Bill Couch
05-18-06, 01:46 PM
Just when I thought the word was out, I am shown it is not so! This is the FINAL year of data collection for DNR's water temperature criteria evaluation for the Chattahoochee River from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek. WRD and EPD are working collaboratively to study four water temperature criteria which were developed to enhance trout survival in the Hooch, particularly downstream of Morgan Falls Dam. If these criteria are shown to enhance trout survival, Chattahoochee specific water quality criteria for trout streams will probably be developed for approval by the DNR Board. 2006 is the final year of data collection and we need trout anglers help. Please report ALL tagged trout you catch below Morgan Falls Dam to Chris Martin. You can call 770-918-6418 or email to chris_martin@dnr.state.ga.us If you see our creel clerk, Mike McCauley, on the river ask for a postage paid envelope to send the information and tag, if removed. Information needed on each tagged trout caught includes: tag number, date and location of catch, was the trout kept (harvested) or released, if released, was the tag removed, fishing method (bait, spinner, fly), name and daytime telephone number (in case I have any questions). You are not required to remove the tag if the trout is to be released. In fact, this might provide insight into the number of times an individual trout is caught and released. Tagged trout will be released once each month from March through October. This is the fourth and last year for releasing tagged trout into the Hooch and we need information on ALL tagged trout caught by anglers. We released between 2000 and 4000 tagged trout in 2003, 2004, and 2005 and the most information received on tagged trout in any given year was 20! Come on, I know you guys and gals are catching far more trout than that! Your information is vital to the success of our project to enhance trout survival in the Chattahoochee. I would like to thank everyone in advance for your assistance and interest in this project. Please help me spread the word by mentioning the tagging project to fellow anglers. Your help will make the river a better trout stream for us all.