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1 w w w. g o f i s h g e o r g i a. c o m

2 FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION CooCo Cntent C onte e n ts 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 NORTHEAST GEORGIA REGION MAP 6 NORTHEAST GEORGIA REGION FISHING SITES 7 REGION GUIDE SITE DESCRIPTIONS 8 PFAS: GEORGIA S PUBLIC FISHING AREAS OFFER FAMILY FUN 11 A 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. TO RECONNECT WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS

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 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 Fishing and Hunting 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, bobber, 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 F ishing is the most popular wildlife-related activity in Georgia, enjoyed by every age. Northeast Georgia offers a diversity of fi shing and outdoor recreational opportunities the whole family will enjoy. There are hundreds of miles of cool trout streams nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and below lakes Hartwell and Lanier. You can pursue native brook trout in mountain headwater streams or cast a line for stocked rainbow trout in a larger stream including the cold trout tailwaters that run below reservoirs. Northeast Georgia also offers nine major reservoirs and many small lakes where you can fi sh for bass, crappie, bream and many other game fi sh species. Ten Georgia state parks and thousands of acres of public land operated by the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Georgia Power and Tennessee Valley Authority are awaiting Georgians and out-ofstate visitors. Combine fi shing with other family oriented activities such as hiking, bicycling, golfi ng and shopping at nearby retail outlets and malls. N O R T H E A S T G E O R G I A R E G I O N Fannin Blairsville Union 36 Towns Rabun Clayton 441 Region Locator Map I II Gilmer Lumpkin White Habersham 25 12a 32 12b 31 9c IV V III VI VII Dahlonega Baldwin Stephens 9a Pickens Dawson 4a Hall Banks Franklin Hart 9b 16 Cherokee Forsyth 4b 4d 15 Gainesville 1 85 Commerce c 985 Jackson Madison Elbert Gwinnett 2 Barrow Clarke Oglethorpe 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 1 Banks Commerce Lake 2 Barrow Lake Marbury (Fort Yargo State Park) 3 Dawson Amicalola Creek 4 a Dawson Lake Lanier 4 b Forsyth Lake Lanier 4 c Gwinnett Lake Lanier 4 d Hall Lake Lanier 5 Dawson Little Amicalola Creek (Amicalola State Park) 6 Forsyth Buford Dam Tailwater 7 Forsyth Buford Hatchery Kids Pond 8 Forsyth Rainbow Ranch 9 a Franklin Lake Hartwell (Tugalo State Park) 9 b Hart Lake Hartwell (Hart State Park) 9 c Stephens Lake Hartwell (Stephens County Park) 10 Franklin Victoria Bryant Lake (Victoria Bryant State Park) 11 Habersham Nancytown Lake 12 a Habersham Panther Creek 12 b Stephens Panther Creek 13 Habersham Russell Lake 14 Habersham Soque River 15 Hall Gainesville Mill Pond 16 Hart Hartwell Dam Tailwater 17 Lumpkin Boggs Creek 18 Lumpkin Dicks Creek 19 Lumpkin Dockery Lake 20 Lumpkin Frogtown Creek 21 Lumpkin Nimblewill Creek 22 Rabun Black Rock Lake (Black Rock Mountain State Park) 23 Rabun Burton Hatchery Kids Pond 24 Rabun Lake Burton (Moccasin Creek State Park) 25 Rabun Lake Rabun 26 Rabun Lake Seed 27 Rabun Moccasin Creek (Moccasin Creek State Park) 28 Rabun Tallulah River 29 Rabun Wildcat Creek 30 Stephens Broad River 31 Stephens Lake Louise 32 Stephens Lake Yonah 33 Towns Brasstown Valley Resort 34 Towns Dyers Trout Pond 35 Towns Hickorynut Cove Trout Pond 36 Towns Lake Chatuge 37 Towns Soapstone Creek 38 Towns Swallow Creek 39 Union Cooper Creek 40 Union Lake Nottely 41 Union Lake Tralyta (Vogel State Park) 42 Union Lake Winfi eld Scott 43 White Chattahoochee River 44 White Smith Creek (Unicoi State Park) 45 White Spoilcane Creek 46 White Unicoi Lake (Unicoi State Park) 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. COMMERCE LAKE Site Description: Commerce Lake is a 200-acre water supply reservoir operated by the City of Commerce. Best Fishing Times: Largemouth bass: (April Nov.), bream and catfish (May-Aug.) and crappie (Feb.