Do your Labor Day plans include throwing out some fishing line for your favorite catch?
For the first time in five years, Georgia Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) are scheduled to be open every Monday and Tuesday, beginning Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 5), according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. This means that they are open seven days a week.
“We are thrilled that we have reached a point where we can make PFAs accessible 7 days a week,” said John Biagi, Chief of Fisheries Management of the Wildlife Resources Division. “And while fishing is the main attraction for most visitors, Georgia PFAs also offer other family-friendly activities such as hiking, bird watching, picnicking and camping.”
Waters on PFAs vary from lakes several hundred acres in size to ponds less than one acre with some designated as kids-only fishing ponds. Anglers can fish from a boat, along the shoreline or from a pier at most locations. Many areas have picnic tables, nature and wildlife observation trails, fish cleaning stations and restroom facilities. Some offer primitive campsites for those wishing to stay overnight on the area, and many facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.
PFAs located around Georgia include:
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Rocky Mountain PFA (Floyd County)
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McDuffie County PFA (McDuffie County)
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Big Lazer Creek PFA (Talbot County)
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Marben Farms PFA (Jasper/Newton counties)
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Dodge County PFA (Dodge County)
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Evans County PFA (Evans County)
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Flat Creek PFA (Houston County)
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Hugh M. Gillis PFA (Laurens County)
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Paradise PFA (Berrien County)
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Ocmulgee PFA (Bleckley County) – Note: this PFA currently is closed for renovation, but keep an eye out for information about it re-opening in the near future.
Need information about what type of recreational license is needed before visiting? Visit www.georgiawildlife.com/PFA/WhatToKnow. Licenses may be bought online or find a list of retail license vendors at www.georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes or buy it by phone at 1-800-366-2661.
For more information on PFAs in Georgia or for detailed PFA guides and maps, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/fishing/public-fishing-areas. To find PFAs or other outdoor recreation areas close to you, visit www.georgiaoutdoormap.com.
