How To Fish In Georgia

Transcription

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2 FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION Cn Con C o ntent t ents s 3 BIG FISH AWARDS CATCH A BIG ONE AND GET REWARDED! 3 FREE FISHING DAYS FISH FOR FREE THREE TIMES EACH YEAR! 4 KIDS TIPS FOR TAKING KIDS FISHING 4 THE BASICS FISHING FUNDAMENTALS WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED 4 FISHING TIPS 5 NORTHWEST GEORGIA REGION MAP 6 NORTHWEST GEORGIA REGION FISHING SITES 7 REGION GUIDE SITE DESCRIPTIONS 8 PFAS: GEORGIA S PUBLIC FISHING AREAS OFFER FAMILY FUN 11 A TO RECONNECT WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS re you looking for a fun, family activity that is close to home and one that does not require you to spend a fortune on equipment just to get started? Then, why not give fishing a try? People of all ages love to fish because it gives them a chance to get outdoors and spend quality time with their family and friends. Fishing opportunities in Georgia are endless. With more than 12,000 miles of warmwater streams, 4,000 miles of trout streams, countless saltwater opportunities and thousands of acres of reservoirs and small ponds scattered throughout the state, anglers easily can find a good fishing spot close to home. Fish for trout in a cool North Georgia mountain stream, bass in one of the state s many reservoirs or red drum on the scenic coast. Fishing is an activity that often is passed on from generation to generation. Make fishing part of your family tradition so you always will have something in common! The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) wants to help! This guide is designed to help you get ready to go fishing and to easily find the perfect spot, whether you are making a family outing for the day or going on an excursion with your friends. Detailed information on possession and length limits, trout streams, other fishing opportunities and much more is available on WRD s interactive website or in the Georgia Sportfishing Regulations Booklet found at license dealers and WRD offices.

3 FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION Who Needs a Fishing License? Anglers age 16 and older must have a fi shing license to fi sh in fresh or salt water in Georgia. Exceptions Anglers do not need a license to fi sh in private ponds (not including ponds owned by city, county, state or federal government). Landowners and their immediate family do not need a license to fi sh on their property. Where Can I Buy a Fishing License? At over 1,000 license dealers statewide, including outdoor sporting goods stores, convenience stores, bait and tackle stores, marinas and large chain stores with sporting goods departments (i.e. Wal-Mart and K-Mart). On the internet at (24 hours/day, 7 days/week) Over the phone, call (24 hours/day, 7 days/week) FREE LICENSES Some Georgia residents fi sh for free see if you qualify for any of the following: Residents age 65 and older may fi sh with the free Senior Lifetime License. Permanently and totally disabled residents may obtain a Disability Honorary Combination Hunting and Fishing License. Blind residents may obtain a Lifetime Honorary Fishing License. LICENSE FEES Fishing and hunting licenses are now valid for one full year from the date of purchase. Resident Licenses One-Day Fishing: $3.50 Annual Fishing: $9 Sportsman s: $60 (covers hunting and fi shing licenses for the year) Trout: $5 (needed in addition to Fishing License if trout fi shing) Combination Hunting and Fishing: $17 Wildlife Management Area: $19 (allows angler to fi sh on all Georgia Public Fishing Areas) Lifetime: $ (price depends on age and covers hunting and fi shing privileges for life) Nonresident Licenses One-Day Fishing: $ Day Fishing: $7 Annual Fishing: $24 Trout: $13 (needed in addition to Fishing License) Wildlife Management Area: $73 (allows angler to fi sh on all Georgia Public Fishing Areas) BIG FISH AWARDS CATCH A BIG ONE AND GET REWARDED! Is it possible to get rewarded for fi shing? Each year, WRD recognizes lucky residents with Angler Awards for their great catches and anglers also receive additional recognition for reeling in new state record fi sh. You could be a winner in 2005! Angler Awards: Anglers who catch trophy fi sh (meeting or beating the minimum weight limit for that species) are eligible for an Angler Award. State Records: Catching a new state record typically only happens once every few years. However, anglers recently set new state records for spotted sunfi sh, yellow bullhead, green sunfi sh, rainbow trout and redeye bass. You might catch the next big one! For more information on angler awards and state record fi sh, visit the WRD website at 3 w w w. g o f i s h g e o r g i a. c o m

4 FREE FISHING DAYS FISH for Free THREE TIMES Each Year! Georgia residents have three opportunities to fi sh for free each year. Free Fishing Days are offered during National Fishing and Boating Week (June 4-12, 2005) and on National Hunting and Fishing Day Free Fishing Days June 4 June 11 September 24 On these days, Georgia residents do not need a fi shing or trout license to fi sh in any public waters in the state including lakes, streams and ponds. Additionally, residents do not need a wildlife management area license to fi sh on a public fi shing area or on Waters Creek. KIDS TIPS FOR TAKING KIDS FISHING 1. Keep it easy. Choose simple tackle, bait and techniques. Fish for species that you can catch a lot of in a very short amount of time. The goal should be to keep their rod bent as much as possible. Don t worry about catching a fi sh that YOU will be proud of, catch anything! The more interesting, colorful and unique the fi sh, the more excited they will be. 2. Keep it short. Marathon days are not what they need. Try to fi nd fi shing spots VERY close that that don t require long car or boat rides. 3. Keep them covered. Use plenty of sunscreen and protective clothing. Try not to make anything about the experience painful or unpleasant. 