The Great Outsmores

Good news: metro area anglers looking to hook and harvest trout soon can worry less about the gas prices and more about their luck. May 14 marks the end of harvest restrictions on Georgia’s delayed harvest trout streams, and that means the Fulton County section of the Chattahoochee River (between Sope Creek and the Hwy. 41 bridge) will be open for harvest beginning May 15. Just a short drive for most metro area residents, the Chattahoochee is home to an abundance of rainbow and brown trout.

The section of the Hooch between Sope Creek and the Hwy. 41 bridge has been protected by delayed harvest regulations since Nov. 1, 2007, which requires anglers to release, rather than harvest, trout caught in this section. This catch-and-release regulation has created a trout-filled stream, so the chances of hooking a beautiful brown or rainbow trout are high.

Anglers can start harvesting trout beginning May 15 through Oct. 31, utilizing natural bait (worms, crickets, salmon eggs, power bait, corn) and lures with multiple hooks.

In addition to the opening of the delayed harvest section, the section of the river from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek remains open to year-round trout fishing. There are great family-friendly spots open to the public in this section thanks to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area of the National Park Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and various city and county governments.

In fact, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) stocks this section of the river between Buford Dam and the Chattahoochee River Park off of Azalea Drive with approximately 159,000 catchable (nine-inch) rainbow trout. Plus, this section also supports wild brown trout, which can test even the most experienced angler.

The river downstream of Morgan Falls Dam has been stocked with approximately 50,000 rainbow and brown trout since November 1, 2007. More than 5 percent of these fish are 12 in. or longer, so the potential of catching a big trout is a real possibility!

“Most people may not guess there is such an abundance of trout fishing opportunities so close to Atlanta,” says WRD Chief of Fisheries Management John Biagi. “But thanks to trout stocking, these sections of the river offer excellent trout harvesting opportunities, and all within easy driving distance of many Georgians, particularly those in metro Atlanta.

Remember, a fishing license and trout license are required to fish the Chattahoochee River from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek. Licenses can be purchased online at www.gofishgeorgia.com and at many sporting goods and bait and tackle businesses.

For more information on trout fishing or to download a free Georgia trout stream map and trout fishing tips, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com or call (770) 918-6418 for additional trout fishing information. In addition, a map of the Chattahoochee River can be downloaded from the National Park Service website, www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/maps.htm.

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.

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I should have known it was going to be one of those days.  Tough conditions on Lake Burton, combined with poor preparation on my part lended the expected result, but not in the way I should have imagined.  It’s mother’s day, 2008, and strong cold front has dumped over 1.5 inches of rain in the last 24 hours.  The wind was stiff, about 15 miles an hour out of the Northwest with heavy cloud cover and air temperatures dipping to an unseasonably chilly 50 degrees.

Knowing that the majority of my lake time would be dedicated to mom, and not fishing, I only brought one rod and a couple of bait options.  We slipped out at 8:30, and started drift fishing along the North shore of Murray Cove near the South end of the lake.  I tied on a six inch Zoom trick worm (watermelon seed color) with a 1/0 worm hook and 3/8 oz. split shot running about 16″ up the six pound flourescent blue line.  A slow jigging presentation paid off almost immediately, with this guy on board in just a couple minutes.

After releasing this fat little fish, we were drifting within range of the first of three points before entering the main body of the lake.  Heavily covered with downed trees, I put the worm on the leeward side of the point and immediately felt something pounce.  Hook set, fish turned me, and as I lifted to rod up high to pull him out of the cover - BAM! - rod pieces were flying all over the place.  Not only that, but the preceediong explosion made short work of my line and a lucky day for this particular bass.

To say I was bummed, is a pretty fair understatement.  With no other rod up there, and the fish biting, I had nothing to do but head home and reflect on my fortune and disfortune on an ugly May morning.  My question, now, is this:

Do I:

• A.) Trash the rod maker publically on this blog (it was only two months old, and under it’s recomended line class)
• B.) Write an open letter regarding the rod, and see what kind of remediation may be available.
• or C.) Skip it, go buy another rod, and spend that time on the water instead of making a big stink?

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Concern for “orphaned” wildlife is simply human nature. Most people who come across a deer fawn, a young bird or a newborn rabbit will initially watch in amazement and then immediately wonder if the animal is in need of help. This spring, as newborn wildlife blossom into existence, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) encourages residents to resist the natural urge to rescue these “orphaned” wildlife.

“While a person may have good intentions, young animals unnecessarily taken into captivity lose their natural instincts and ability to survive in the wild,” says WRD Assistant Chief of Game Management John Bowers. Thus, the urge to “help” or “save” these animals is strongly discouraged both for the survival of the animal and the safety of the individual.

“Most of the time, young animals that appear to be helpless and alone are only separated from the adults temporarily. This separation of adults from newborns is a critical survival mechanism. Adults spend a significant amount of time away from their offspring to minimize predation, but do frequently check on their young,” explains Bowers.

“Additionally, handling wild animals and bringing them into the home poses a health risk for both people and pets. Wildlife can transmit life-threatening diseases such as rabies and can carry parasites such as roundworms, lice, fleas and ticks,” explains Bowers.

Residents who encounter a seriously injured animal or an animal that clearly has been orphaned should contact their local WRD office to obtain a contact number for a certified wildlife rehabilitator who is licensed to provide proper care for the animal until it can be released back into the wild. Individuals who are not trained in wildlife rehabilitation should not attempt to care for wildlife. Georgia law prohibits the possession of most wildlife without a permit.

Residents who encounter an animal such as a bat, fox, skunk, raccoon, coyote or bobcat during the daytime that appears to show no fear of humans or dogs, or that seems to behave in a sick or abnormal manner (i.e. weaving, drooling, etc.), should avoid the animal and contact the local county health office and/or a WRD office for guidance.

The animal may be afflicted with rabies, distemper or another disease. Residents should not attempt to feed or handle the sick animal. Pets, livestock and humans should be kept away from the area in which the animal was observed.

The two most important steps people can take to protect themselves and their pets from rabies is to 1) get pets vaccinated and 2) avoid contact with wildlife. As another precautionary step, adults should instruct children to NEVER bring wildlife home.

For more information on orphaned, injured or diseased wildlife, visit www.georgiawildlife.com, contact a local WRD Game Management Office or call (770) 918-6416.

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%##$#@@% ^&*^&***^&

Supposed to hit the ‘Hooch this morning, dam release looks good, solunar tables are kicking at 12-2:00, and then the &^%^**^ rain. I know we need it, but it seems like the rain only works on weekends around here. Sorry to both my readers about the bummer post, but we’ll try again tomorrow.

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