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7/21/2005
Metro city dwellers and others if you are suffering from the heat and
humidity of the summer, it is time to visit the cool banks of
Georgia’s trout streams! State trout hatcheries still have plenty of
catchable size fish available and while closely monitoring water
temperatures and stream flows, the Georgia Department of Natural
Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) continues stocking most
trout streams through Labor Day.
Whether you are an expert or novice angler, young in years or just
young at heart, the hot, humid days of July and August still can be
enjoyable, says WRD Fisheries Biologist Lee Keefer. Georgia trout
streams are cool and the fishing is great underneath the
rhododendrons.
The fishing can be good, but the fish are often spooky because of low
stream flows and shallow water. Anglers who dress in olive or
camouflage clothing and who use a slow, stealthy approach to the
stream bank will have more success. Success will also be higher
during the early morning hours when stream temperatures are coolest.
Following are some recommended trout streams for the months of July
and August:
Wildcat Creek This moderate-size Georgia trout stream is located
north of Clarkesville and is stocked weekly from March through Labor
Day. The stream is twenty feet or less in width with small pools,
waterfalls and light to moderate rhododendron and mountain laurel
cover. Families can take advantage of two National Forest Service
campground areas, primitive camping opportunities and the chance to
see a wide variety of wildlife. Sliding Rock, a natural water slide,
offers a chance to cool off after a hard day of fishing. Directions:
From Clarkesville, take Hwy. 197 North for approximately 16 miles to
USFS Rd. 26-1 (The Wildcat Creek Fire Station will be on your left
just before this turn), turn left on 26-1 and drive approximately one
mile until you enter Lake Burton Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The
creek is stocked from this point upstream to the second campground
and is open to the public.
Chattahoochee River Anglers have access to the headwaters of one of
Georgia’s most well known rivers at the Chattahoochee WMA. At this
location, the river’s characteristics resemble those of a small
mountain stream rather than that of a mighty river. Shady habitat and
fast moving water keeps temperatures cool and create good opportunity
to catch trout which are stocked weekly from March through Labor Day.
At Horse Trough Falls, a National Forest Campground, river access is
excellent and invites family visitation. Nearby, anglers also will
find fishing opportunities on both Low Gap and Jasus Creeks which
also receive weekly stockings of trout. Directions: From Cleveland
take Highway 75 north approximately 8 miles to Robertstown. Turn left
on Alternate 75, cross the bridge over the river then turn right on
Popular Stump Road. Follow this until you pass through the WMA gate
onto USFS Rd. 52. You will first cross Low Gap Creek then Jasus Creek
before eventually ending up at Horse Trough Falls and the upper
stretch of the river.
Dick’s Creek Located within the boundaries of Chestatee WMA, Dick’s
Creek is similar in size and appearance to Wildcat Creek and receives
weekly stockings March through Labor Day. Marking the entrance into
the WMA, a waterfall spilling over granite rock creates a large pool
where visitors can fish, sunbathe, wade or take photos. Upstream,
dozens of access points are available and anglers will find numerous
pools with light cover. Directions: From Cleveland follow Highway 129
North to Turners Corner, turn left onto State Route 9 and after
approximately 1 mile turn right onto Forest Service Road 34-1A. On
34-1A you will pass a USFS camping area where access along the stream
is excellent. Private land borders this section so be mindful of
boundaries until you pass on to the WMA. Within the WMA primitive
camping is available and a number of spots exist near the stream.
Moccasin Creek This is a unique, special use stream located at Lake
Burton Fish Hatchery and Moccasin Creek State Park that allows kids
eleven and under and Honorary License holders the opportunity to
develop their skills. Stocked weekly, Moccasin is very family
friendly and offers the advantage of developed campsites within the
state park, coupled with public access to Lake Burton. The
development of a trout fishery in the lake is gaining momentum with
numerous trophy size browns (4 pounds and larger) being caught in and
outside the restricted portion of the creek. An eleven and under
kid’s catfish pond also is located on the grounds and is open daily.
Lake Burton Fish Hatchery is open for visitation and provides loaner
poles to those wishing to try their luck in the stream or the pond.
Directions: From Clarkesville, take Highway 197 north approximately
18 miles to Lake Burton Fish Hatchery. Moccasin Creek flows between
the hatchery and the state park.
Take Me Fishing A recent national survey indicated that 87 percent of
Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on
family relationships. So take your family fishing and you will always
have something in common.
Download your free Georgia trout stream map from the WRD website,
www.gofishgeorgia.com or call 770-535-5498 for trout fishing
information.
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