4. Keep them happy. Take lots of snacks including a treat that usually is not allowed at home. Snacks can help break up any moments of frustration and keeps kids interested. 5. Keep your cool. Expect to re-bait hooks and take out tangles and knots all day. This is their day, not yours. The quickest way to turn a kid off of fi shing is to get frustrated with them. Teach them what you know -- tell them about birds, plants or fi sh. Kids remember these things and fi nd it interesting. Read to them about fi sh. 6. Keep a few fish for dinner. Keep fish within the limits and never keep more than you plan to eat. These lessons mold responsible and conscientious anglers to ensure the future of our fisheries. 7. Keep it FUN! The fi rst 30 minutes are the most exciting and interesting for children. If they are not interested in fi shing DO NOT PUSH THEM! If they lose interest, let them do what they want. Try to give them an experience that goes beyond catching fi sh. Take time out to explore, try looking for bugs or other animals or just skip stones across the water. If they see that you enjoy yourself, they will love fi shing like you do. 8. Take them fishing so you will always have something in common! Go to for information on where to take a kid fi shing. THE BASICS Fishing Fundamentals What You Need to Get Started If you are just learning to fi sh, here is a summary of basic fi shing gear and tackle you may want to purchase to get you started. Your fi rst purchase should be a fi shing license, then RODS AND REELS- there are two basic types of rods and reels for beginning anglers: spincasting and spinning. A spincasting rod and reel combination is probably the simplest and best allaround gear for beginning anglers and children. The spincaster reel sits on top of the rod handle and the line is enclosed in the reel. This is good for fi shing with bait (live bait or foods such as hotdogs, cheese or bread) and does not tangle as easily. You can purchase a starter outfi t for as little as $15 - $20. A spinning rod and reel combination uses an open reel below the rod handle. The spool, which holds the line, does not revolve and is not enclosed. Spinning combinations are best for active fi shing methods when using artifi cial worms, spinners, jigs or other metal or plastic baits. A basic cane pole or bream buster (a long, fi berglass pole without a reel) is another good option for beginner anglers. Simple, inexpensive starter fi shing sets are available at sporting goods and department stores and are great for kids. LINE- modern fi shing line comes in a few basic types, but monofi lament is the most popular. Monofilament means single strand. This inexpensive plastic line made of nylon will stretch and wear out after a season or two. It is available in many colors and strengths and is a good line for beginners. Fishing line is sized and sold according to the term pound test. This means that a 6-pound test line is designed not to break until at least 6 pounds of stress is placed on the line. You want to purchase line to match the size of the reel and bait that you are using, and the type of fish you want to catch. For most freshwater fi shing, 8 16 pound lines are the most common. 54 w w w. g o f i s h g e o r g i a. c o m

5 Anglers only need to learn a couple of knots, the improved clinch knot and Palomar knot, to get started. P A L O M A R K N O T S C L I N C H K N O T S The most basic item needed to catch fi sh is a hook at the end of your line. Hooks come in a variety of sizes from 1/0 to 14 or smaller. The larger the number of the hook, the smaller the hook- a size 6 hook is bigger than a size 10 hook. For fi shing with live or natural bait, an assortment of hooks sized 6-10 are suitable. You can add weights to help get your bait down lower in the water. Floats or bobbers make it easier to see if you get a bite. Natural and live bait used for fi shing include: bait fi sh (minnows), worms, crickets, stink baits, jar baits (salmon eggs), bread balls, corn kernels and even sliced hotdogs. Fishing lures come in various types, sizes and colors - all attempt to imitate something a fi sh eats or that may entice a strike or bite. Common lures include: spinners, spoons, plastic worms, jigs and plugs. Visit your local sporting goods or tackle shop to see the variety that are available. OTHER FISHING GEAR- once you have your bait, rod and reel there are a few more items you may want to consider that will make your trips more fun and comfortable. Tackle boxes are designed to carry all of your hooks, bobbers, lures, lines and other fi shing gear. They don t need to be expensive or fancy but should be big enough to meet your needs. A pair of small needlenose pliers help remove hooks from fi sh and pinch down weights that you may add to your line. A scale and measuring tape will help you know if your fi sh is of a legal size to keep and give you bragging rights! A stringer or bucket will help hold your catch. Sunscreen, insect repellent, camera and a fish rag cloth will add to your comfort and your memories. Rain gear, hat, and waders. Dress for the outdoors and the weather! F I S H I N G T I P S BASS Georgia is home to the world record largemouth bass (22 lbs., 4 oz.) caught in 1932 and the world record shoal bass (8 lbs., 3 oz.) caught in In fact, Georgia boasts six species of bass more than any other state. Anglers can reel in different bass species throughout the state, but largemouth are the most popular. Best time to fish: Early spring when bass finish spawning is the most productive time. Angler tips: Bass stay in shallow areas and feed aggressively in the spring as water temperatures warm, in deeper water during the hot summer and then return to shallow areas in the fall. Fish for bass from a bank or boat near woody debris and edges of aquatic vegetation beds or above submerged points. Gear/Bait: Effective artificial lures are those that imitate minnows