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Drought conditions affect area fishing holes
Published July 18, 2007
WALTON COUNTY — To the detriment of one of Americans’ favorite pastimes, the virtually uninhibited drought that has ravaged the southern United States this year has taken its toll on some of the county’s most popular fishing holes.
The severity of the drought has meant a tremendous downturn in activity and business.
“Since the lake is so low, the oxidation level so low, the fish don’t bite and people stop coming out,” said Steve Wilson, manager of Blasingame Lake off Pannell Road in Monroe. “The drought has probably cut the fishing in half.”
Wilson said he plans to close down the lake in four or five weeks and doesn’t expect the lakes to fill back up anytime soon.
“It’ll probably take the winter rains to fill them back up,” he said. “We close on Labor Day normally, once hunting season starts, but this year we’re pushing it up.
“A lot of our regulars really enjoy fishing, we just regret that it’s dry.”
As business dwindles at Blasingame Lake, Matthews Park has few visitors other than the ever-present ducks that float on its shrinking three-acre lake on East Marable Street in Monroe.
The murky waters of Matthews Lake have receded more than two feet from the bank at some places on its perimeter. With the dry season not yet half complete, however, the shore can be expected to retreat even more.
These dry conditions may wreak havoc on the wildlife, but the avid fisherman still pursues his passion.
“I like fishing because it calms me down when I’m angry at somebody,” said Brett Evans, 14, of Monroe. “It’s peaceful, and it’s great that we have places in the county to fish, although we don’t really have the best conditions for fishing right now.”
Even in the face of unrelenting draught conditions, his youthful determination to fish remains dauntless.
“When I catch fish, I’m really proud, so I’m going to keep fishing no matter how dry it gets,” he said. “The whole lake would have to be dry to keep me from fishing.”
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