Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 391 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 391-4 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES DIVISION
Subject 391-4-3 - FISHING REGULATIONS
Rule 391-4-3-.09 - Public Fishing Areas

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 391-4-3-.09

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

(1) Drivers of vehicles parking at the Rocky Mountain public fishing area must obtain a daily or annual Rocky Mountain public fishing area parking permit (which is not a Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division Parking Pass).

(2) On ponds or portions of ponds where fisheries resources are limited, area managers may limit fishing to persons under 16 years of age by posting a sign at the pond which indicates said limitations.

(3) Except as provided by O.C.G.A. Sec. 27-4-11.1, the creel and possession limits for fish caught from public fishing areas are:

(a) Fifteen (15) of any one or a combination of the game species of bream or sunfish;

(b) Five (5) largemouth bass;

(c) Five (5) channel catfish;

(d) All grass carp must be immediately returned to the waters from which they were caught unless otherwise posted; and

(e) All fish or designated fish species taken from ponds and lakes posted as open only to catch and release fishing must be immediately returned to the waters from which they were taken. Possession of fish or designated fish species in ponds and lakes open only to catch and release fishing is not allowed.

(4) Camping shall not be allowed on public fishing areas except under the following circumstances:

(a) Any activity that disturbs other campers between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is prohibited;

(b) No musical instrument, radio, television or other noise making device may be used after 10:00 p.m. or before 7:00 a.m. in such a manner that it may be heard by other campers;

(c) Occupancy of campsites is limited to fourteen consecutive days. Any camper who has used a campsite for 14 consecutive days must vacate the camping area for a period of not less than 7 days before again occupying a campsite;

(d) Any tents, trailers, automobiles, other vehicles or other personal property left unattended at the campsite overnight or beyond the designated time limit shall be removed and any expenses, including towing charges, incurred by such removal shall be paid by the person under whose name the campsite is registered;

(e) Dishwashing is prohibited at drinking faucets and at comfort stations;

(f) Picnic supplies and other personal property shall not be left unattended in the picnic shelters;

(g) Campers may cut only dead and fallen trees for firewood to be used on the area;

(h) Persons who wish to camp on areas where gates are usually locked at night must contact area managers in advance to make arrangements for camping; and

(i) Rules for camping on wildlife management areas shall apply on areas which are both public fishing areas and wildlife management areas; and

(j) Camping on the Rocky Mountain public fishing area is prohibited except from April 1 until October 31, and except at other times as designated by the public fishing area manager for special purposes.

(5) Persons may not fish with any gear other than pole and line, as the term is defined in O.C.G.A. Sec. 27-1-2(51), and no person shall fish with more than two poles and lines at any public fishing area:

(6) Persons may not use or possess live fish for bait at any public fishing area except in lakes or ponds posted as being open to the use of live fish for bait.

(7) Except as provided herein, persons may not operate any vessel as defined in O.C.G.A. Sec. 52-7-3 on any public fishing area owned or operated by the department; provided, however, that fishing boats propelled by paddles, oars, or electric motors may be used on ponds or lakes unless they are posted as being closed to the use of such fishing boats, and provided further, that:

(a) Persons may operate any fishing boat being propelled by a motor at idle speed on any public fishing area lake designated open to the use of fishing boats with motors; and

(b) Personal watercraft (jet skis), sailboats and sailboards are not permitted on any public fishing area lake; and

(8) Persons may not utilize the waters of any public fishing area for recreational swimming; provided, however, this subsection shall not apply to the designated beach area at Rocky Mountain Public Fishing Area between Memorial Day and Labor Day during the hours designated by the public fishing area manager.

(9) No person may consume or use alcoholic beverages on any public fishing area except in designated facilities or at campsites on these areas; provided, however, no alcoholic beverages are allowed on the Rocky Mountain Public Fishing Area.

(10) No horses are allowed on public fishing areas except in those areas designated as open to equestrian use.

(11) Persons may not rappel, rock climb or hang glide on the Rocky Mountain public fishing area.

(12) No person shall disobey any lawful order of a law enforcement officer or the area manager.

(13) If hunting is authorized, hunters may access specified portions of the public fishing area during legal hunting hours for the purpose of hunting.

(14) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Rule 391-4-3-.09 to the contrary, Department sponsored special events are authorized on public fishing areas twenty-four hours a day, subject to any special conditions for the event established by the Department.

O.C.G.A. §§ 12-3-9, 27-1-3, 27-1-33, 27-2-23, 27-4-11.1, 27-4-12, 27-4-51.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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