Trout anglers willing to brave the cold weather will get an unexpected bonus this year. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) announced plans to do some early season stocking in year-round trout streams.

"Typically we don't kick off our catchable trout stocking program until mid-March, as it normally takes until then to have adequate numbers of catchable trout available," says WRD Trout Stocking Coordinator Perry Thompson. "However, this winter has been mild, and even though we lost a significant growing opportunity during last summer's drought, we have more than made up for it. By moving a few trout out of our hatcheries now we can create growing room for those we plan to stock later in the year."

Streams stocked in early February include the Chattahoochee River in Forsyth, Gwinnett and White Counties, Holly Creek in Murray County, the Soque River in Habersham County, the Tallulah River in Rabun and Towns Counties and the Toccoa River downstream of Lake Blue Ridge in Fannin County.

Trout fishing information is readily available. Anglers can view a copy of the current Georgia Sportfishing Regulations, a list of streams stocked, a northeast Georgia fishing guide and the award-winning "Trout Streams of Georgia" map at the WRD website,

Anglers must possess both a current Georgia fishing license and a trout license to fish in designated trout waters and to fish for or possess trout. Licenses can be purchased online, at many local sporting good dealers, or by calling 888-748-6887. On general regulation trout waters the daily limit is eight trout. Anglers are reminded to respect private property rights along streams flowing through private lands and to obtain permission before fishing on private property. For more trout fishing information, visit the WRD website, www.gofishgeorgia.com or call 706-947-3112.

Take Me Fishing! * According to a recent national survey, 87 percent of Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on family relationships. So, turn your quality fishing time into quality family time and create a fun, meaningful family tradition.

Editor's Note: Take Me Fishing is a national campaign developed by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. Information about the campaign is available at www.gofishgeorgia.com .  A hard copy of the regulations and the trout stream map are available at all WRD Fisheries Management offices and regulations can also be found at fishing license dealers. www.gofishgeorgia.com or call 706-947-3112. www.takemefishing.org , select "Press Room".

Source; Georgia Department of Natural Resources