Fishing and Hunting in Abundance

A treasure trove of game is up for the taking for local hunting and fishing enthusiasts on the 150,000-acre military reservation. 

The Fort Bragg Fish and Wildlife Branch on McKellar's Road is jewel for those who make use of its offerings.

The lakes are stocked with channel cats, blue cats, bass, crappy, shell cracker and pan fish from hatcheries. Kiest, Simmons, Boundary Line, McFayden, Hurley, and Holland lakes fall into the Intensively Managed category on Fort Bragg. Special management practices are utilized on these lakes to increase the carrying capacity for each impoundment. 

From spring through fall, all of these lakes (except McFayden) are fertilized to maintain an algae bloom. They are limed periodically with one to three tons per surface acre with crushed dolomitic limestone.  Liming increases the rate of decomposition of organic material and stimulates the release of nutrients from sediments which helps the algae bloom. Liming also improves water quality by raising the pH and buffering the daily pH fluctuation.

Though fishing is available year-round, Rick Powers, operations manager for the federal agency, said hot temperatures make the fish lethargic. He recommends fishing earlier in the morning or later in the evening when there might be some activity.

Powers handles all the daily operations and works with the game wardens and five full-time staff biologists, making the organization one of the last wildlife branches that has everything in house. 

"I hope I'm correct in assuming that when FORSCOM gets here they'll see what they have to play with," said Powers.

Deer season will begin to scout in August, and the season runs from September through January.

Requirements

Individuals must have an annual state hunting and fishing license and a Fort Bragg hunting or fishing permit. Additionally, one must have completed the hunter aid class at some point. Local classes are available.

"Customer service is the best part of my job," said Powers. "Seeing people come in to purchase a permit and come in and use our services."

With budget constraints, Powers' team spends carefully. They planted the fields for the deer to come in hopes of a big season.

Powers recommends using live crickets or worms for bait when fishing with the kids. McFayden Pond on Butner Road is for use with children only and it especially stocked for their enjoyment. Rules are strictly enforced by the game wardens who patrol the area.

Take advantage of the NC Hunter Education Course being held on on Fort Bragg, Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31 in the DPW Environmental classroom. Saturday's session is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.; you must attend both days to get credit for the class.