The long wait is over for local anglers as the Evans County Public Fishing Area is slated to reopen Saturday after completion of a yearlong project.

"All of the needed work at Bidd Sands Lake, the 84-acre impoundment in Evans County, is complete," said John Biagi, the fisheries chief of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. "We are excited to reopen this area to the public and make a favorite local fishing spot available once again."

After nearly 50 years, the impoundment's dam was being compromised by tree growth and wave erosion. Bond funding supported tree and stump removal, slope rebuilding and grading for structural integrity and improved maintenance, and rip-rap installation to prevent further wave damage, he said.

The fish population in Bidd Sands Lake continues to show signs of re-establishment as opening day draws near. Largemouth bass fingerlings and yearlings were restocked, and many of these have grown to 12-14 inches long, he said.

Adult and juvenile sunfish, such as bluegill and red ear, were restocked in the impoundment and are successfully spawning. These sunfish will not only provide available fish for anglers, but also will provide food for the largemouth bass population further expanding that fishery, Biagi said.

The Evans County Public Fishing Area, east of Claxton, is a 372-acre area that includes three impoundments. Lakes Longleaf, Woody and Bidd Sands attract more than 5,000 anglers each year with an additional almost 4,000 guests visiting the area.

The area boasts concrete boat ramps with courtesy docks, fishing piers, primitive campsites, boardwalk nature trail, restrooms and picnic tables. It also is home to alligator and waterfowl hunts.

For more information on public fishing areas in Georgia, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/fishing/public-fishing-areas.