03-13-2007, 07:10 PM
Gainesville, GA - The anticipation of spring brings the expectation of mild temperatures, plentiful sunshine and most importantly, walleye spawning runs. That's right, Georgia anglers in search of one of the best tasting of all freshwater fish are encouraged to hit Northeast Georgia waters now through late March to take advantage of concentrated walleye fishing opportunities.
According to Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) biologists, once water temperatures hit 50 degrees, annual walleye spawning begins, making mid-to-late March prime time for targeting the species.
For the past six years, Summerville, Burton and Walton County WRD hatchery staffs have made great strides in their efforts to increase walleye stocking numbers.
"WRD has stocked walleye in several north Georgia reservoirs over the past few years and anglers can now enjoy the fruits of those labors," says WRD Fisheries Biologist Anthony Rabern.
"For bank anglers, shoal areas at the headwaters of lakes Rabun, Hartwell, Seed and Yonah provide excellent shoreline fishing opportunities. For boating anglers, lakes Tugalo, Hartwell, Burton, Blue Ridge and Carters are good bets."
Golden brown in hue with a white belly, walleye have distinct glassy, marble-like eyes and long, sharp canine-like teeth. The current state record, caught on Richard B. Russell Lake in 1995, weighed 11 lbs. 6 oz. Typical weights range from 2-4 lbs. but a few walleye caught in stocked reservoirs over the past two years have tipped the scales weighing in at 10 lbs.
During the day, walleye retreat to deep water downstream of rocky, shallow areas where they spawn, so WRD personnel recommend trolling Shad Raps or live nightcrawlers near the bottom. In the evening, they shift upstream, so floating Rapalas or curly-tailed grubs should be most effective for nighttime fishing.
For anglers who happen to miss the spawning run of walleye, there are still excellent fishing opportunities in April. April walleye anglers should try trolling Shad Raps and nightcrawlers in 10-feet of water in the upper reaches of lakes Rabun, Seed, Tugalo, Yonah and even Hartwell.
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.
Media Contact:
Jennifer N. Barnes, Sr. Public Relations and Information Specialist: (770) 918-6795
According to Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) biologists, once water temperatures hit 50 degrees, annual walleye spawning begins, making mid-to-late March prime time for targeting the species.
For the past six years, Summerville, Burton and Walton County WRD hatchery staffs have made great strides in their efforts to increase walleye stocking numbers.
"WRD has stocked walleye in several north Georgia reservoirs over the past few years and anglers can now enjoy the fruits of those labors," says WRD Fisheries Biologist Anthony Rabern.
"For bank anglers, shoal areas at the headwaters of lakes Rabun, Hartwell, Seed and Yonah provide excellent shoreline fishing opportunities. For boating anglers, lakes Tugalo, Hartwell, Burton, Blue Ridge and Carters are good bets."
Golden brown in hue with a white belly, walleye have distinct glassy, marble-like eyes and long, sharp canine-like teeth. The current state record, caught on Richard B. Russell Lake in 1995, weighed 11 lbs. 6 oz. Typical weights range from 2-4 lbs. but a few walleye caught in stocked reservoirs over the past two years have tipped the scales weighing in at 10 lbs.
During the day, walleye retreat to deep water downstream of rocky, shallow areas where they spawn, so WRD personnel recommend trolling Shad Raps or live nightcrawlers near the bottom. In the evening, they shift upstream, so floating Rapalas or curly-tailed grubs should be most effective for nighttime fishing.
For anglers who happen to miss the spawning run of walleye, there are still excellent fishing opportunities in April. April walleye anglers should try trolling Shad Raps and nightcrawlers in 10-feet of water in the upper reaches of lakes Rabun, Seed, Tugalo, Yonah and even Hartwell.
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.
Media Contact:
Jennifer N. Barnes, Sr. Public Relations and Information Specialist: (770) 918-6795