Delayed harvest trout season starts Friday

SOCIAL CIRCLE – Starting Nov. 1, Georgia anglers can visit one five delayed harvest trout streams. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division assures anglers these streams provide exceptional chances to catch some impressive trout.

“Trout fishing is available year-round in Georgia, but there are five special streams that follow delayed harvest regulations to enhance angler success,” WRD Trout Stocking Coordinator John Lee Thompson said. “From Nov. 1 to May 14, these streams operate under catch-and-release rules, and anglers must also use single-hook, artificial lures. These streams are stocked monthly by WRD, alongside partners like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and South Carolina DNR. This approach of regular stocking and catch-and-release ensures great trout catch rates and boosts angler satisfaction.”

Delayed harvest trout streams include the following waterways:

— Chattahoochee River from Sope Creek to U.S. Highway 41 (Cobb Parkway);

— Toccoa River located on U.S. Forest Service land upstream of Lake Blue Ridge in Fannin County;

— Amicalola Creek on the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area;

— Smith Creek downstream of Unicoi Lake (Unicoi State Park).

— A portion of the Chattooga River (from State Highway 28 upstream to the mouth of Reed Creek) on U.S. Forest Service land bordering South Carolina.

Other Georgia streams offer ample year-round trout fishing. 

Trout anglers must possess a current Georgia fishing license and a trout license. By purchasing a license, fishing equipment, or a trout vehicle tag, anglers make a difference in the future of fishing. The Sport Fish Restoration Act and Trout Unlimited license plate funds help WRD manage sport fish populations, raise freshwater fish in hatcheries and stock them in public waters, maintain and operate public fishing areas, and build boat ramps, fishing piers, and more.

Get a fishing license online or find a list of retail license vendors at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, buy it by phone at 1-800-366-2661, or get it through the Go Outdoors Georgia app.

To view the interactive trout fishing map, see trout stocking info, trout fishing tips and more, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/Fishing/Trout.

Special Photo: Georgia DNR