Press release [Dec. 7, 2001A]

For more information, contact Melissa Cummings, Sr. Public Relations and Information Specialist - (770) 918-6400 Lisa Doty, Public Affairs Coordinator - (770) 918-6400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY FOR TROUT ANGLERS

GAINESVILLE, Ga. (December 7, 2001) - It may not feel a lot like Christmas right now, but

Georgia trout anglers should consider the current spring-like weather and some special trout stockings as an

early Christmas present. 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 are being stocked now through December 15, 2001 in many popular year-around 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

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 more information on trout fishing in Georgia, including the complete list of year-around

trout waters, visit the WRD website at www.gofishgeorgia.com where trout stream maps can be viewed by

county, or call (770) 535-5498.

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