As Hunting Season ends, the HCWA prepares for the start of Fishing Season Fishing at Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga Reservoirs open March—November

As Hunting Season ends, the HCWA prepares for the start of Fishing Season
Fishing at Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga Reservoirs open March—November

(McDonough, GA – February 17, 2025) As another successful hunting season ended, the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) began preparations to open its Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga Reservoirs for public fishing this year, with the HCWA fishing season running from March thru the end of November.

During these months, the HCWA Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga Reservoirs will be open for fishing, boating (with electric/trolling motors), canoeing, or kayaking, on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (during Daylight Saving Time).

To fish these protected reservoirs, anglers must have an active reservoir use permit issued by the Authority. HCWA reservoir use permits are available to customers, Henry County residents, or property owners. Permits can be purchased at the customer service counter or drive thru windows of the Authority’s headquarters, located at 1695 Highway 20 in McDonough.

Permit holders must sign a waiver and adhere to all rules of the HCWA and Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) governing the use of the Authority’s reservoirs. Anglers also must have an active Georgia Fishing License.

A one-year HCWA reservoir use permit can be purchased for $50, or a two-year permit is available for just $85. Permits also are offered to seniors, veterans, and citizens with disabilities at the reduced price of $25 for one year or $45 for a two-year pass. All HCWA reservoir use permits are valid for the entire calendar year(s) from the date of purchase, and permit holders can bring a guest with them for free.

According to Authority officials, there are 1,355 active HCWA permit holders currently.
The Authority’s reservoirs are a popular destination for local anglers, because they adhere to
stricter regulations than recreational lakes, as raw water sources for drinking water production.

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The HCWA owns and manages five drinking water reservoirs to supply safe drinking water for approximately 70,000 metered accounts.

Anglers and guests can access the Tussahaw Reservoir at the public use area referred to as “Tussahaw Island,” which is located at the end of Collins Way, off Peeksville Road. (Note: there is no public access to the Tussahaw Reservoir at the Tussahaw Water Treatment Plant.) Tussahaw Island features a dock with accommodations for citizens with disabilities, a walking trail and outdoor pavilion, as well as a life jacket (free rental) station.

Public access to the Upper Towaliga Reservoir boat ramp is at 350 Hunter Road, off Weems Road, from Hampton-Locust Grove Road.

The HCWA Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center and Land Management staff oversees the operation of public fishing on HCWA reservoirs. The Authority staff reserves the right to close the reservoirs on a particular fishing day due to maintenance, severe weather, or other extenuating circumstances.

HCWA Hunting Season a Success

This past year, the HCWA also hosted three hunts during its 2024 hunting season, including two Youth Hunts, which offered 53 kids an opportunity to hunt with a parent or adult, as well as 33 veterans, who enjoyed a Veteran’s Hunt.

Managed hunts like these organized by the HCWA in partnership with DNR play a crucial role in stabilizing deer populations, while promoting a healthier ecosystem by preventing overgrazing and reducing the spread of diseases. In addition, the hunts provide valuable outdoor recreational experiences for Henry County youth and veterans.

More information on fishing and hunting opportunities at the Authority is available online
at www.hcwa.com.



HCWA public fishing will be available this year at the Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga Reservoirs
from March thru November.



More than 50 kids, along with 33 veterans, enjoyed an opportunity to hunt the HCWA Walnut
Creek land application site over the course of three public hunting events hosted by the
Authority this past fall. Pictured are participants in the second youth hunt held in November.