Fall Creek Falls And Dale Hollow Lake Get State Funding For Fishing

Fall Creek Falls Lake and Dale Hollow Lake will be a part of a new state initiative to enhance fishing at 18 Tennessee lakes.

Governor Bill Lee and fishing icon Bill Dance announced the Bill Dance Signature Lakes program Thursday. Some $15 million will be invested in fish stocking, habitat and fisheries management as well as improved access for fishing and boating.

The collaborative effort between Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee State Parks and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development seeks to solidify Tennessee as the heart of fishing in the southeast and drive economic activity across the state.

Each lake was selected by agency partners and Bill Dance for its ability to be a destination fishing location and provide quality fishing fun for avid anglers as well as families. Endorsed by Bill Dance Outdoors, projects are slated to begin in 2022 and near completion by fall of 2024.

Bill Dance Signature Lakes touches 39 counties including 22 at-risk or economically distressed counties and is an important step in helping those communities create new revenue streams through increased visitation. Fishing generates $1.2 billion in economic impact annually and supports 7,480 jobs across the state.