early trout

[Jeff Jones]

Dear Mr. Bill,
I'm sure most( if not all) of us here in the NGTO family are big supporters of catch & release. In light of this, I am hoping you are at liberty to answer the following question.
Are most of the year-round streams( that recieve plantings) stocked prior to the actual opening of the "stocking season"?
Someone posted a report that one small creek( year-round) near Toccoa was stocked "weeks" before the season opened. Thank you for your time, we all are fortunate to have such people involved in NGTO.

Jeff Jones <><

[Bill Couch]

Jeff,

I checked with the stocking coordinator before answering your question. That's why it took so long.

Normally winter (off season) stockings are convenience stockings for the hatcheries. If there is a loading problem (to many trout) and fish must go, they are stocked in year- round-streams. This is not programed, or part of our "normal" program. Often this occurs with brood fish. However, this year there is no surplus, and brood fish are being held for Smith and Waters Creeks. The stocking coordinator told me he did not know of any previous or planned winter stockings this year.
Bill

[Jeff Jones]

Thanks for your time - it didn't take too log, and even if it did take a week or two, I wouldn't complain. To have access to someoe in the know is a privlidge in itself. Thanks again ! http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif

[Mr T]

Jeff -- Not all of us are big supporters of C&R. With good reason. Again, go back to the archives and find Hookers post related to the inability of many North Georgia streams to support trout populations. Under these circumstances, practicing C&R by large numbers of people can actually result in fish starving to death.

Mr. T

[Bill Couch]

Seekers of "Early Trout"
There have been plenty of brown trout in the Chattahoochee for months, without the benefit of my services. However, we just developed this year's stocking schedule and barring any problems, we will begin stocking rainbow trout in the river next week. Hope to see you down on the river.

Bill

[Bill Couch]

Jeff,
I heard this morning that there msy be some early season stockings in the year round streams.
Bill

[NightOwl]

I prefer wild fish, but if the stockers are there, I'll nab them too. Thanks Bill !!!

[NightOwl]

Does the Buford hatchery mainly support the Hooch, or do you stock some of the mtn. waters as well. Just need a hint. ( No, I won't be chasing the truck, 'Ol Man and KB !!!)
Thanks Bill. If you feel you can't say, no prob. I'll find 'em through trial and error. Gas money donations accepted, everyone ! ( hehe)

[Bill Couch]

Night Owl,
About 50% of Buford's fish go to the Chattahoochee, the rest to N. Ga. Streams. No List yet, and I will not be able to say where trout are estocked anyway.
Bill

[NightOwl]

Well, that would take the fun outta it anyway. Thanks Bill !