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Georgia

Fishing

Fishing

Commissioner's Message

Georgia Department of Fish and Wildlife Commissioner

How lucky are we to live in a state with access to so many public fishing opportunities close to home? With more than 500,000 acres of public water, 16,000 miles of streams and rivers, and 160 public boat ramps, an opportunity to Go Fish Georgia is never hard to find.

Thanks to Georgia’s many licensed anglers, we are able to operate ten hatcheries that stock more than 10 million fish per year, including trout, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, catfish, walleye, largemouth bass, and bluegill.

The Gateway to Fishing program continues to excel in reaching new potential anglers across the metro Atlanta area by providing access to rods and reels, experienced anglers, and information. It brings me great joy to see the smiling faces of those we reached and hope their experiences at Gateway to Fishing events encouraged them to get out on the water on their own.

Now, more than ever, being good stewards of Georgia’s resources is important. DNR staff works diligently each day to protect and enhance opportunities and species for all Georgians to enjoy, but we need your help. By taking simple steps like not dumping baitfish or moving fish between waterbodies, we can ensure these precious resources are here for generations to come.

Serving as Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources offers me a unique opportunity to support the outdoor passions that were instilled in me at an early age. I hope each of you find time to wet a line this year and I look forward to seeing you out on the water.

Mark Williams

Commissioner, Georgia Department of Natural Resources