" What The Trout Don’t Suspect They’ll Take"
Volume 4
Issue  11

 
Holston River Under New Regulation for 2000-2001

A decade of hard work, intensive lobbying, and bulldog determination by area conservationists hs finally paid off.  At their October Meeting in Kingsport, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commissions voted to impose new regulations on the South Holston River.

Beginning March 1st of next year a slot limit of will be in effect for Brown and Rainbow trout in the tailwater.  The overall creel limit of seven fish will remain in effect but anglers will not be permitted to harvest any trout between 16 and 22 inches in length an donly one trout over 22 inches will be permitted in the daily creel.

In addition, the Commissioners have place a closed season on several parts of the river where spawning activity has been documented.  Beginning December 1st of this year the area betweeen Bottom Creek and Hickory Tree Bridge and the area from Thomas' Island to Boy's Island will be closed to fishing until January 31st.  These closures were put in place this by proclamation.  In 2000, the closure becomes part of the regulations and will begin on November 1st.

A study by Tennessee Tech documented a long held contention of many area fishermen that natural reproduction makes a significant contribution to the South Holston's trout population.  The study revealed the unique qualities of Holston and focused TWRA's attention on the development of a management plan that reflected the increasing pressure that the river has received in recent years.

Jack West, Tim Landis, Bill Beazell, Jim Davis, Mike Adams, Ken Chase and many other individuals along with our chapter have worked hard to accomplish this.  Dedication, determination, organization, and hard work can make a difference.