NEW OCMULGEE PUBLIC FISHING AREA OPENS TO THE PUBLIC

HAWKINSVILLE, Ga. (June 10, 2006) - Anglers' high hopes for more
fishing opportunities became reality on Saturday, June 10 as Senator Ross Tolleson and Georgia Department of Natural esources (DNR)Commissioner Noel Holcomb welcomed almost 2,000 visitors to the grand opening of the Ocmulgee Public Fishing Area (PFA) in Bleckley and Pulaski counties. The DNR Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) will manage the PFA that is located on the state-owned Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area. Amenities found here include a main 106-acre lake, a separate three-acre kids fishing lake, a boat ramp, two fishing piers, fish cleaning station, an office, storage buildings, a avilion/activity center and parking areas.

"Fishing is big business in Georgia," said Senator Ross Tolleson. "Based on 12,000 annual fishing trips expected at Ocmulgee PFA, the lake will generate about $430,000 annually in fishing related expenditures, resulting in $862,100 in economic activity each year. When other outdoor recreation such as bird and wildlife watching is considered, these numbers double."

The grand opening of the PFA began with anglers arriving at daybreak to put their boats in the main lake and test their luck on such species as largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and channel catfish. The grand opening celebration took place near the Activity Pavilion next to the Kids' Fishing Lake. After ceremonial speeches by Senator Tolleson, Commissioner Holcomb and Bruce Henderson, General Manager of the soon-to-open Bass Pro Shops in Macon, a kids' fishing event was held with 72 children, 15 of them first-time anglers, participating.

"This PFA is within a one-hour drive of more than 100,000 anglers and 649,000 other citizens, many of whom participate in some type of wildlife-related recreation," said Commissioner Holcomb. "This is the ninth PFA available in Georgia and, of course, will be of wonderful economic value, but most of all it will provide an opportunity for families to get together in a safe, outdoors environment and develop an appreciation of our fantastic natural resources in this part of the state."

The main lake has numerous coves and points, creek channels, standing timber and submerged humps for attracting fish. The deepest point at the dam is about 30 feet. The lake will be intensively managed to provide the best possible fishing opportunities for both bank and boat anglers.


The area will be open from sunrise to sunset all year long. Anglers 16 years of age or older must possess a current Georgia fishing license and a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) stamp in order to fish. Anglers in possession of a one-day fishing license, sportsman's, lifetime, Senior (65+) or Honorary license do not have to possess a WMA stamp. Anglers may use up to two fishing poles and any size outboard motor may be used
at idle speed.

For more information on the Ocmulgee PFA or other fishing opportunities in Georgia, visit [url]www.gofishgeorgia.com[/url] , call (478) 783-2557 or contact the WRD Fisheries Management Regional Office at (478) 825-6151. ###

EDITORS NOTE: Photos from the Grand Opening of the Ocmulgee PFA are available. Please contact Melissa Cummings at 770-918-6788 or at [email][email protected][/email] .



For more information, contact:
Terry Johnson, WRD Nongame Program Manager - (478) 994-1438
Kitty E. Spivey, Sr. Public Relations & Information Specialist - (229)227-5422