Public Hearings Scheduled on DNR Trout Fishing Changes

Anglers in Northeast Georgia might want to cast their opinion line at the Georgia DNR.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is proposing changes to its current fishing regulations and they are asking for the public’s input.

The proposed changes would remove the ‘mountain’ trout season and open all trout water to year-round angling.
According to John Biagi, chief of the Fisheries Management Section, the ‘mountain’ trout season was kept from late March through the end of October each year, making streams designated as seasonal unavailable during that period of time.

Biagi said the change would allow that ‘seasonal’ regulation to be removed, opening up these streams to trout angling all year.

The DNR has scheduled two public hearings next month to provide an opportunity to offer input on these proposed changes, one in Gainesville, the other in Acworth.

The Gainesville public hearing takes place February 10th at 7p at the Fair St. Community Center.

Those interested are encouraged to bring these meetings to the attention of others that also may be interesting in participating.

Anyone attending the meeting is welcome to provide statements or comments, either orally or in writing.

Those unable to attend a meeting may submit input electronically or in writing by February 28, 2015.

You can submit your comments online by visiting the Go Fish Georgia Web site at: www.gofishgeorgia.com/fishing/proposedregulations or by calling the Fisheries Management Section at (770) 918-6406.