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Community Corner

Try Buford Trout Hatchery for Winter Break Boredom

If next week's break provides good weather and your kids are looking to get outside, this is a great free outing.

February break is upon us, the kids are home, and you're looking for a fun way to gets the kids outdoors for some fun.  Spend a day at the Buford Trout Hatchery

Located in Cumming, the hatchery offers a great opportunity to enjoy nature and learn about the trout that are available in Georgia's many streams.

Buford Trout Hatchery was constructed in 1976 and is operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, Fisheries Section.  Guided tours are offered every Saturday at 1 p.m., but a pamphlet available in the office provides all the information needed for self guided tours at your convenience. Children love to see the various sizes of trout, and the hatchery does provide fish food for the kids to feed the trout.  After touring the hatchery area, there is a marked trail that leads to the Family Fishing Pond.  The catch and release pond is stocked with catfish and bluegill and it is almost guaranteed that you will catch a fish.  The kiosk at the front of the pond has loaner bamboo poles, as well as extra line, bobbers and hooks to enjoy your time there.  

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Among the best options for bait include worms, dough balls and hot dogs. Remember that ages 16 and older need a Georgia fishing license.  The edge of the pond has ample picnic tables to enjoy your lunch, and there is an abundance of wildlife viewing areas - birdhouses by the pond attracts many varieties of birds, deer may be seen throughout the wooded areas and a butterfly/hummingbird garden is located by the office area.

The Buford Trout Hatchery is located at 3204 Trout Place Road, Cumming.  Signs will direct you from Highway 20 a few miles east of GA 400 back to the hatchery.  Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.  Additional information can be found at their website.

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