As much as Georgia has needed this rain, it is time for a break. With between 5-8″ falling across the region in the month of February alone, most of the lakes have gotten very close to full pool. Lake Lanier and Lake Hartwell are both about 6 feet below full pool, but that is much improved from the beginning of the year. Even Lake Allatoona has cut their deficit in half. Many of the power lakes are back to full pool in North Georgia as well.
These poor weather days have restricted the time spent outdoors and given all of us the blues. These heavy downpours have prevented hiking, fishing, and hunting the end of the small game seasons. The good news is that once we get past the next two days, we get into a drier stretch of weather. We still have 4 days left in small game seasons and 27 days until the start of turkey season. The good weather days that are ahead should be spent hiking, fishing or scouting.
During our downtime on these rainy days, we can prepare for the upcoming year. Although we should have already changed decoy lines and anchors, replaced bolts and straps on the tree stands, cleaned and stored guns, plugged holes in the canoe, and built wood duck boxes, this year has given us some additional time to complete these tasks. The last several years have flowed so quickly from one season to another, we were rushed to finish everything. We should also be replacing fishing line on poles and checking our tents for holes. I recommend popping up the tent in the family room to check for holes and leaks. It is fun for the kids (and parents that act like kids) and will stir up your spouse! Make sure that you avoid the ceiling fans, but there is nothing like a little indoor camping to get in the spirit!!!
Warmer and drier weather will be on us before we know it. Take these nasty rainy wet weather days to prepare!
Dirt Road Dispatch 