" What The Trout Don’t Suspect They’ll Take"
Volume 4
Issue  10

 Progress Report
In the final moments of the Wizard of Oz, Dorthory concludes that the search for happiness is best conducted in her "...own back yard."  Sure, that's a cliché'.  Like most clichés there are plenty of exceptions.  Columbus  couldn't find the New World in his own backyard.  But clichés have to maintain a batting average much higher that .500 if they want to hang around.  Innumerable fishermen dream of exotic locations that will allow them to experience a world class trout fishery.  We've got one in our own back yard, South Holston Tailwater.
As a result of a recent study by Tennessee Tech the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is focusing on regulations that will protect and perhaps enhance this outstanding fishery.  In terms of natural reproduction and percent of holdover fish no stream in the state, or, for that matter, the Southeast equals the Holston.  The river also receives the highest fishing pressure of any water in Tennessee.  Yet the regulations now in place are the same as those on any put-and-take water.  Those regulations are effective on streams that must be stocked regularly in order to have any trout in them.  All they do is referee the distribution of hatchery trout.  They don't promote natural reproduction.  They don't protect wild fish.  They don't reflect the facts or the potential for South Holston.  That's about to change.

TWRA now has a management plan and regulation changes to present when the Tennessee Wildlife Commission meets in October at the Meadowview Convention Center in Kingsport.  It's important to understand that TWRA doesn't make regulations.  The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission, appointed by the Governor, makes the rules.  TWRA enforces the regulations and proposes changes when they feel changes are needed.  The Commissioners must approve those proposals before they effectively become part of the regulations.

The proposed changes have as their objective the enhancement of the number of wild fish present in the river.  According to Frank Fiss, the man in charge of trout for TWRA, the basic creel limit on Holston will remain unchanged.  Fisherman will still be able to harvest seven trout.  However a slot limit will be imposed on fish between 16 and 22 inches.  No fish in this size range may be taken and only one over 22 inches can be included in the daily limit.

A significant amount of natural reproduction of brown trout occurs in South Holston.  These wild fish are an important component of the total trout population. In fact they make up over half of the fish that overwinter in the river.  Fish in the 16 to 22 inch size range are the ones that successfully spawn.  A slot limit of this type protects these fish and maximizes their contribution to the overall trout population.

None of this is written is stone, yet.  But it's clear that TWRA and the Commissioners have finally recognized a need to act.  If they make the right decisions, decisions that reflect their duty to protect and enhance a marvelous resource, then "our own backyard" can remain a great place to look for happiness.  Make plans to attend their October meeting and give your support to new regulations for Holston.