Ocmulgee PFA, known for the trophy bass caught during the last few years, closed temporarily on November 7 to fully address and make preparations to repair detected leaks in the main lake. Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division personnel collected remaining fish and relocated them to a variety of locations. Approximately 150 older bass went to Paradise PFA. Younger bass will be held at hatcheries to re-stock Ocmulgee PFA after the repairs.

“While the closure of one area, albeit only temporary, is a difficult decision, I am pleased that we are able to continue to offer great fishing opportunities, including these additional Ocmulgee PFA bass, at another public fishing area, such as Paradise,” said Bert Deener, Fisheries region supervisor.

The Ocmulgee PFA bass were stocked into 50-acre Lake Paradise. That lake, just like Ocmulgee PFA, is catch-and-release only for bass. Anglers cannot possess bass, even if caught from another lake, while fishing on Lake Paradise. Anglers may possess species other than bass in Lake Paradise, according to length and creel limits.

“Paradise Public Fishing Area already has a great bass population with quite a few trophies, but certainly will be enhanced by the addition of 150 plus bass between five and 10 pounds,” Deener said.

Paradise PFA is located on 1,351 gently rolling acres in Berrien and Tift counties. Sixty lakes totaling 525 acres provide excellent boat and bank fishing; and more than 350 acres of water are intensively managed for fishing.

Paradise PFA is open from sunrise to sunset, Wednesday through Sunday, all year long. Anglers 16 and older must possess a current Georgia fishing license and a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) stamp in order to fish. Anglers in possession of a three-day fishing license, sportsman’s, lifetime, senior (65+) or honorary license do not have to possess a WMA stamp. Non-angling visitors to the area will need to have a Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass (GORP). Where can you get a license? Buy it online or find a list of retail license vendors at www.georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes or buy it by phone at 1.800.366.2661.