Trout Stocking Underway in Ga.

Trout stocking is underway in Georgia for this season.

Regular weekly trout stockings are starting this week in Georgia, as 70,000 trout are getting ready to hit the water.

This comes after the state stocked 40,000 trout early during the week of March 6.

Despite the low stream flows being experienced in north Georgia, state officials said the trout stocking program is still aiming to stock one million fish this year.

Those officials said that due to the mild winter, the state has experienced excellent trout growth in its hatcheries and with the continuing low stream flows, these fish have outgrown the available hatchery space, giving the state the opportunity to stock a few weeks early this year.

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.

Also, anglers must possess a current Georgia fishing license and a trout license to fish in designated trout waters and to fish for or possess trout, along with a wildlife management area license or Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass in order to fish on certain WMAs.

Fishing licenses can be bought online at www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com, at a retail license vendor, or by phone at 1-800-366-2661.

For the list of stocked trout streams, online versions the Georgia trout stream map, and other trout fishing tips, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/Fishing/Trout or call (770) 535-5498.