TWRA proposes 2026 fishing regulation changes; public comment through Jan. 5
December 04, 2025 | Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Deparments in Office of the Governor, Organizations, Executive, Tennessee
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TWRA fisheries chief Jason Henninger presented proposed changes to the 2026 Sport Fishing Proclamation and opened a public comment period through Jan. 5.
Key proposals include removing the delayed‑harvest catch‑and‑release restriction from a Piney River delayed‑harvest reach in Region 3 to open it to winter harvest, adjusting the Big Sandy Creek stocking/season start because October water temperatures are often too warm for stocking, and closing streams and ponds within Catoosa Wildlife Management Area during deer, turkey and wild hog control seasons to reduce user conflict.
Henninger also proposed designating Woodhaven Lake and Travis McNatt Lake (state parks) as catch‑and‑release during their Build‑Ops signature lake renovation so fisheries managers can rebuild trophy bass populations. He said requested proclamation changes will be returned to the commission in January and — if approved — would take effect on Aug. 1, 2026.
The fisheries committee asked clarifying questions; no committee action was taken and staff invited public comment during the open period.
Next steps: staff will accept comments through Jan. 5, refine recommendations, and present final recommendations to the commission in January.
Key proposals include removing the delayed‑harvest catch‑and‑release restriction from a Piney River delayed‑harvest reach in Region 3 to open it to winter harvest, adjusting the Big Sandy Creek stocking/season start because October water temperatures are often too warm for stocking, and closing streams and ponds within Catoosa Wildlife Management Area during deer, turkey and wild hog control seasons to reduce user conflict.
Henninger also proposed designating Woodhaven Lake and Travis McNatt Lake (state parks) as catch‑and‑release during their Build‑Ops signature lake renovation so fisheries managers can rebuild trophy bass populations. He said requested proclamation changes will be returned to the commission in January and — if approved — would take effect on Aug. 1, 2026.
The fisheries committee asked clarifying questions; no committee action was taken and staff invited public comment during the open period.
Next steps: staff will accept comments through Jan. 5, refine recommendations, and present final recommendations to the commission in January.
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