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Fishing Opportunities Expand in East Tennessee After Hurricane Helene

Anglers fishing on a lake in East Tennessee

News Summary

Following Hurricane Helene, East Tennessee is seeing expanded fishing opportunities as cleanup nears completion. The TVA is conducting fish population studies, and several local parks and lakes are ready to welcome anglers. With debris removal efforts almost complete on Douglas Lake, fishing enthusiasts can look forward to vibrant fishing seasons ahead. Despite challenges posed by the hurricane, the region aims to remain a top destination for sport fishing, while ensuring safety and health regulations are observed.

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – Fishing opportunities are expanding across East Tennessee following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, with local parks and lakes offering diverse locations for anglers of all ages. The cleanup efforts from the storm are nearing completion, and new surveys of fish populations are underway to assess the impacts of the hurricane’s debris on sport fishing.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is conducting a substantial study on Douglas Lake, where significant debris was left behind by Hurricane Helene. This marks the first survey of fish populations in the area since the hurricane occurred. Data collected will provide a comparison against the 30 years of historical surveys, helping to understand the current state of fish populations and how they have been affected by habitat disruptions.

Cleanup on Douglas Lake, one of the most prominent recreational fishing locations in East Tennessee, is approximately 90% complete. More than 112,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed, while the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency estimates that around 3.7 million cubic yards of debris have been cleared from all waterways across the state in the past seven months.

Key Fishing Locations in East Tennessee

East Tennessee is well-known for its outdoor recreational activities, especially fishing. Numerous locations are available for both novice and experienced anglers:

Alcoa Duck Pond: A 7.7-acre pond ideal for fishing, also offering basic fly rod casting classes for ages 12 and up.
Lenoir City Park: Features a boat ramp, and hosts a free fishing day with fun activities and prizes for participants aged 2 to 18.
Roane County Park: Offers a dedicated fishing pier for anglers.
Melton Hill Lake: Recognized for housing 28 different species of fish according to TVA records, making it a prime location for catching large fish.
Holston River Park: Equipped with two fishing piers available for fishing enthusiasts.
Anchor Park: Features two fishing piers and hosts the Bob Watt Youth Fishing Rodeo every spring, encouraging youth participation in the sport.
Herbert Holt Park: Located in Gatlinburg, known for its designated “children only” fishing areas and a handicap-accessible fishing pier.

The Impact of Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene left considerable debris in Douglas Lake, prompting scientists to conduct fish population surveys. This process involves shocking fish to gather data on their health before they are safely returned to the water. While structures like debris can provide shelter for fish—allowing them to lay eggs and hunt—habitat disruption from such events often forces fish to relocate, potentially impacting their populations.

The postponement of fishing tournaments on Douglas Lake due to the hurricane has affected local revenue, as fishing tourism contributes significantly to the economy. Approximately 80% of tourism in Jefferson County is attributed to sport fishing, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

Future of Fishing in East Tennessee

As cleanup and assessment efforts continue, East Tennessee is gearing up for the fishing season ahead. Major League Fishing (MLF) events are planned in Chattanooga, which will include public meet and greet sessions and fish habitat restoration projects designed to support the local fishing environment.

Despite the expanding fishing opportunities, anglers are reminded that historical fish consumption warnings exist for certain waterways in East Tennessee due to contamination from mercury and PCBs. Additionally, water contact advisories were issued following Hurricane Helene, affecting multiple waterways. As conditions improve and cleanup efforts advance, East Tennessee aims to be a leading destination for fishing enthusiasts in the region.