- May). Supplies: Reed s Bait Shop at 520 Grove Level Rd. is 1/2 mile from the lake. Directions: Take Hwy. 441 north from I-85/441 and turn left on County Rd Go two miles and turn right on Grove Level Rd. beyond the Atlanta Drag Strip Raceway. The lake is five minutes from the Commerce Outlet Mall on I-85. Local Information: Call the City of Commerce at LAKE MARBURY (FORT YARGO STATE PARK) Site Description: Lake Marbury is a 260-acre reservoir located at Fort Yargo State Park that offers good largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bream fishing. Best Fishing Times: Largemouth bass (April - Nov.), catfish (May Aug.) and crappie (March June). Supplies: Loaner fishing poles are available at the park. Bait and tackle may be puchased at the Happy Hooker Bait Store on Hwy. 81 outside of the park entrance. Directions: Take Hwy. 81 south from Winder (the park is one mile from the intersection of Hwy. 11/81). Local Information: Call Fort Yargo State Park at or visit 3. AMICALOLA CREEK Site Description: This large, stocked trout stream is popular with both trout anglers and canoeists. Waters upstream from Steele Bridge Rd. are open to fishing during trout season (last Sat. in March - Oct.). Waters downstream from Steele Bridge are open year-round. Best Fishing Times: Nov. - June. Supplies: Troutflies and tackle are available at Outdoor Traditions on Hwy. 400 at the intersection of Route 136. Directions: Take Hwy. 53 west from Dawsonville for 4.6 miles, turn right on Sweetwater- Juno Rd. then turn left on Steele Bridge Rd. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit Note: special regulations apply for various sections of this area - check the fishing regulations to find out more. 4. LAKE LANIER Lake Lanier is a 38,000-acre Corps of Engineers (COE) reservoir that provides excellent fishing for spotted and striped bass and good fishing for crappie, bream, catfish and white bass. Access to Lake Lanier is found in four counties. 4 A. LAKE LANIER (DAWSON COUNTY) Site Description: Good boat ramp sites in Dawson County are Thompson Creek and Nix Bridge parks and key bank fishing spots are at Thompson Creek and War Hill parks. Best Fishing Times: Striped bass (Feb. June), spotted and largemouth bass (April Nov.), bream and catfish (May-Aug.), crappie and white bass (Feb. May). Supplies: Sanky s Store at the intersection of Hwy. 400 and Hwy. 53. Directions: Take Hwy. 400 north from Atlanta, turn right on Hwy. 53 and follow Corps of Engineers (COE) ramp site signs to Thompson Creek and War Hill parks. Take Hwy. 400 north from Dawsonville, turn right on Hwy. 136 and follow COE ramp sign to Nix Bridge Park. Local Information: Call or visit 4 B. LAKE LANIER (FORSYTH COUNTY) Site Description: Good boat ramp sites in Forsyth County are Six Mile Bridge and Keiths Bridge COE parks and a key bank fishing spot is Charleston Park. Best Fishing Times: Striped bass (Feb. - Dec.), spotted and largemouth bass (April-Nov.), bream and catfish (May-Aug.), crappie and white bass (Feb. May). Supplies: Licenses, bait and tackle are available at North Georgia Fishing Center on Hwy. 306 and the Dam Store on Buford Dam Rd. Directions: Take Hwy. 400 north, turn right on Hwy. 369 and follow COE boat ramp signs to Six Mile Creek and Charleston Park. Take Hwy. 400 north, turn right on Hwy. 306 and follow COE boat ramp signs to Keiths Bridge Park. Local Information: Call or visit 4 C. LAKE LANIER (GWINNETT COUNTY) Site Description: Good boat ramp sites in Gwinnett County are Shoal Creek Day Use and East Bank Parks and a key bank fishing spot is the Shoal Creek Day Use Park. Best Fishing Times: Striped bass (Feb. Dec.), spotted and largemouth bass (April Nov.), bream and catfish (May-Aug.), crappie and white bass (Feb. May). Supplies: Nearby bait and tackle are available the Dam Store on Buford Dam Rd., Buford Wal-Mart and Bass Pro Shops in Duluth. Directions: Take Buford Dam Rd. and follow COE boat ramp signs to Shoal Creek Day Use and East Bank Parks. Local Information: Call or visit 4 D. LAKE LANIER (HALL COUNTY) Site Description: Good boat ramp sites in Hall County are Little Hall and Laurel parks. Key bank fishing spots are at Lanier Point Park, Sadis Creek and Little River Park. Best Fishing Times: Striped bass (Feb. - Dec.), spotted and largemouth bass (April - May and Oct.), bream and catfish (May - Aug.), crappie and white bass (Feb. May). Supplies: Bait, tackle and