Recreational and Educational Opportunities
The HCWSA has a number of opportunities for public involvement and education, including light recreation and outdoor activities for all members of the family. Various HCWSA facilities are designed and operated to accommodate such public access. One of the most popular activities at the HCWSA is public fishing on select reservoirs. While HCWSA reservoirs allow for limited public fishing throughout the year, the public must note that they otherwise operate very differently from recreational lakes and larger bodies of public waters, as they must adhere to much more stringent regulatory oversight.
Fishing and Boating on the Authority's reservoirs.
Any resident or property owner of Henry County may fish at select HCWSA reservoirs, which typically rotate - to protect fish habitat - each year as far as being open for public fishing.
The 2008 Regular Season for public fishing at HCWSA reservoirs is from the first of March through the end of November. The Reservoirs available for public fishing during the 2008 Regular Season are the Longbranch and Upper Towaliga Reservoirs. The new Tussahaw Reservoir is not open for public fishing this season, as it still needs time for the fish population to grow and the habitat to mature.
During the Regular Season, the select reservoirs are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Public fishing is also available on July 4, as well as the Monday holidays of Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Those interested in public fishing at HCWSA reservoirs must obtain a fishing permit for $40 and sign the required release form, in addition to following all Rules and Regulations Concerning Use of the Reservoirs. The fees for fishing permits are collected to offset the expenses incurred by the Authority for the operation and maintenance of the reservoirs for recreational purposes.
A fishing permit may be obtained from the HCWSA Headquarters Building – 1695 Highway 20 West in McDonough – during the Authority’s normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A fishing permit is good for one full calendar year from the date of purchase. The Authority allows permit holders to take one guest with them for boating and fishing, including children accompanied by an adult, without requiring an additional permit.
Once the 2008 Regular Season concludes at the end of November, the HCWSA will resume its Winter Fishing Season, with public fishing available on the weekends of: Dec. 12-14, 2008; Jan. 9-11, and Jan. 23-25, 2009; as well as Feb. 6-8, and Feb. 20-22, 2009.
The HCWSA reserves the right to close a reservoir and prohibit fishing and boating on an allotted day at management's discretion, for maintenance or operations purposes.
For questions concerning public fishing or other outdoor recreation or education opportunities, contact the HCWSA reservoirs and land management office at 678-583-3930.
