DNR: Spring fishing season on the horizon

With spring fishing season right around the corner, local Georgia Department of Natural Resource Wildlife Resource officials have already gotten a head start on stocking many of Rabun’s trout streams.

Fishing season in Georgia officially starts March 1 and many local water bodies such as Black Rock Lake, Stekoa Creek, Stonewall Creek, Little Tennesee River and Betty’s Creek are prepared for fishermen to cast their lines.

The Wildlife Resources Division and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service stock streams with rainbow, brown and brook trout from March through October. The number of trout stocked and the stocking frequency depends on a stream’s fishing pressure, accessibility, and water conditions. In general however, streams on public lands are stocked more often and with greater numbers of trout.

DNR officials want to remind fishermen that trout need clean, cold water to survive and reproduce. Georgians can be good trout managers by using proper land use practices. Trees left along stream banks provide shade to keep water temperatures cold while their root systems help stabilize stream banks and prevent soil from washing into the stream and smothering trout eggs and aquatic insects.

Most trout streams are located on private property and the landowner controls access to, and fishing rights in, such streams. It is your responsibility to know when you cross a property line. Always get permission from the landowner before entering or fishing on private property.

Respect private property. Many trout streams are located on private property. It is your responsibility to know when you cross a property line. Always obtain permission from the landowner before entering or fishing on private property.