Bear Creek Reservoir reopens - with a catch

JACKSON COUNTY - There's good news for anglers.

The Bear Creek Reservoir is once again open to fish - but with just one catch.

The Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority has renewed fishing priviledges for the reservoir in Jackson County, however it aplies only to bank fishing.

The four-county authority that runs the 505-acre body of water, said any one hoping to drop a canoe or boat in the water must wait at least until March when a study concerning vulnerability to terrorist attacks is scheduled to be completed.

Privileges were suspended just before Christmas.

The reservoir was stocked with bass and other fish by the State Department of Natural Resources three years ago and then allowed bank fishing only in August of last year.