and soft baits like rubber worms. Spinning or spincasting combinations are the most popular, but more advanced anglers find fly fishing with streamers and poppers effective. Beginner anglers should try using four-inch worms, size 1/0 offset hooks and 3/16 oz. bullet weights. BREAM (SUNFISH) Anglers can catch bream all over Georgia and their availability and abundance make this a great species for fishing with kids. Bream include: redbreast, bluegill and redear (shellcracker). Best time to fish: Mornings and evenings during the spring, summer, and fall months are generally the most productive times for bream fishing. Angler tips: Redbreasts are most abundant in south Georgia rivers in deep holes with submerged woody debris along main river channels. When fishing for bluegill, cast bait around cover along the shoreline in oxbow lakes, sloughs, slack-water areas or eddy pockets. In late spring, anglers will find redear around woody debris and overhanging vines along riverbanks. Gear/Bait: Beginners only need a simple spincasting combination, spinning combination or cane pole with 6 8 pound line, size 6 or 8 hook, a small bobber and a small weight. Bluegill and redbreast take live bait and artificial lures. Redbreast and bluegill prefer crickets and worms under a bobber or on the bottom with split-shot weights. Redear prefer red wigglers or crickets fished near the bottom or under a bobber. Fly fishing for these pan fish with small poppers also is great fun! CATFISH Catfish are another popular game fish and usually are fairly easy to catch, plentiful, large in size and delicious! Best time to fish: Mornings, evenings and nights during the spring, summer and fall months are generally the most productive times for catfish. Angler tips: Anglers can fish from a bank or boat in streams, rivers, eddies and shallower water in lakes and ponds. Gear/Bait: Anglers can use anything from a simple cane pole to a spincasting combination with a hook, weight and bobber. Beginner anglers should use size1/0 to 4/0 hooks, small weights for 2-15 pound catfish and a proportional line weight. Bigger fish require larger hooks and heavier weights. Effective baits include worms, cut fish, liver, stinkbaits and even cut up hotdogs. STRIPED AND HYBRID BASS These fish are an important component in providing quality fishing and diversity to Georgia s freshwater resources. WRD stocks stripers and hybrids in 28 water bodies ranging from 84 to 45,000 acres. The average weight of a striped bass is 8-10 pounds and hybrids average about 3 pounds. Best time to fish: Bank and boat fishing in shallow water is most productive from Oct. May. During summer, trolling with live bait in deeper water is the most productive. Angler tips: Casting or trolling with artificial lures in shallow water (less than 10 feet) and deeper water (15-30 feet) is productive in reservoirs. Gear/Bait: Beginner anglers should use a medium weight, 6-7 foot spinning or spincasting combination with pound line. Common striper baits are 3/8 ounce white bucktail jigs, soft plastic jerk baits, large minnow-like lures and live bait (minnows, bluegill, shad and blueback herring). The best live bait methods include still fishing with a large bobber in shallow water and vertically fishing with a 1- ounce sinker in deep water. Use size 4 hooks with large live baits to land big stripers and hybrids. TROUT Fishing opportunities in Georgia vary from heavily stocked, easily accessible streams (better for beginners) to small lakes and remote wilderness rivers. Best time to fish: WRD stocks trout from late March Aug. Stocking frequency and distribution depend on a stream s fishing pressure, accessibility and water conditions. In general, streams on public lands are stocked more often and with more fish. Refer to the regulations booklet or for special trout regulations, seasons, maps and stocking information. Angler tips: Trout usually stay near the bottom of streams in deep pools and in slower moving pockets around boulders and submerged tree limbs. Anglers should stand downstream from the area they want to fish. Cast the bait several feet above your location and let it drift into the target area, slowly reeling in the slack line. Use just enough weight to have the bait occasionally bump along the bottom. Gear/Bait: Beginner anglers should use a lightweight, 5- foot spinning or spincasting combination with 4-6 pound line, size 10 hook and 1 2 small weights (split-shot). Common baits include corn kernels, worms, night crawlers and salmon eggs. Adventurous anglers may want to give fly fishing a try. Consult a knowledgeable sales person at a fly fishing shop or sporting goods store for advice on rods, line and fly patterns. 5 w w w. g o f i s h g e o r g i a. c o m

6 N orthwest Georgia offers a wide diversity of fi shing and outdoor recreational opportunities the whole family will enjoy. Hundreds of miles of cool streams offer trout anglers a variety of options, from packing into the Cohutta Wilderness Area to outwit the native brook trout to fi shing for hatchery-stocked rainbow trout within a few feet of their car. The area offers three major reservoirs and many smaller lakes where you can fi sh for bass, crappie, bream and catfi sh. Northwest Georgia is blessed with numerous medium and large rivers that offer great fi shing for many different species, including huge catfi sh and one of the Southeast s best striped bass fi sheries. Six Georgia state parks, a Georgia Public Fishing Area, and thousands of acres of public land operated by the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Tennessee Valley Authority are awaiting Georgians and out-of-state visitors. For a great trip, combine fi shing with other available family outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling and boating on the region s many waterways and natural areas. N O R T H W E S T G E O R G I A R E G I O N 59 Dade Walker Catoosa LaFayette 75 Whitfield 76 Chatsworth Murray Fannin Blue Ridge Gilmer Union Chattooga Calhoun Gordon Pickens Lumpkin Dawson Floyd 17 Bartow 3 Canton Cartersville Cherokee Forsyth Cedartown Polk Dallas Cobb 8 Gwinnett 85 Paulding Haralson Douglasville Douglas 9 Atlanta 285 DeKalb 20 Region Locator Map I II III IV 4 Carroll 5 Carrollton 85 Fulton Clayton 675 Henry V VI VII Coweta Fayette 75 Heard 6 w w w. g o f i s h g e o r g i a. c o m

