Bacteriological and Fishing Advisories

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When the waters in Tennessee are found to have high bacteria levels or when fish are contaminated and pose a potential risk to people, we want to make sure that the citizens of Tennessee are aware of those threats to public health. The department notifies citizens when the waters are not safe to swim in and/or that the fish are not safe to eat. We do that through news releases, posting of warning signs and updating our advisories list.

For more information about streams, rivers, and reservoirs posted for bacteriological or fish tissue contamination, in addition to the contact listed below, you can always call 1-888-891-TDEC (8332) or e-mail AskTDEC .

Press Releases:

May 5, 2025

TDEC Issues Precautionary Fish Consumption Advisories:

Chester County - Lake Placid - Largemouth Bass

Dekalb & Putnam Counties - Center Hill Reservoir - Walleye 19 inches & larger

Fayette County - Herb Parsons Lake - Largemouth Bass

Hardeman County - Section of the Hatchie River - Black Bass 

Hardeman County - Lake Lajoie - Largemouth Bass

Hardin County - Pickwick Lake - Catfish

Sullivan County - Fort Patrick Henry Reservoir - Catfish

TDEC Lifts Water Contact Advisory for Beech Branch

Sevier County - Beech Branch in Gatlinburg

This Page Last Updated: May 5, 2025 at 4:11 PM