the 109-acre lake for bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass and channel catfish. The area officially opened at sunrise on August 22, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) held a dedication ceremony with Senator Hugh M. Gillis, Representative DuBose Porter, House Speaker Terry Coleman, Governor’s Chief Operating Officer Jim Lientz and the Laurens County Commission. The area was officially named the Hugh M. Gillis PFA during the ceremony.

"I am honored to have this public fishing area named after me," said Gillis. "This PFA will provide the citizens of the area with safe, enjoyable, accessible fishing and the opportunity to expand their knowledge and appreciation of nature."

Construction on the PFA is complete. The main lake was stocked with bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and largemouth bass in January 2002. Crappie will be stocked this winter. The lake has numerous coves and points, several shallow creek channels, standing timber, and several submerged humps for attracting fish. Additionally, more than 50 man-made fish attractors have been placed in the lake to concentrate fish. The deepest point at the dam is about 20 feet. It is expected that the fishing success on this lake will be similar to the Dodge County PFA, which has been very popular with anglers.

"Approximately 12,000 anglers visited Dodge County PFA in 2001 and 10,000 trips were made to the area for sightseeing, picnicking, bird watching, and other recreational activities," said Porter. "Public use and angler catch should be as good or better here at Hugh Gillis PFA, which also will be good for the economy in this area."

Largemouth bass did not have a strong first year of reproduction so anglers will have to release any bass caught until the summer of 2004. "By protecting the bass from harvest this first year, we expect strong reproduction during the spring of 2004 and anglers will be allowed to harvest bass next summer," said Chief of WRD Fisheries Management Chuck Coomer.

There also are two kids fishing event (KFE) lakes at the site that opened in the spring of 2002 for special events. The total cost for the project including construction, design, wetland mitigation and archeological studies was approximately $4.2 million.

Anglers can fish from the bank, a boat, or the fishing pier, which is accessible to persons with disabilities. Boats with any size outboard motor can be used for fishing, as long as the motor is kept at idle speed. The area will be open from sunrise to sunset all year long. Anglers 16 years of age or older must possess a current Georgia fishing license and a wildlife management area (WMA) license to fish. Anglers in possession of a one-day fishing license, Senior (65+) or Honorary license do not have to possess a WMA stamp. Anglers may use up to two fishing poles and any size outboard motor may be used at idle speed.

For more information on the Hugh M Gillis PFA or other fishing opportunities in Georgia, visit the WRD website or contact the WRD Fisheries Management Section at (912) 285-6094.