7 MAP STRIPERS/ BLUEGILL/ STATE BOAT LOANER KIDS PICNIC NUMBER COUNTY SITE NAME TROUT BASS HYBRIDS CRAPPIE SUNFISH CATFISH PARK CAMPING RESTROOM(S) RAMP(S) FISHING AMENITIES AREA(S) POLES NEARBY 1 Bartow Allatoona Lake 2 Bartow Etowah River 3 Bartow Stamp Creek 4 Carroll John Tanner State Park 5 Carroll Lake Carroll 6 Chattooga James H. Floyd State Park 7 Cherokee Latham Reservoir 8 Cobb Chattahoochee River 9 Douglas Sweetwater Creek State Conservation Park 10 Fannin Blue Ridge Lake 11 Fannin Jacks River 12 Fannin Noontootla Creek 13 Fannin Rock Creek 14 Fannin Rock Creek Lake 15 Fannin Toccoa River Above Blue Ridge Lake 16 Fannin Toccoa River Below Blue Ridge Lake 17 Floyd Coosa River 18 Floyd Johns Creek 19 Floyd Lake Marvin 20 Floyd Paris Lake 21 Floyd Rocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area 22 Floyd Weiss Lake 23 Gilmer Cartecay River 24 Gilmer Carters Lake 25 Gilmer Mountaintown Creek 26 Gordon Coosawattee River 27 Gordon Oostanaula River 28 Gordon Salacoa Lake 29 Haralson Helton-Holland Park 30 Murray Conasauga River 31 Murray Fort Mountain State Park 32 Murray Holly Creek 33 Murray Lake Conasauga 34 Paulding Goldmine Lakes 35 Paulding Raccoon Creek 36 Walker Queen City Lake 37 Walker West Armuchee Creek 7 w w w. g o f i s h g e o r g i a. c o m

8 REGION GUIDE: SITE DESCRIPTIONS 1. ALLATOONA LAKE Site Description: Only 30 miles from metro Atlanta, Allatoona Lake is one of the most frequently visited Corps of Engineers lakes in the United States. The lake offers all types of outdoor recreation including good fishing for many different species. Best Fishing Times: Bass (March Oct.), Striped and hybrid striped bass (Nov. May), crappie (Feb. April), catfish (year round). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Paw Paw s Lakeside Market on North Main Street in Acworth. Directions: Allatoona Lake is about 30 miles north of Atlanta in Bartow, Cherokee, and Cobb counties and is reachable from I-75 or I-575. Local Information: Call WRD at , visit or visit the Corps of Engineers at army.mil/default.htm. Note: blueback herring are not allowed as bait on Allatoona Lake. 2. ETOWAH RIVER Site Description: The Etowah River extends nearly 49 miles from Allatoona Dam to Rome. The lower river is boat accessible from the ramp in downtown Rome. Upriver, launching a canoe or kayak at a road crossing is the best choice due to numerous rocky shoals. Best Fishing Times: Striped bass and catfish (June Sept.), black bass (April Oct.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Wal-Mart on Hwy. 411 east of Rome. Directions: The boat ramp is in Heritage Park in downtown Rome near the intersection of Hwy.s. 27 and 20. Other crossings include the Hwy. 1 Loop, Hwy. 411, and several secondary roads. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit www. gofishgeorgia.com. 3. STAMP CREEK Site Description: Stamp Creek on Pine Log WMA provides a good mix of easy and walk-in fishing for stocked rainbow trout. The bridge crossing at the entrance to the area is heavily stocked and heavily fished. Hike into the area for less pressured water. Best Fishing Times: Rainbow trout (April Oct.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Wal-Mart in Cartersville on Hwy. 41. Directions: From I-75 at Cartersville take Hwy miles north to Stamp Creek Rd on the right. Travel 3.5 miles to the check station on left. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit 4. JOHN TANNER STATE PARK Site Description: Lakes of 12 and 16 acres are available on this State Park. Both lakes offer fishing for bass, bream, and catfish in addition to other outdoor recreation opportunities. A nominal fee is required to use the area. Best Fishing Times: Largemouth bass, bream, catfish (April Nov.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Carrollton Bass Pro Shop on Hwy. 27 in Carrollton. Directions: Six miles west of Carrollton off Hwy. 16. Local Information: Call John Tanner State Park at or visit 5. LAKE CARROLL Site Description: The City of Carrollton operates this 171-acre lake offering anglers a shot at catching bass, bream, and catfish. A boat launch is available, but public shoreline access is limited. Boats are required to have a lake permit. Best Fishing Times: Largemouth bass, bream, catfish (April Nov.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Carrollton Bass Pro Shop on Hwy. 27 in Carrollton. Directions: The lake is found on the northeast side of Carrollton on Georgia Hwy Local Information: Call WRD at , visit or call the City of Carrollton at JAMES H. FLOYD STATE PARK Site Description: The park contains two fishing lakes, each approximately 30 acres in size. Excellent shoreline and boat access along with other recreation facilities make this site a good choice for a family trip. A nominal fee is required to use the area. Best Fishing Times: Bass, bream, catfish (March Nov.). Supplies: Bait and fishing licenses are available at the park office. Directions: Three miles south of Summerville off Hwy. 27 on Sloppy Floyd Lake Rd. Local Information: Call James H. Sloppy Floyd State Park at or visit www. gastateparks.org. 7. LATHAM RESERVOIR Site Description: This 334-acre Cherokee County Water Authority reservoir is open to fishing for bass, bream, and catfish. A launch facility and some shoreline access is available. A nominal fee is charged for parking. Best Fishing Times: Largemouth bass, bream, catfish (March Oct.