licenses are available at Nita s Bait and Tackle on Clarks Bridge Road and at Wal-Mart in Gainesville. Directions: Take Hwy. 53 west of Gainesville and follow COE boat ramp signs to Lanier Point, Sardis Creek and Little Hall parks. Take Hwy. 129 north of Gainesville and follow COE boat ramp signs to Laurel and Little River parks. Local Information: Call or visit www. usacelakelanier.net. 5. LITTLE AMICALOLA CREEK (AMICALOLA STATE PARK) Site Description: This small, kid-friendly stream features a heavily stocked reflection pool with a flat, paved shore for easy access. A visitor s center, hiking trails (including the Appalachian Trail) also are available within the park. Best Fishing Times: April-June. Supplies: Loaner fishing poles and tackle are available at the park office. Directions: Located 15 miles northwest of Dawsonville on Ga. Hwy. 52. Take Hwy. 53 west to Hwy. 183, then north to Hwy. 52 east. Local Information: Call Amicalola State Park at or visit 6. BUFORD DAM TAILWATER Site Description: The Chattahoochee River tailwaters downstream of Buford Dam are open to fishing year-round and are stocked weekly (Mar.- mid-sept.) downstream of the dam to Chattahoochee River Park. There are many access spots and you can fish by bank, boat, tube or wading. Best Fishing Times: All year. Supplies: Licenses, bait and tackle are available at the North Georgia Fishing Center on Hwy. 306 and at the Dam Store on Buford Dam Rd. Directions: Take I-985 north from Atlanta and turn left Hwy. 20 at Buford; turn right on Suwannee Dam Rd., then left on Buford Dam Rd. Go over the dam and turn left on the first gravel Rd., which will lead to river below dam Local Information: Call WRD or visit Note: special regulations apply for various sections of this area - check the fishing regulations to find out more. 7. BUFORD HATCHERY KIDS POND Site Description: This 1/2-acre pond offers great fishing with high catch rates - which is always a hit with kids! Other attractions include a wildlife trail, a wetland boardwalk and a hatchery tour each Sat. at 1 p.m. Best Fishing Times: March Nov. Supplies: Loaner cane poles are available at the hatchery and bait can be purchased at the Dam Store on Buford Dam Rd. Directions: Located 3.5 miles east of Cumming. Travel north on Hwy. 400, turn right on Hwy. 20 and go 3.5 miles. Turn left on Hedgewood Drive (Chattahoochee River Club) just before crossing the river. Go one one mile and turn right on Trout Place Rd. Local Information: Call the WRD Buford Hatchery at or visit 8. RAINBOW RANCH Site Description: This is a private operation where a fee is charged based on the pounds of fish caught. Five small ponds are stocked with rainbow trout. No fishing license is required. Best Fishing Times: Contact pond at Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at Rainbow Ranch. Directions: Located on Hwy. 20 at the Chattahoochee River. Local Information: For more information, visit 9. LAKE HARTWELL This 56,000-acre Corps of Engineers (COE) reservoir lake boasts excellent springtime largemouth bass and crappie fishing and good catfish, striped bass and hybrid fishing. 9 A. LAKE HARTWELL (TUGALO STATE PARK) Site Description: In addition to other amenities, Tugalo State Park offers canoe rentals, beach facilities and miniature golf. Best Fishing Times: Spring and fall. Supplies: Loaner fishing poles and tackle are available at the park office. Directions: Located on Hwy. 328 north of Lavonia. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit 9 B. LAKE HARTWELL (HART STATE PARK) Site Description: In addition to other amenties, Hart State Park offers boat rentals, hiking trails, beach facilities and a playground. Best Fishing Times: Spring and fall. Supplies: Loaner fishing poles and tackle are available at the park office. Directions: Located on Hwy. 51 approximately one mile east of Hartwell City Square. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit 8 w w w. g o f i s h g e o r g i a. c o m

