DNR has begun annual trout stocking

GAINESVILLE – Last year, more than one million trout were stocked in Georgia. This year, that number should increase. In fact, the 2019 trout stocking effort is already underway, thanks to trout hatchery staff with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“This is the second year of our initiative to stock larger trout in Georgia, thanks to the extra funds provided by anglers’ fishing license fees,” explained John Lee Thomson, Georgia Trout Stocking Coordinator. “Georgia trout anglers were pleased with heavy stringers in 2018 and should expect the same for 2019.

“With a mild winter and abundant rainfall, WRD and our partner, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will again achieve the new 10-inch average size for 2019.”

Though some trout stockings have already occurred to reduce hatchery fish crowding, regular stocking schedules will begin the last week of March. Some popular waterbodies that received early trout stockings include Lake Winfield Scott in Union County, Little Amicalola Creek at Amicalola State Park, Holly Creek in Murray County and Johns Creek in Floyd County.

Interested anglers can view the 2019 master trout stocking schedule, and even sign up for a weekly trout stocking email, at http://georgiawildlife.com/Fishing/Trout.

The daily limit is eight trout on general regulation trout waters. Anglers are reminded to respect private property rights along streams flowing through private lands, and to obtain permission before fishing on private property.

Persons who need a weekly fix of fresh statewide fishing news may check out DNR’s blog report every Friday at https://georgiawildlife.blog/category/fishing/.

Georgia anglers can support fisheries conservation and trout management several ways:

— Buy a License: Did you know that your license purchase allows the Georgia WRD to continue to do important research, maintain and operate public fishing areas and more? Purchase a Georgia license at https://gooutdoorsgeorgia.com/.

— Buy a License Plate: Purchasing a Trout license plate supports Georgia’s trout conservation and management programs. These efforts positively impact trout production, stocking and stream restoration throughout north Georgia. Find out more at https://georgiawildlife.com/licenseplates.

For more information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/Fishing/Trout or call (770) 535-5498.