DELAYED HARVEST TROUT FISHING Now Underway

Anglers might want to take advantage of the nice weather this weekend for some trout fishing.

The week, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources announced delayed harvest trout streams are now open and in full swing.

While trout fishing can be found year-round in Georgia, there are five trout streams that are seasonally managed under special regulations called Delayed Harvest (DH) to increase angler success.

These streams have catch-and-release regulations from November 1-May 14 and are stocked monthly by WRD and other partner agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and South Carolina DNR.

This combination of stocking and catch/release allows for good trout catch rates and high angler satisfaction.

This year, four delayed harvest streams will be stocked with trout. These streams include:

Noontootla Creek Watershed: This watershed in Fannin County offers high-quality fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout, with many of its tributaries offering a chance at a wild brook trout. Both Noontootla and its tributaries are managed under an artificial lure-only regulation and have a 16” minimum size limit in order to “recycle” the 8”-12” trout that make up most of the population.

Dukes Creek: This stream, in White County located on the Smithgall Woods-Dukes Creek Conservation Area, offers year-round trout fishing by reservation (706-878-3087). All fish caught here must be released immediately and anglers can only use artificial lures with barbless hooks. The stream offers a great chance at a trout over 20 inches, so bring your camera for a quick shot before release. The best time to fish is after a rain, which reduces water clarity and increases trout feeding activity.

Chattahoochee River: For trout fishing close to metro Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River downstream of Buford Dam offers diverse fishing opportunities, from stocked rainbow trout to trophy wild brown trout. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area parks offer good bank, wading, and boating opportunities. An artificial-only section exists from Buford Hwy (Hwy 20) to Medlock Bridge. The best fishing conditions are low flow when the river is clear to slightly stained.

Some additional and notable fall trout fishing opportunities exist in the Toccoa River downstream of Lake Blue Ridge, Tallulah River, and the Chattooga River.

Between November 1 – May 14, anglers on all traditional delayed harvest streams are restricted to single hook, artificial lures.

Beginning May 15, the general regulations to designated trout waters then apply to those streams.

In addition to the excellent fall fishing opportunities that delayed harvest streams provide, other Georgia streams offer ample year-round trout fishing. These streams are:

Noontootla Creek Watershed near Dial, Georgia in Fannin County, Dukes Creek in White County, and the Chattahoochee River downstream of Buford Dam near metro Atlanta.

Some additional and notable fall trout fishing opportunities exist in the Toccoa River downstream of Lake Blue Ridge, the Tallulah River, and the Chattooga River.

Anglers must possess a current Georgia fishing license as well as a trout license. By purchasing a license, fishing equipment, and other related items, you help fund sport fish restoration programs thanks to the Sport Fish Restoration Act.

Where can you get a fishing license? Buy it online or find a list of retail license vendors at www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com or buy it by phone at 1-800-366-2661.

For free Georgia trout stream maps, stocking lists, trout fishing tips and other trout fishing information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/Fishing/Trout .