9 9 C. LAKE HARTWELL (STEPHENS COUNTY PARK) Site Description: In addition to other amenities, Stephens County Park offers a fishing pier. Best Fishing Times: Spring and fall. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at nearby convenience stores along the highway. Directions: Located on Hwy. 123 east of Toccoa. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit VICTORIA BRYANT LAKE (VICTORIA BRYANT STATE PARK) Site Description: Victoria Bryant State Park offers fishing opportunities for bass, bream and catfish in two small ponds. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, playground, nature trails and golf. Best Fishing Times: April - June. Supplies: Loaner fishing poles are available at the park office. Directions: Located on Hwy. 327 about six miles west of Royston. Local Information: Call the park at or visit NANCYTOWN LAKE Site Description: Nancytown Lake is a three-acre U.S. Forest Service lake with a good population of bass, catfish and sunfish. It is stocked with trout during the first part of trout season and has easy bank fishing access. Best Fishing Times: March - June. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at local convenience stores and Habersham Hardware Store in Cornelia. Directions: Follow the paved U.S. Forest Service Rd. (61) off U.S. 123 east of Cornelia to Nancytown Lake. Local Information: call U.S. Forest Service at or visit PANTHER CREEK This creek is open year-round to trout fishing and much of the stream lies within the Chattahoochee National Forest. 12 A. PANTHER CREEK (HABERSHAM COUNTY) Site Description: A National Forest picnic area and parking lot are available where Old Hwy. 441 crosses the creek. There is an excellent hiking trail along the creek below U.S. 441 and Tallulah Gorge State Park is only five minutes away. Best Fishing Times: March - July (Fishing is best before late summer when the water gets too warm.) Directions: Take Hwy. 441 three miles north of Hollywood. Follow brown signs to USFS parking lot on Old Hwy Local Information: Call WRD at or visit the U.S. Forest Service at 12 B. PANTHER CREEK (STEPHENS COUNTY) Site Description: This location is stocked with trout every other week March - Aug. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at Wrenn s Bait Shop, located on Old Hwy. 441 in Hollywood. Directions: From Toccoa, take Prather Br. Rd. (Rt. 184) to Yonah Dam Rd. (just before crossing river). Bear left on Yonah Dam Rd. and drive 4.4 miles. Turn left after small bridge and drive about 1/2 mile. Turn left on Panther Creek Rd. (Union Church is on right). Local Information: Call WRD at or visit LAKE RUSSELL Site Description: Lake Russell is a 100-acre U.S. Forest Service lake with excellent fishing for crappie, sunfish and bass. Boats with trolling motors only are allowed on the lake. Best Fishing Times: March June. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at local convenience stores and Habersham Hardware Store in Cornelia. Directions: Follow the paved U.S. Forest Service Rd. 61 off U.S. 123 east of Cornelia to Lake Russell. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit the U.S. Forest Service at SOQUE RIVER Site Description: A 3/4 mile section of the Soque River lies on U.S. Forest Service land in between private property tracts. This area is stocked weekly and is open year-round for fishing. Anglers must obtain written landowner permission to access private property. Best Fishing Times: December through July. Supplies: Hasty Mart on Hwy. 197 in Clarkesville, 1 mile north of the town square, Directions: Take Hwy. 197 north from Clarkesville for 8.3 miles until you cross the G.C. Jackson Bridge. The U.S. Forest Service parking lot will be on the left. Local Information: Call WRD or visit GAINESVILLE MILL POND Site Description: This one-acre catfish pond, owned by the City of Gainesville, is available to organized youth groups (schools, scouts, churches, etc.) for kid s fishing events. It is a great place to introduce kids to fishing! Best Fishing Times: April June and Sept. - Oct. Supplies: Loaner fishing poles are available from WRD. Directions: From Hwy. 60, turn onto Industrial Blvd. (Queen City Parkway) then turn right on Georgia Ave. Turn left on Marler St. and travel 0.1 mile to pond. Local Information: Call WRD at to schedule an event. 16. HARTWELL DAM TAILWATER Site Description: The Corps of Engineers (COE) offers this small day-use park downstream of Hartwell Dam for fishing, hiking and picnicking. This area is stocked with trout regularly for bank and wading anglers. Dam releases cause rapidly rising waters. Caution advised. Best Fishing Times: Feb. Aug. