TWRC Passes Sports Fishing Regulations

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission approved the sports fishing regulations for next year during its regularly scheduled meeting held Oct. 24-25.

The regulations passed by the TWRC as proposed during a committee meeting on Oct. 24. The new regulations go into effect on March 1, 2008.

The key changes to the sports fishing regulations include an 18-inch size limit for smallmouth bass on most state reservoirs. The exception is Kentucky Lake which will remain at 15 inches. The South Watauga, and Boone Reservoirs will go to 16 inches in 2008 and 18 inches in 2009.

The TWRC removed the creel limit for spotted bass on Norris Reservoir. The spotted bass creel limit was increased from five to 15 in the Nickajack headwaters that run from Chickamauga Dam to the mouth of south Chickamauga Creek. A 14-20 inch slot limit on the Clinch River was implemented for trout. For Douglas Lake, a size limit of 16 inches was approved for sauger.

In regard to commercial fishing, the TWRC passed a proclamation recommended by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to leave the 36 inch length minimum for paddlefish through April 7, 2008. Remaining commercial fishing issues TWRC will be discussed at the January 2008 meeting of the TWRC.

The TWRC Voted to resume its discussion concerning the possibility of issuing special elk permits until its November meeting.

The TWRC’s meeting is scheduled for Nov. 14-15 at the TWRA Region II headquarters in Nashville.