Celebrate Fishing Week at Georgia State Parks

There's still time to enjoy the end of National Fishing Week in Georgia this weekend.


Kids from 3 to 103 are invited to explore Georgia’s great lakes, rivers and streams in celebration of National Fishing Week, June 6-13, at Georgia’s state parks. With more than a dozen fishing events planned in the week ahead, Georgia’s state parks offer an adventure for everyone – from children’s fishing rodeos to expert fly fishing classes.

No fishing gear? Some of Georgia’s state parks offer a fishing equipment loaner program for free. Georgians interested in angling in the parks can check out a pole, try their luck and return the equipment when finished. Check out www.GeorgiaStateParks.org for a list of participating parks.

Turn an exciting day of fishing into an overnight adventure under the stars. State park visitors can stay the night in a campsite, cottage, yurt, or hotel-style lodge. What better way to get away from computers and build memories that last a lifetime? Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-864-7275.

Free Fishing Days
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Victoria Bryant State Park - Royston, GA
No license is required for this special day of free fishing. $5 parking. 706-245-6270.

Senior Citizen Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 13, 2009
9 AM to 12 PM
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park - Summerville, GA

Ladies and gentlemen 65 and older can enjoy using their skills to bring in the largest catfish. Bring your own bait. $5 parking. 706-857-0826.

Fishing and Boating Blast
Saturday, June 13, 2009
10 AM to 6 PM
Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge - McRae, GA

Kids can earn a GO Georgia Badge by participating in a canoe trip, fishing in the lake, identifying some water dwellers and being creative with some fishy crafts. Stay overnight in the park’s lodge. $5 parking. 229-868-7474.

Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
2nd Saturday of Month (June 13)
10 AM - 12 PM
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA

The two-hour clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the "Fish of Fish." Instructors C. H. Brown and Michael Reilley suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $7 - $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

Kids Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 13, 2009
9 AM
Reed Bingham State Park - Adel, GA

Children 12 and younger can enjoy friendly competition to see who can catch the most or biggest fish. Meet at the Kiddie Ponds on the Cook County side of the park. Kids must bring their own tackle, but the park will furnish some bait. $5 parking. 229-896-3551.

Paddle and Cast at Buck Shoals State Park
Saturday, June 13, 2009
9 AM to 12 PM
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen, GA

This is a rare opportunity to canoe and fish at Buck Shoals State Park because the park is not open to the public yet. Canoes, paddles and life jackets are provided. Bring your favorite fishing gear. No live bait allowed. Register in advance. 706-878-3087.

Kids Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 13, 2009
8 AM to 12 PM
Vogel State Park - Blairsville, GA

Join kids 12 and younger to fish our stocked trout stream. Prizes will be given to the lucky ticket holders, and families will enjoy watching children have a blast. $5 parking. 706-745-2628.

Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is one of the top-rated state park systems in the country. With a diverse geographic topography, Georgia’s 63 state parks and historic sites offer adventures in northern mountains, midland swamplands, piedmont plains and along the beautiful Georgia coast.

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