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at nearby convenience stores along Hwy. 29 east of Hartwell. Directions: Located 7.7 miles east of Hartwell on Hwy. 29. Turn left into the dam parking area before crossing the bridge into South Carolina. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit BOGGS CREEK Site Description: Located on the Chestatee WMA, this small creek is heavily stocked each week and is open to fishing during trout season (last Sat. in March - Oct.). Best Fishing Times: April Aug. Supplies: Licenses, bait and tackle are available at convenience stores near Turner s Corner. Directions: Turn right on Boggs Creek Rd. (FS 433) off Hwy. 129, one mile north of Hwy. 19. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit DICKS CREEK Site Description: Located on the Chestatee WMA, this very popular and scenic creek is stocked weekly from March - Aug. and is open to fishing during trout season (last Sat. in March - Oct.). A portion of the lower stream is on private property anglers must obtain written landowner permission to access private property. Best Fishing Times: April - Aug. Supplies: Licenses, bait and tackle are available at convenience stores near Turner s Corner at Hwy. 19/129. Directions: Take Forest Service Rd. 34 off of Hwy. 19, 1/2 mile past the intersection with Hwy Local Information: Call WRD at or visit DOCKERY LAKE Site Description: This scenic and popular three-acre U.S. Forest Service lake is stocked every other week from March Aug. and is open to fishing during trout season (last Sat. in March - Oct.). This area is accessible to persons with disabilities. Best Fishing Times: April - June. Supplies: Licenses, bait and tackle are available in Dahlonega at Tritt s Store on Hwy. 60, 1 mile north of town square. Directions: Located just off Rt. 60 north of Dahlonega. Local Information: Visit the U.S. Forest Service at call WRD or visit FROGTOWN CREEK Site Description: See US Forest Service web site for Desoto Falls. Best Fishing Times: April - Aug. Supplies: Licenses, bait and tackle are available at convenience stores near Turner s Corner. Directions: Take Hwy 129 four miles north of the Hwy. 19/129 intersection. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit the U.S. Forest Service at NIMBLEWILL CREEK Site Description: This small stream is stocked with trout every week (March - Aug.) and open to fishing during trout season (last Sat. in March - Oct.). Some sections of the stream are on private property anglers must obtain written landowner permission to access private property. Best Fishing Times: April - Aug. Supplies: Licenses, bait and tackle are available at Tritt s Store on Hwy. 60, 1 mile north of town square or Wal-Mart on the Hwy. 60 Bypass. Directions: From Hwy. 52 west of Dahlonega, turn right on Nimblewill Church Rd. and then turn right on US Forest Service Rd. 28. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit BLACK ROCK LAKE (BLACK ROCK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK) Site Description: This 17-acre lake offers good bank fishing and a wheelchair accessible fishing pier. In addition to other amenities, there is an excellent hiking trail with scenic overlooks. Chattooga River whitewater rafting opportunities are only one hour away. Best Fishing Times: Bluegill, bass and catfish angling opportunities are available year-round. Trout fishing is available during the spring. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at Reeves Hardware Store on old Hwy 441 in Clayton and at Walmart on Hwy Directions: Located on Black Rock Mountain Parkway, three miles north of Clayton off U.S. Hwy Local Information: Call Black Rock Mountain State Park at or visit BURTON HATCHERY KIDS POND Site Description: This half-acre pond is open 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily for kids under age 12 and has excellent catfish and bluegill fishing. In addition to other amenities, there is a handicap-accessible fishing pier, playground, hiking trails and hatchery tours. Best Fishing Times: May - August. Supplies: A free fishing permit and loaner fishing poles are available at the hatchery. Directions: 22 miles north of Clarkesville on Hwy Local Information: Call the WRD Burton Hatchery at or visit LAKE BURTON (MOCCASIN CREEK STATE PARK) Site Description: Lake Burton is a 2,775-acre Georgia Power reservoir that offers excellent spotted bass, pickerel, bluegill and yellow perch fishing and good largemouth bass and brown trout fishing. Bank fishing, a beach and wheelchair access points are available. Best Fishing Times: Spring and fall. