Walleye Project Being Conducted at Watts Bar

Region III Reservoir crews in partnership with the University of Tennessee are conducting a project documenting habitat use, movement patterns, and spawning habits of walleye in Watts Bar Reservoir. This walleye study will include the use of acoustic receivers in the reservoir and transmitters placed in walleye to monitor locations and movements of the fish.

This study will give staff an enhanced understanding which will help in the overall management of walleye in Watts Bar as well as other reservoirs. Additionally, this study will lend critical information that will aid TWRA regarding stocking regimes in the future.

Walleye fingerlings were initially stocked into Watts Bar Reservoir in 2011 by TWRA. Although native to the Tennessee River, walleye had a minimal presence in Watts Bar before stocking. The walleye population in Watts Bar is currently favorable, thanks to TWRA annual stockings.

Anglers will play a vital role in this research and are asked to support this project by collecting informationfrom any walleye caught that is tagged with a prominent, orange loop tag located behind the dorsal fin, and by releasing the tagged walleye. Information needed from a tagged walleye is the tag number, location where the fish was caught, and if the fish was returned to the water. Contact information is available on the tag, flyer, and study website.

Photo caption: Region III’s Joey Root with an 11-pound walleye tagged in the Watts Bar project.