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Handi Corner on Hwy. 53 near the lake. Directions: The lake is near the Cherokee-Dawson county line and can be reached by traveling south from Hwy. 53 on Cowart Road. Local Information: Call WRD at or the Reservoir Manager s Office at CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER (SOPE CREEK TO U.S. HWY. 41) Site Description: Open to fishing year-round with Delayed Harvest regulations Nov 1 May 14. Stocked with trout. Access at National Park Service facilities to fish from bank, boat, tube or by wading (fee). Best Fishing Times: Trout (all year with harvest allowed May 15 Oct 31, shoal bass (May Oct), catfish (May Aug). Note: see fishing regulations for full Delayed Harvest section information. Supplies: Bait, tackle and licenses are available at The Sports Authority store on Cobb Parkway. Directions: From I-75 Take Exit 25, Mt. Paran Rd. Take U.S. 41 (Cobb Parkway). Turn right on U.S. 41 for 1 mi, cross the river. Immediate left to park. Local information: Maps of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area available from WRD at or visit or 9. SWEETWATER CREEK STATE CONSERVATION PARK Site Description: George Sparks Reservoir in Sweetwater Creek State Conservation Park is a 215-acre lake offering good fishing for bass, bream, and catfish only minutes from downtown Atlanta. A nominal fee is required to use the area. No camping is available. Best Fishing Times: Largemouth, bass, bream, catfish (March-Oct). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at the bait shop on the park. Directions: Take I-20 West to exit 12 at Thornton Road and turn left. Travel 0.25 mile south on Thornton Road and turn right onto Blairs Bridge Road. Travel 2.2 miles to Mt. Vernon Road. Turn left and drive 0.5 mile to the park. Local Information: Call Sweetwater Creek State Conservation Park at or visit BLUE RIDGE LAKE Site Description: Blue Ridge Lake is the best destination in Georgia for catching smallmouth bass. Other favorite species in this 3,290-acre lake include largemouth bass, spotted bass, bream, white bass, and walleye. Best Fishing Times: Bass (April Oct), bream (May-June), white bass and walleye (Feb. March). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Crossroads Country Store on Hwy. 60 in Morganton. Directions: Just east of the town of Blue Ridge on Hwy. 76. Local Information: Call WRD at , visit or the U.S. Forest Service at To help the native smallmouth bass, anglers are encouraged to keep their daily bag limit of the introduced spotted bass. 11. JACKS RIVER Site Description: The Jacks River is a major tributary to the Conasauga River. The two rivers parallel each other through the Cohutta Wilderness Area. The Jacks is excellent angling for wild rainbow, brown, and brook trout in a wilderness setting. Best 8 w w w. g o f i s h g e o r g i a. c o m

9 Fishing Times: Trout (Last Saturday in March through October, seasonal trout stream). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at North Market Amoco on Hwy. 5. Directions: From Blue Ridge go north 3.5 miles on Hwy. 5 to Old Hwy. 2 on the left. At the intersection between Old Hwy. 2, FS64, and FS 22, turn left onto FS64 to reach the Jacks River headwaters or turn right onto FS 22 to reach the wilderness area trailheads. Local Information: Visit the U.S. Forest Service at call WRD at , or visit NOONTOOTLA CREEK Site Description: Noontootla Creek is the premiere stream of the Blue Ridge WMA in Fannin County. Access to the creek is excellent, with almost the entire watershed on public land. Best Fishing Times: Trout (April Nov.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Crossroads Country Store on Hwy. 60 in Morganton. Directions: Noontootla Creek can be reached from various secondary and Forest Service Roads leading off of Hwy. s. 60 and 52. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit Note: Special regulations apply to this area check the fishing regulations to find out more. 13. ROCK CREEK Site Description: Near the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery, Rock Creek is one of the heaviest stocked trout streams in Georgia. The creek s tame nature and heavy stocking make Rock Creek a good choice for families and anglers in search of an easy trout supper. Best Fishing Times: Trout (April Oct.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Martins Mercantile on Hwy miles north of Rock Creek Road. Directions: From Morganton, travel 14.4 miles south on Hwy. 60 to FS69 on the right. Take FS69 to the creek. Local Information: Call WRD at , visit or visit the U.S. Forest Service at ROCK CREEK LAKE Site Description: At 13 acres, Rock Creek Lake offers trout fishing of the still-water variety right next door to Rock Creek. Like the creek, the lake is heavily stocked and camping is available. Best Fishing Times: Trout (April Oct.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Martins Mercantile on Hwy miles north of Rock Creek Road. Directions: From Morganton, travel 14.4 miles south on Hwy. 60 to FS69 on the right. Take FS69 to the lake on the right. Local Information: Call WRD at , visit or visit the U.S. Forest Service at TOCCOA RIVER ABOVE BLUE RIDGE LAKE Site Description: The upper stretch of the Toccoa River flows nearly 30 miles through a patchwork of public and private land before reaching Blue Ridge Lake. The river s moderate rapids and lack of development make it a great choice for float-fishing. Best Fishing Times: Trout (April through Oct.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Martins Mercantile on Hwy miles north of Rock Creek Road. Directions: Access points can be reached via county roads off Hwy. 60 or from Blue Ridge by traveling south on Aska Road. Local Information: Call WRD at , visit or visit the U.S. Forest Service at TOCCOA RIVER BELOW BLUE RIDGE LAKE Site Description: The Toccoa River below Blue Ridge Dam is arguably the best tailwater trout fishery in Georgia. Plenty of both rainbow and brown trout makes the Toccoa a good choice for big-water trout fishing. Best Fishing Times: Trout (year-round). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at North Market Amoco on Hwy. 5. Directions: The river is paralleled on either side by Hwy. 5 and Hwy. 60. County roads intersecting these highways provide access to the river. Public parks with river access are found immediately below the dam and in McCaysville near the state line. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit COOSA RIVER Site Description: The Coosa River begins in downtown Rome with the joining of the Oostanaula and Etowah rivers before eventually reaching Alabama and Weiss Lake. The river is the primary spawning ground for a landlocked population of striped bass. Best Fishing Times: Striped bass (April June), catfish (March Oct.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Wal-Mart on Shorter Avenue in Rome. Directions: The boat ramp in Heritage Park is in downtown Rome near the intersection of Hwy. 27 and Hwy. 20. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit Note: Blueback herring are not allowed as bait on the Coosa River. 18. JOHNS CREEK Site Description: Johns Creek is the region s heaviest stocked trout stream with several miles of public access on Johns Mountain WMA and a handicap-accessible fishing pier. Camping is available on the WMA or at the USFS Campground nearby. Best Fishing Times: Rainbow trout (Last Saturday in March through October, seasonal trout stream). Supplies: The Villanow General Store at the intersection of Hwy.s. 136 and 201 offers licenses and supplies. Directions: From Calhoun, take Hwy. 156 west to Rosedale crossroads (about 14.5 miles). Turn right onto Everett Springs Rd. and continue about 10 miles to the WMA. Local Information: Contact WRD at or www. gofishgeorgia.com. Visit the U.S. Forest Service at us/conf. 19. LAKE MARVIN Site Description: Lake Marvin, about 90 acres in size, is part of a Girl Scout Camp but is open to the public for fishing. Lake Marvin is locally known for fine bream fishing. A nominal fee is charged to access the lake. Best Fishing Times: Largemouth bass and bream (April Nov.). Supplies: The Villanow General Store at the intersection of Hwy.s. 136 and 201 offers licenses and supplies. Directions: From Calhoun, take Hwy. 156 west to Rosedale crossroads (about 14.5 miles). Turn right onto Everett Springs Rd and continue 14.2 miles to Lake Marvin Rd. on the right. Drive 1.2 miles and the access point will be on the right. Local Information: Call WRD at , visit www. gofishgeorgia.com, or call the camp at PARIS LAKE Site Description: This 52-acre lake on the campus of Floyd College offers anglers a chance at bass, bream, and catfish. Best Fishing Times: Bass, bream, catfish (March Oct.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Wal-Mart on Hwy Directions: Five miles south of Rome on Hwy. 27. Local Information: Call WRD at , visit or call Floyd College at ROCKY MOUNTAIN RECREATION AND PUBLIC FISHING AREA Site Description: Rocky Mountain PFA offers two fishing lakes (202 and 357 acres), swimming, picnicking, camping, hiking, and hunting. A WMA stamp is not required at Rocky Mountain, but a daily parking fee is required. Best Fishing Times: Largemouth bass, bream, catfish (April Nov.). Supplies: Supplies are available at the general store located at the main entrance to the area. Directions: From Rome, go north on Hwy. 27 for 10.4 miles. Turn left on Sike Storey Road and go 0.4 mile. Turn left onto Big Texas Valley Road and travel 5.4 miles to the entrance on the left. Local Information: Contact the Area Manager s Office at or visit WEISS LAKE Site Description: The Coosa River from Mayo s Lock and Dam near Rome to the state line is the Georgia portion of Weiss Reservoir, a 30,000-acre Alabama Power project. This Georgia portion encompasses approximately 2,000 acres of river and shallow backwater sloughs. Best Fishing Times: Striped bass (March Aug.), white bass and crappie (March April), bass, bream, and catfish (March Nov.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Mayo s Lock and Dam Park. Directions: Lock and Dam Park 3.4 miles west off Hwy. 27 on Walker Mtn. Rd. Other access points are at River Road just west of the easternmost intersection of Hwy.s. 20 and 100, and at Montgomery Landing off Blacks Bluff Road west of Hwy. 100 near Cave Spring. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit Note: Blueback herring are not allowed as bait on Weiss Lake. 23. CARTECAY RIVER Site Description: The Cartecay River on Rich Mountain WMA receives some stocked trout and is also a good choice for bream and redeye bass. Since easy bank access is very limited, the river is best fished by wading or floating with a canoe. Best Fishing Times: Trout (April - Oct.), bass and bream (May - Oct.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Wal-Mart in Ellijay. Directions: Take Georgia Hwy. 52 southeast out of East Ellijay for two miles. Turn right at the Rich Mtn. WMA sign and 9 w w w. g o f i s h g e o r g i a. c o m

10 follow road back to the canoe access. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit CARTERS LAKE Site Description: 3,220-acre Carters Lake is the deepest lake in Georgia plunging to more than 400 feet at the dam. This Corps of Engineers reservoir is best known for the trophy spotted bass it produces on a regular basis. Best Fishing Times: Bass, stripers, and hybrid striped bass (Feb.-Nov.), walleye (Feb. March). Supplies: Bait and licenses are available at Carters Marina or Bart s Bait and Tackle at the intersection of Hwy.s. 136 and 382. Directions: Carters Lake can be reached from Hwy.s. 136 and 382 on the south and east side or Hwy. 76 on the north side. Local Information: Call WRD at , visit www. gofishgeorgia.com, or visit the Corps of Engineers at carters.sam.usace.army.mil/. Note: Blueback herring are not allowed as bait on Carters Lake. 25. MOUNTAINTOWN CREEK Site Description: Mountaintown Creek begins near the boundary of the Cohutta Wilderness Area before eventually joining the Coosawattee River. The upper reach of the stream flows through the Cohutta WMA. Both stocked and native brown and rainbow trout are possible. Best Fishing Times: Trout (March Nov.). Supplies: Licenses and supplies are available at Wal-Mart in Ellijay on Hwy Directions: From Ellijay go 9 miles west on Hwy. 52. Turn right onto Conasauga Cr. Rd. to Stillhouse Branch Rd. on right, then 2 miles to FS90 on right. To hike in from upstream, continue straight on FS18 to FS64 on right. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit Note: special regulations apply to various sections of this area check the fishing regulations to find out more. 26. COOSAWATTEE RIVER Site Description: The lower Coosawattee River extends approximately 25 miles from Carters Reservoir to its confluence with the Conasauga River near Calhoun. Public boat access is limited to a ramp at Hwy. 225 near Calhoun. Best Fishing Times: Catfish, spotted bass (April Oct.), striped bass (June Sept.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Wal-Mart on Hwy. 53 in Calhoun. Directions: The river can be reached from Hwy.s. 136 and 225, several secondary roads, and at the Corps of Engineers recreation site at the Carters Lake Dam. The only developed boat ramp is at the Hwy. 225 crossing. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit www. gofishgeorgia.com. 27. OOSTANAULA RIVER Site Description: The Oostanaula River winds southward approximately 49 miles from Calhoun to Rome where it merges with the Etowah River to form the Coosa River. The river can be accessed from any of five boat ramps. Best Fishing Times: Catfish (April Oct.), white bass (Feb. - March), striped bass (April May). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Wal- Mart on Hwy. 53 in Calhoun. Directions: Boat ramps are located at crossings on Hwy.s. 140, 156, 136 Connector, 225 (Coosawattee River), U.S. 27 in Rome (Coosa River). Local Information: Call WRD at or visit SALACOA LAKE Site Description: Gordon County operates this 126-acre lake. The lake provides good fishing for bass, bream, and catfish. Besides boat and shoreline fishing, other facilities include camping and swimming. A nominal fee is charged to use the area. Best Fishing Times: Largemouth bass, bream, catfish (April Nov.). Supplies: Bait and licenses are available at Allen Market on Redbud Road near the park. Directions: The lake is 12 miles east of Calhoun on Hwy Local Information: Call WRD at , visit or call Gordon County at HELTON-HOLLAND PARK Site Description: The 10-acre lake in this City of Tallapoosa park offers opportunities for catching bass, bream, and catfish. Other facilities are available at the site. A nominal fee is required to use the area. Best Fishing Times: Bass, bream, catfish (March Oct.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Wal-Mart on Hwy. 27 in Bremen. Directions: 1.4 miles east of Tallapoosa City Hall on Georgia Hwy. 78. Local Information: Call WRD at , visit or call the City of Tallapoosa at CONASAUGA RIVER Site Description: The pristine 15-mile stretch of the Conasauga River within the Cohutta Wilderness Area is excellent fishing for native brown, rainbow, and brook trout. Accessing the river requires foot travel on trails ranging from moderately to extremely strenuous. Best Fishing Times: Trout (April Nov.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at St. Clair s convenience store on CCC Camp Rd. Directions: The Conasauga River western trailheads are reached from FS17, FS68, and FS64 (See Lake Conasauga). To reach the southern trailheads, see Holly Creek directions and continue up the mountain to FS64. Local Information: Visit the U.S. Forest Service at conf, call WRD at , or visit com. Note: special regulations apply to various sections of this area check the fishing regulations to find out more. 31. FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK Site Description: The Park s 17-acre mountaintop lake offers anglers the shot at largemouth bass, bream, and catfish. The lake is well suited for shoreline fishing or with a canoe or kayak. A nominal fee is required to use the area. Best Fishing Times: Largemouth bass, bream, catfish (March Oct.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Chatsworth Sporting Goods on Market St. in Chatsworth. Directions: The lake is eight miles east of Chatsworth off Hwy. 52. Local Information: Call Fort Mountain State Park at or visit HOLLY CREEK Site Description: Flowing through Cohutta WMA, this creek provides a good mix of fishing for stocked rainbow trout in the easily accessed lower reaches and the chance at wild trout in its more remote upper reaches. Best Fishing Times: Rainbow trout (March Oct.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at St. Clair s convenience store on CCC Camp Rd. Directions: From Chatsworth travel 3.8 miles north on Hwy. 411 to the traffic light in Eton. Turn right onto 4th Avenue which becomes CCC Camp Road. The paved road gives way to gravel and parking areas will eventually appear on the left. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit www. gofishgeorgia.com. 33. LAKE CONASAUGA Site Description: On Chattahoochee National Forest lands at Grassy Mountain, 19-acre Lake Conasauga is the highest lake in Georgia at 3,150 feet above sea level. The lake offers good fishing for bass and bream and the USFS campground is a popular destination. Best Fishing Times: Bass and bream (May Oct.) Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at St. Clair s convenience store on CCC Camp Rd. Directions: In Crandall, turn east onto Grassy Street. Cross the RR, turn right, and then take the next left onto FS 630. Continue about 7 miles and then turn right on FS 17. Stay on FS17 until it intersects FS 68. Turn right onto FS 68 and follow the signs. Local Information: Visit the U.S. Forest Service at call WRD at , or visit GOLDMINE LAKES Site Description: Three warmwater lakes ranging from three to 14 acres are found on Paulding Forest WMA. The lakes offer walk-in angling for bass and bream. Best Fishing Times: Largemouth bass and bream (March Nov.