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at Crestview Store located on Hwy. 76 west (about 3 miles outside of Clayton). Directions: Travel 22 miles north of Clarksville on Hwy Local Information: Call WRD at or visit LAKE RABUN Site Description: Lake Rabun is a 834-acre Georgia Power reservoir that offers excellent spotted bass, pickerel, bluegill and yellow perch fishing and good largemouth bass and walleye fishing. A fishing pier, bank fishing and a beach are available. Best Fishing Times: April - June, and Oct.- Nov. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at Wrenn s Bait Shop in Hollywood on Old Hwy. 441 or at convenience stores on Hwy. 197 north. Directions: Take Hwy. 441 north of Clarksville, turn left on County Rd. 152 then left on County Rd Local Information: Call WRD at or visit Georgia Power at LAKE SEED Site Description: Lake Seed is a 240-acre Georgia Power reservoir that offers excellent spotted bass, pickerel, bluegill and yellow perch fishing and good largemouth bass and walleye fishing. A fishing pier, bank fishing and a beach are available. Best Fishing Times: April - June, and Oct. - Nov. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at Wrenn s Bait Shop in Hollywood on Old Hwy. 441 or at convenience stores on Hwy. 197 north. Directions: Take Hwy. 441 north of Clarksville, turn left on County 9 w w w. g o f i s h g e o r g i a. c o m

10 Rd. 152 to County Rd. 218 (Lake Seed is next to Lake Rabun). Local Information: Call WRD at or visit Georgia Power at MOCCASIN CREEK (MOCCASIN CREEK STATE PARK) Site Description: This stream lies within Moccasin Creek State Park. The 300-yard stream section from Hwy. 197 to the lake is for kids under age 12 or those with honorary licenses and is stocked weekly during the spring and summer. Wheelchairaccessible piers and hiking trails are available. Best Fishing Times: March - Aug. Supplies: Loaner fishing poles, licenses, bait and tackle are available at the park. Directions: 22 miles north of Clarkesville on Hwy Local Information: Call or visit TALLULAH RIVER Site Description: The scenic Tallulah River offers good fishing access, is heavily stocked every week from March Aug.and is open to fishing year-round. Three campgrounds are available. Best Fishing Times: March Aug. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at Crestview Store located on Hwy. 76 west (about 3 miles outside of Clayton). Directions: Located off State Rt. 76 and Forest Service Rd. 70 west of Clayton. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit WILDCAT CREEK Site Description: This trout stream lies within Lake Burton WMA and is open to fishing during trout season (last Sat. in March - Oct.). It is stocked weekly from March - Aug. Lake Burton Trout Hatchery and Moccasin Creek State Park are two miles north of Wildcat Creek on Hwy Best Fishing Times: April - Aug. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at the park or at Foster s Chevron Station (3 miles south of Wildcat Creek). Directions: Take Forest Service Rd. 26 off of State Rt. 197 (about 20 miles north of Clarkesville). Local Information: Call WRD at or visit BROAD RIVER Site Description: This popular stream lies within the Lake Russell WMA and is open to fishing during trout season (last Sat. in March - Oct.). It is stocked every week from March - July. Best Fishing Times: Fishing is better during cooler weather April - June. Warm water limits angling success in late summer. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at convenience stores near the intersection of Hwy. 123 and Hwy. 197 in Mt. Airy. Directions: Located on Forest Service Rd. 61 off of U.S. Hwy. 123 east of Cornelia. