No special permit is necessary to place a few Christmas trees in West Point Lake, says the Army Corps of Engineers.

Anglers anchor the discarded trees in the lake in strategic locations to provide cover for fish. Then, when the weather improves next spring, they return to try their luck fishing around last year’s Christmas trees.

Corps officials said there are some important guidelines to follow:

— Use a suitable anchoring system to prevent the trees from floating away or moving around. A cement block will work well as an anchor for one or two trees, but it must be securely fastened to the tree using nylon twine or a similar material.

— Do not place the trees where they could become safety hazards to boaters or swimmers. For example, trees should not be placed near boat launching ramps, in shallow boat traffic channels, or at swimming beaches.

— Trees will attract more fish if they are placed in deeper water, about 15 to 20 feet deep, and in an area where the water depth changes significantly, such as near an underwater ridge or hump. Fish tend to use this type of area throughout the year.

Anglers who wish to install large numbers of trees or other types of structure for fishing reefs must call the West Point Project Management Office at (706) 645-2937.