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Lamar s Sporting Goods on Atlanta Highway in Rockmart. Directions: The lakes can be reached via WMA roads off Hwy Local Information: Call WRD at or visit RACCOON CREEK Site Description: This stocked trout stream flows through the Paulding Forest WMA. The Silver Comet Trail offers good walkin or bicycle access to the stocked portion of the stream. Best Fishing Times: Rainbow trout (Last Saturday in March through October, seasonal trout stream), redeye bass and bream (April - Oct.). Supplies: Bait, tackle, and licenses are available at Lamar s Sporting Goods on Atlanta Highway in Rockmart. Directions: The trailhead can be reached by taking Seaboard Avenue off of Hwy. 278 west of Dallas. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit QUEEN CITY LAKE Site Description: This 260-acre lake is owned by the City of Lafayette and offers good fishing for bass, bream, and catfish. Facilities include a gravel boat ramp and parking area. Best Fishing Times: Bass, bream, and catfish (March Nov.). Supplies: Bait, licenses, and tackle are available at Wal-Mart on Hwy. 27 north of Lafayette. Directions: From the light on Hwy. 27 take Round Pond Road past the high school to the gravel road on the left. Local Information: Call WRD at , visit or call the City of Lafayette office at WEST ARMUCHEE CREEK Site Description: West Armuchee Creek flows through a parcel of National Forest land providing good public access to the stocked portion of the stream. The creek is a good bet for catching rainbow trout. Best Fishing Times: Rainbow trout (April Oct.). Supplies: The Villanow General Store at the intersection of Hwy. s. 136 and 201 offers licenses and supplies. Directions: From Hwy. 27 south of Summerville take Gore-Subligna Road east to Manning Mill Road on the left at the Walker-Chattooga county line. Follow the road to the Forest Service access on the left. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit www. gofishgeorgia.com. 10 w w w. g o f i s h g e o r g i a. c o m

11 PFAS: GEORGIA S PUBLIC FISHING AREAS OFFER FAMILY FUN Public fishing areas (PFAs) are perfect places for family outings. WRD intensively manages these areas to provide a variety of excellent fishing opportunities. You can fish from the bank, pier or boat, picnic, hike, watch wildlife, camp (at some PFAs) and just enjoy being outdoors. Many of these areas have special kids fishing ponds for young anglers. Visit a PFA to see what you, your family and friends have been missing! Currently, WRD operates eight PFAs located around the state. Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfi sh, channel catfi sh and crappie are just a few of the species that might tug on your line at a PFA! Most PFAs are open from sunrise to sunset throughout the year and all areas have facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities. Anglers between the ages of will need either a valid Georgia fi shing license and a wildlife management area license, or just a one-day fi shing license to fi sh at a PFA. Residents 65 and older may fi sh with the Senior Lifetime License. For specifi c area information, contact one of the PFAs listed or visit PFA NAME LOCATION DESCRIPTION Rocky Mountain McDuffie County Big Lazer Creek Marben Farms Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Dodge County Evans County Hugh M. Gillis Paradise miles north of Rome 8 miles east of Thomson 10 miles east of Talbotton 3 miles south of Mansfield 4 miles southeast of Eastman 9 miles east of Claxton 12 miles east of Dublin 8 miles east of Tifton Located in NW Georgia in Floyd County on 5,000 acres and includes two lakes totaling 559 acres. Species: largemouth bass and sunfi sh. Located in Georgia s upper coastal plain on 570 acres and includes 13 ponds from 1-30 acres, a hatchery and an education center. Species: largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfi sh and channel catfi sh. Located in west central Georgia in Talbot County and includes a 195-acre lake. Species: bluegill, channel catfi sh, crappie and largemouth bass. Located in central Georgia in Jasper and Newton counties on 6,400 acres and includes 22 ponds from 1-95 acres, a wildlife management area and an education center. Species: largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfi sh, crappie and channel catfi sh Located in Georgia s middle coastal plain on 444 acres and includes a 104-acre lake. Species: largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and crappie. Located in Georgia s coastal plain on 372 acres and includes three lakes from 8-84 acres. Species: crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill and catfi sh Located in Georgia s middle coastal plain in Laurens County on 640 acres and includes a 109-acre lake. Species: largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfi sh, channel catfi sh and crappie. Located in south central Georgia in Berrien County on 1,250 acres and includes 60 lakes totaling 525 acres. Species: largemouth bass, sunfi sh, crappie and channel catfi sh. 11 w w w. g o f i s h g e o r g i a. c o m

12 Fishing information is available at the click of your mouse fishing regulations public fishing areas license information fish identification guide free fishing days kids fishing events aquatic education trout stream maps stocking information angler awards state records boat ramps reservoir and river prospects small public lakes fish hatcheries fish consumption guidelines pond management fisheries management saltwater fishing aquatic nuisance species much, much, much more!!!! So we ll always have something in common! REGIONAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT OFFICES Region 1 Northwest Georgia Region 2 Northeast Georgia Region 3 East Central Georgia Region 4 West Central Georgia Region 5 Southwest Georgia Region 6 Southeast Georgia Region 7 Coastal Georgia