Featured Photo: Streamer Eater on the Clinch

Featured Photo: Streamer Eater on the Clinch

Friday, April 10, 2009

Time To Speak Up

Alrighty folks! Its that time of year when TWRA is soliciting comments from anglers who fish in Tennessee. You can simply take a few moments to send an email with any suggestions that you might have for improving any of the fisheries in our state.

Personally, I have suggested continued improvements on the Caney Fork River. My main points are:

-Increase the number of trophy browns in the river with either a slot limit (i.e., 16"-22" like they have on the SoHo) or increasing the minimum size limit to 20" or 22".
-Increase the retention of trophy fish by either limiting fishing during the spawn or requiring catch and release (I realize that these are not likely but its okay to wish).
-Adopt a minimum size or slot limit (preferably the slot) on rainbows.
-Increase enforcement on the river, especially during the spawn when the large fish are so vulnerable.

If you fish the Caney and want to see more and healthier big fish, please let TWRA know. I'm in no way opposed to folks taking a few home but it would be nice if they are taking home fish that are a little larger so there are plenty of 18"-24" fish in the river. This river can support a lot of very large browns if we just release them until they have grown sufficiently. There are plenty of rainbows for those that want smaller fish to eat.

To send your comments, send them to TWRA.Comment@tn.gov and put "Sport Fish Comments" in the subject line. The comments are due this month so take a few moments to let your voice be heard...

Thank you to everyone that cares about our rivers, lakes and streams and takes time to offer comments on improving these fisheries!

2 comments:

  1. David is right. Two years ago we bombarded TWRA with comments on the Clinch River, and the following year presented us with a slot limit. I highly recommend doing the same on the Caney

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  2. Travis, hopefully this will work and lots of people will ask for a better quality fishery. This river can be incredible given the right conditions...

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