HCWA 2023 Public Fishing Season Opens for Local Anglers
Local anglers looking for good spots to fish this year don’t have to go far, as the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) kicks off its 2023 Fishing Season, with select reservoirs open for business.
The 2023 Fishing Season at HCWA Reservoirs opened (this week) on Wednesday, March 1, and runs thru Wednesday, Nov. 29. During these months, the HCWA Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga Reservoirs will be available to the public on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Daylight Saving Time). These reservoirs also will be open on Memorial Day (Monday, May 29), Father’s Day (Sunday, June 18), Independence Day (Tuesday, July 4), and Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 4).
In addition, during April and May, the HCWA will open the Gardner (Indian Creek) Reservoir for anglers as well, but on Saturdays and Sundays only during these two months.
As drinking water reservoirs, the Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga Reservoirs adhere to stricter state and federal rules and regulations than other water bodies, because they provide raw water for drinking water production at the Authority’s respective Tussahaw and Towaliga Water Treatment Plants. For example, boats with gas powered engines are not permitted on these reservoirs, but boats with trolling motors, canoes, and kayaks are welcome, in addition to the public being able to fish from the banks.
To enjoy fishing and outdoor recreation on HCWA reservoirs this season, citizens must be a Henry County resident, property owner, or HCWA customer, and they must purchase a Reservoir Use Permit from Customer Service at the Authority’s headquarters, located at 1695 Highway 20 West in McDonough, during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
HCWA Reservoir Use Permits are $45 (or $25 for citizens with disabilities, senior citizens, or active-duty military and veterans), and permits are valid for an entire calendar year from the date of purchase. HCWA Reservoir Use Permits also allow for a guest to be admitted for free. Reservoir customers and guests must sign a waiver/release form, however, and adhere to all rules and regulations of the HCWA and Georgia Department of Natural Resources for fishing on Georgia water. Anglers also must possess an active Georgia Fishing License.
Those with HCWA Reservoir Use Permits can access the Tussahaw Reservoir at the public use area referred to as “Tussahaw Island,” which is located at the end of Collins Way, from Peeksville Road. There is no public access to the reservoir at the Tussahaw Water Treatment Plant. In addition to a boat ramp, Tussahaw Island features a dock with accommodations for citizens with disabilities, as well as a walking trail and outdoor pavilion.
The public can access the Upper Towaliga Reservoir boat ramp at 350 Hunter Road, off Weems Road, from Hampton-Locust Grove Road.
The HCWA Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center staff oversees public fishing on HCWA reservoirs. The Authority staff reserves the right to close the reservoirs for fishing or outdoor recreation in the event of maintenance, severe weather, or for other reasons.
A highlight of this year’s Fishing Season is the annual HCWA Kids Fishing Day, scheduled for Saturday, June 10. More information on these types of public outdoor recreational and educational events, as well as the 2023 Public Fishing Season at HCWA reservoirs, is available here.
Captions for photos:
(TOP) Greg Street, who is a sponsor of the annual HCWA Kids Fishing Day, enjoys fishing on HCWA reservoirs. The HCWA 2023 Fishing Season runs from the first week in March through the end of November.
(BOTTOM) This year’s Kids Fishing Day will be held on Saturday June 10, 2023, at the HCWA Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center and adjacent Long Branch Reservoir.
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Media Contact: Chris Wood, Ph.D.
P: 770-757-1681
E: chris@jwapr.com or john.wood@gcsu.edu
Cubihatcha Center: 100 Collins Way
Locust Grove, GA 30248
P: 678-583-3930