Fisheries committee advances sport-fishing proclamation updates, including delayed-harvest changes and lake renovations

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s fisheries committee presented recommended revisions to the sport-fishing proclamation (proclamation 26-03) and the committee voted to advance the recommendations to the full commission.

Travis Scott and staff outlined several substantive changes: removing a delayed-harvest requirement on Piney River because creel surveys showed low winter use; moving a stocking/start date for Big Soddy Creek in Hamilton County from October to November to align with typical conditions; opening some waters within Catoosa Wildlife Management Area to fishing except during deer hunts and wild-hog control seasons; and managing two Bill Dance Signature Lakes (Travis McNatt Lake at Big Hill Pond and Woodhaven Lake at Montgomery Bell State Park) as catch-and-release trophy bass fisheries during renovation and restocking.

The presentation noted the agency received 2,028 public comments during the December–January comment period, mostly neutral or supportive, and reported an overall angler satisfaction rating of 3.7 out of 5 with 72% rating their experience 4 or above. The committee moved the proclamation forward and the motion passed without recorded opposition.

If adopted, selected changes are planned to take effect on August 1 (as stated by staff during the presentation).