Guide to Fishing Rocky Mountain Public Fishing Area Rocky Mountain PFA is located in Northwest Georgia near the Chattahoochee National Forest on 5,000 acres of Oglethorpe Power Corporation land. The area includes two recreation lakes totaling 559 acres. Largemouth bass, sunfish and crappie are the most common game fish species in both lakes. Numerous wildlife species frequent the area, providing visitors an opportunity to observe wildlife in a natural setting. The lakes, with a backdrop of forested ridgelines, offer visitors a scenic and relaxed setting in which to enjoy fishing, hunting, picnicking, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities. Facilities Concrete boat ramps & fishing jetties Hiking trails Restrooms & picnic shelters Scenic overlooks Some facilities accessible Visitor center to persons with disabilities Tent & RV camping Group facilities (picnic areas and primitive camping) Trip Check List Check the current boating regulations about life jackets at http://www.boated.com/assets/pdf/handbook/ga_handbook_entire.pdf Boats with enclosed areas that may trap gas or vapors are required to be equipped with a USCG approved fire extinguisher. Carry your current license and boat registration with you. Check your boat's trailer and navigation lights, and fuel before leaving home. Carry a first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, extra clothing, food and drinking water. Be aware of and abide by all fishing regulations. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. BE AN ETHICAL ANGLER! Ethical anglers fish responsibly, consider the rights of others, portray a positive image, and help to protect and conserve our natural resources. Be an ethical angler, the future depends on it. Et hical Angl ers: # Know and obey the fishing regulations. # Keep only the fish they can use and release all others. # Pass on the tradition by taking a child fishing. # Leave a place cleaner than it was found. # Do not transfer fish or plants between bodies of water. # Report violations and pollution. # Do not litter! # Dispose of fishing line prope rly. # Do not tresspass. # Are courteous of others. # Lend a helping hand. Major Fish Species and Fishing Tips Largemouth bass Crappie Bluegill Redear sunfish (shellcracker) Channel catfish Hybrid white x striped bass Standing timber provides excellent habitat in both lakes for crappie and bass. During midday, crappie can be found in the flooded timber. Other locations that may hold crappie include rock piles and rip-rap along fishing jetties. During construction, large rock piles were placed off the corners of the jetties as fish attractors. Fishing minnows or jigs around these structures is a good technique for catching crappie. Bass will suspend in the thicker cover as they lay in ambush for passing prey. Early in the morning, top-water crank baits fished around the edges of the thicker brush may fool hungry bass. Later in the day, casting diving lures around the edges of the thicker timber or pitching weedless baits right into the thick cover can be productive. Bluegill and shellcrackers like to spawn over sandy areas with good hard bottoms. Try fishing crickets or earthworms just at or on the bottom in these areas during the late spring and summer for these spawning fish. When the bluegill aren't bedding, try casting small artificial lures, spinners, or top-water poppers around the shallow edges. Hours: Open year-round, 7 days/week, sunrise to sunset. Regulations Public fishing areas have special regulations that are posted on site as well as published in the Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations. Anglers 16 years of age and older, except honorary license holders, must possess a current fishing license. For more information, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com or call the phone number listed at the bottom of the page. All vehicles must possess a valid parking permit. A daily parking permit can be obtained at each entrance to the area. A 12 month pass can be obtained from the Calhoun regional fisheries office. Call (706) 624-1161 for additional information. Tent and RV campsites are available for a fee on a first come first served basis. A group camping shelter that can be reserved is also available for a fee. Call (706) 624-1161 for additional information. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on the property. Directions From Rome: Located 10.4 miles north of Rome on US Highway 27; left on Sikes Storey Road for 0.4 miles; left on Big Texas Valley Rd. for 5.4 miles to the entrance. For more fishing information, visit the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division Web site at www.gofishgeorgia.com or call (706) 624-1161. T.I.P (Turn in Poachers): To report game/fish law violations, fish kills, or hazardous spills: call (800) 241-4113 GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES / WILDLIFE RESOURCES DIVISION / FISHERIES SECTION 2070 U.S. HIGHWAY 278, SE / SOCIAL CIRCLE, GEORGIA 30025 Fish Species Largemouth Bass Redear Sunfish Bluegill Channel Catfish Hybrid Bass Biology Bass spawn from February to May and occupy a variety of habitats in reservoirs and rivers. Feed both day and night motivated by hunger or striking. Females are typically larger and more aggressive than males. Bait: Crankbaits, plastic worms, & jigs "Shellcracker" feed primarily on aquatic insects including midge larvae to snails. Unlike bluegill, shellcracker typically do not stunt. Fast growth, larger size and good flavor make these a desirable fish. Bait: Crickets, Red Wigglers, & small top water lures Most likely the first fish caught by children. They aggressively guard nest during spawns. Bluegill are hard fighters, hit a variety of baits, and are abundant in most rivers and lakes. Known as a tasty panfish. Bait: Crickets, Red Wigglers, & small top water lures Channel catfish are a highly adaptable and desirable fish that are easily caught. They can reach sizes up to 20 lbs and use their barbells for taste. Larger individuals are often confused with Blue catfish. Bait: Chicken livers, worms, "stink bait," & crickets Hybrid bass grow rapidly and will aggressively attack bait in spring and early fall. When biting they are easy to catch and can be caught in large numbers. Hybrids are hard fighters and typically found in open water habitats. Bait: Minnows, deep diving crank baits and rattletraps Best Fishing Times D N J O F S M A J A J M D N J O F S M A A J J M D N J O F S M A J A J M D N J O F S M A A J J M D N J O F S M A J A J M Fish Species Black Crappie Biology Has a preference of clear water, and associated with vegetation during spawns. Young prefer insects, switching to fish as it matures. Maximum life span is approximately 8 years. An extremely popular game fish in Georgia. Bait: Jigs, Red Wigglers, & minnows Best Fishing Times D N J O F S M A J A J M Best Fishing Times Key: Fair: Fish Images: Duane Raver/USFWS Good: Excellent: Rocky Mountain PFA Fish by Lake Lake Heath* Antioch Acres 202 357 Largemouth Bass X X Bluegill X X Redear Sunfish X X Black Crappie X X Channel Catfish X X Hybrid X X *Heath Lake is now open the 1st through the 10th of each month; all largemouth bass 14"-20" must be released; anglers may possess only one bass over 20" M O U N T A IN R E C R E A T I R O CKY C ON AN D ON P U B L IC F IS H IN G A R E A N 0 .3 L O W E R O P E R A T IN G P O O L (N O P U B L IC A C C E S S ) M O D U R N I T V A E IN V IE W U P P E R O P E R A T IN G P O O L (N O P U B L IC A C C E S S ) P PO W ERHO USE P 0 .2 A N T IO C H L A K E E A S T TO RO M E 2 .3 DEPT. OF NATU RAL R ESO U R CES e Re O N S T IT U T I 1776 G E O R G IA M a n a g e d in p a r tn e r s h ip w ith O g le th o r p e P o w e r C o r p o r a tio n . 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