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit www. gofishgeorgia.com. 31. LAKE LOUISE Site Description: Lake Louise is a 200-acre lake at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center. It is located on 900 acres, with fishing docks, beach, rental canoes, nature trails, tennis and basketball courts and more. There is a small fee to launch a boat or to bank fish. Best Fishing Times: March - June. Supplies: There are bait and tackle shops in Toccoa. Directions: Located off of U.S. Hwy. 123, just east of Toccoa. Local Information: Call the Georgia Baptist Conference Center at LAKE YONAH Site Description: Lake Yonah is a 325-acre Georgia Power reservoir that offers excellent bass and bream fishing and a developing walleye population. Best Fishing Times: April June and Oct. - Nov. Supplies: There are bait and tackle shops in Toccoa. Directions: To access the Georgia boat ramp, take State Rt. 184 north from Toccoa and turn left on Yonah Dam Rd. Turn right on Panther Creek Rd. Local Information: Visit the Georgia Power website at BRASSTOWN VALLEY RESORT Site Description: Brasstown Creek lies on Georgia State Park property (east of Young Harris) and is stocked with trout twice a month from March - Aug. A kid s fishing pond, fishing pier and bank fishing opportunities are available. Best Fishing Times: April - July. Supplies: Information and tackle are available at Upper Hi-Fly or Lakeview Bait Shop, both located on Hwy. 76 west of Hiawassee. Directions: The parking lot is located just north of the stream crossing on Hwy. 66. The kid s fishing pond is on the north side of Hwy. 76. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit DYERS TROUT POND Site Description: This is a private pond where a fee is charged based on the pounds of fish caught. One small pond is stocked with rainbow trout. No fishing license is required. Best Fishing Times: Spring, summer and fall. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available on site. Directions: Located on Mill Creek Rd. off of Hwy. 75 south. Local Information: Call Dyer s Trout Pond at HICKORYNUT COVE TROUT POND Site Description: This is a private pond where a fee is charged based on the pounds of fish caught. Three small ponds are stocked with rainbow trout. No fishing license is required. Best Fishing Times: Spring, summer and fall. Supplies: Tackle and bait are available on site. Directions: Located on Bell Creek Rd. off of Hwy. 75. Local Information: Call Hickorynut Cove Trout Pond at LAKE CHATUGE Site Description: Lake Chatuge is a 7,010-acre Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir that offers good spotted and largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, catfish and walleye fishing. Key bank fishing spots are at the U.S. Forest Service Recreation Area and Towns County Park. Best Fishing Times: Spotted bass (April Nov.), catfish (May - Aug.), crappie and white bass (March-June). Supplies: Information and tackle are available at Upper Hi-Fly or Lakeview Bait Shop, both located on Hwy. 76 west of Hiawassee. Directions: Located on Hwy. 76 in Towns County. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit SOAPSTONE CREEK Site Description: The upper end of Soapstone Creek on U.S. Forest Service land is open to fishing during trout season (last Sat. in March - Oct.) and is stocked twice monthly. The lower end of the stream is on private property. Anglers must obtain written landowner permission to access private property. Best Fishing Times: April Aug. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at convenience stores on Hwy. 75 south of Hiawassee. Directions: Located on Hwy. 180 near 180 Spur to Brasstown Bald. Local Information: Call or visit SWALLOW CREEK Site Description: This small stream on Swallow Creek WMA land is open to fishing during trout season (last Sat. in March - Oct.) and is stocked twice monthly from late March-Aug. Nearby Hiawassee offers many recreational and entertainment opportunities. Best Fishing Times: April Aug. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at convenience stores on Hwy. 75 south of Hiawassee. Directions: Take Hwy. 76 east of Hiawassee and turn right on County Rd. 95. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit COOPER CREEK Site Description: Cooper Creek is open to fishing during trout season (last Sat. in March - Oct.) and the lower section is stocked heavily each week from March - Aug. There also are good populations of wild rainbow and brook trout in the upper section of the main stream and its tributaries. Best Fishing Times: March - July. