Alabama Bass

A New Invader to Tennessee

Tennessee has not been immune to aquatic invasive species – a species introduced outside of its native range that can negatively impact native populations – and there are several examples that come to mind. Invasive Carp, Zebra Mussels, and Whirling Disease are all aquatic invasive species found in Tennessee waters. Recently, Alabama Bass has become a problem in Tennessee.

What’s The Concern? What’s at Risk?

Alabama Bass has the potential to alter, native bass populations in Tennessee. Anglers should be very concerned by how Alabama Bass can impact Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass populations. In cases where they have been introduced, Alabama Bass populations develop quickly and for a short period of time can produce some large fish. However, this rapidly changes as the population increases and becomes overcrowded, resulting in high numbers of small fish. Alabama Bass have also hybridized with Smallmouth Bass and drastically reduced some populations.

As many states in the southeast are realizing, the introduction of Alabama Bass outside its native range can be devastating. Recent introductions in North Carolina and Georiga have altered bass populations and significantly reduced their numbers through competition and hybridization. In the case of Georgia’s Chatuge and Blue Ridge Lakes, the introduction of Alabama Bass has shattered the Smallmouth Bass fishery. Likewise, North Carolina’s Lake Norman has seen dramatic declines in Largemouth Bass populations.

Tennessee is well known for its world-class Smallmouth Bass. The current world record Smallmouth Bass from Dale Hollow Reservoir is a testament to the State’s status as a Smallmouth Bass angling destination. Bass fishing, the most popular type of fishing in Tennessee, is enjoyed by many Tennesseeans and visitors. Economic output by anglers fishing in Tennessee is estimated at 1.2 billion dollars annually.

The introduction of Alabama Bass would be detrimental to fisheries such as Dale Hollow, Norris, Tims Ford, and other reservoirs from biological and economic perspectives. These are just a few examples in Tennessee where a fishery could be impacted by the introduction of Alabama Bass. Consider your favorite bass angling destination in Tennessee and help protect our great bass angling heritage and experience.

Where Are They in Tennessee and HowAre They Spreading?

Alabama Bass have negatively impacted Parksville Reservoir and TWRA is concerned about other locations where this species has been detected like Watts Bar, Chickamauga, and other Tennessee River reservoirs. Alabama Bass, like many other invasive species, become established when they are moved to new waterbodies by people. Unfortunately, anglers occasionally move fish to other water bodies out of convenience or thinking that a few more fish in their favorite fishing hole will be beneficial.

What do they look like?

Alabama Bass are nearly identical in appearance to Tennessee’s native Spotted Bass. Physical characteristics are often indistinguishable between these species. TWRA typically relies on genetic analysis to differentiate between species.