Jackson County’s operation of boat launching facilities at the Bear Creek Reservoir progresses with few problems, according to Ricky Sanders, recreation director.
Sanders briefed the Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority on the program at its May 26 meeting.
He reported that 1,221 boats have been launched at the new ramp this year, and 1,624 people - many of them repeats - have used boats on the 505-acre reservoir.
“Thirty-four boats is the most we’ve had at one time, so we haven’t had to turn anyone away,” Sanders said. “We’ve had nothing but praise from the public.”
The reservoir, after many delays, was opened to the public last fall. It was originally stocked by the Department of Natural Resources with a fast-growing Florida hybrid largemouth bass, and the DNR planned to manage the lake as a trophy bass reservoir. Concerns over security in the wake of the terrorist attacks of 2001 led to the delay in allowing anglers in boats on the lake.
Sanders said he’d heard a report of an 11-pound largemouth bass being caught in the lake.
He also said the county’s operation of the facility is on target to meet its budget for the year, in spite of carrying a deficit of about $1,100 over from last year. The operation is budgeted to spend about $19,525 for 2010.
“As long as we’re paying for it, everyone’s happy,” Sanders said. “I know that makes you happy,” he added, speaking to authority chairman Melvin Davis.
The boat ramp is currently open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sanders said he has heard some complaints that the boat ramp closes too early in the evenings.
“One guy called and wanted to put a 40-foot sailboat in the lake,” he reported, shaking his head. “We get a lot of calls. A lot of folks out of the Carolinas come to Bear Creek to fish.”
Sanders said the DNR has access to the lake at all times.
“They will make sure it stays well stocked and the fishery stays healthy,” he said.
To date, Sanders added, two fishing tournaments have been conducted at the reservoir.
For more on this story, see Wednesday's edition of The Commerce News.