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at the convenience store at Hwy. 60/180 intersection in Suches. Directions: This creek runs along Forest Service Rd. 236 off of State Rt. 60 between Blue Ridge and Dahlonega. Local Information: Call WRD or visit Visit for campground information. 40. LAKE NOTTELY Site Description: This is a 4,180-acre Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir offers excellent spotted and striped bass fishing and good largemouth bass,crappie, hybrid, catfish and walleye fishing. Key bank fishing spots are Jacks Creek and the Deavertown boat access sites. Best Fishing Times: Striped bass and hybrids (Nov. June), spotted bass (April - Nov.), catfish (May - Aug.); crappie and white bass (Feb. May). Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at Jerry s Bait and Tackle, located on Gumlog Rd. off of Hwy. 129 north of Blairsville. Directions: Take Hwy. 129 north of Blairsville and follow brown boat ramp signs. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit LAKE TRALYTA (VOGEL STATE PARK) Site Description: This 22-acre lake features good bank fishing for bass and bluegill and excellent springtime trout fishing (trout are stocked before waters get warm). Paddle boats, miniature golf and a beach also are available. Best Fishing Times: Bass and bluegill fishing is good year-round, trout fishing is best in the spring. Supplies: Loaner fishing poles are avavailable at the park office. Directions: Located 11 miles south of Blairsville on Hwy Local Information: Call Vogel State Park at or visit LAKE WINFIELD SCOTT Site Description: Trout are stocked in this popular 18-acre lake about every other week from March-Aug. A fishing pier is available and is accessible for those with disabilities. Best Fishing Times: April - June. Directions: Located on Hwy. 180 south of Blairsville. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit Visit the U.S. Forest Service at for campground information. 43. CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER Site Description: The Chattahoochee River (north of Helen) is heavily stocked on a weekly basis (Mar. - Aug.) where it runs near the Chattahoochee WMA. The river downstream from the Hwy. 75 Alternate in Robertstown is open to fishing year-round and fishing is good through the town of Helen. Best Fishing Times: March - July. Supplies: Bait and tackle are available at Unicoi Outfittitters and convenience stores on Hwy. 75 in Helen. Directions: This stretch of the Chattahoochee on the WMA runs along Forest Service Rd. 52 off State Rt. 75A north of Helen. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit SMITH CREEK (UNICOI STATE PARK) Site Description: Smith Creek is a small, kid-friendly stream (stocked weekly March - Aug.) flowing along a paved road in Unicoi State Park. Unicoi Lake and Anna Ruby Falls also are part of the beautiful scenery. Special fishing regulations apply downstream of Unicoi Dam. Best Fishing Times: April - Aug. Supplies: Loaner fishing poles and tackle are available at the park. Directions: Located 2 miles northeast of Helen on Hwy Local Information: Call Unicoi State Park at or visit SPOILCANE CREEK Site Description: Spoilcane Creek is a small, stocked trout stream with parking available on the road shoulder and is open to fishing during trout season (last Sat. in March - Oct.). Fish on U.S. Forest Service property (boundaries marked by red paint on trees). Helen, Unicoi State Park and Smithgall Woods Conservation Center are nearby. Best Fishing Times: April - July. Directions: Spoilcane Creek runs along Hwy. 75, north of Robertstown. Local Information: Call WRD at or visit UNICOI LAKE (UNICOI STATE PARK) Site Description: Located in Unicoi State Park, this lake offers good bank fishing and has three fishing piers. A stocked trout stream, paddle boats, hiking trails and a playground also are available. The nearby town of Helen offers an amusement park and summertime tubing. Best Fishing Times: April - June. Supplies: Loaner fishing poles are available at the park. Directions: Located 2 miles northeast of Helen via Ga. Hwy Local Information: Call Unicoi State Park at or visit 10 w w w. g o f i s h g e o r g i a. c o m