Official: Invasive Species Could Harm Dale Hollow

Tennessee Wildlife Officials have found Alabama Bass in many lakes and reservoirs across the state and are concerned about the invasive species finding their way to Dale Hollow Lake.

TWRA Region Three Reservoir Fisheries Manager Mike Jolley said he believes the species is being illegally moved to many areas in Tennessee. The bass was originally found in Tennessee back in 2001. Jolley said these fish are harmful to the native bass in the Upper Cumberland.

“They are really good at hybridizing with other species, especially with the native spotted bass and also the smallmouth bass,” Jolley said. “They can also out-compete them for food, preferred habitat, and nesting sights.”

Alabama Bass have not been reported in Dale Hollow Lake. Jolley said the entry of the species could cause economic damages.

“The main problem is with smallmouth bass with that being our state fish a lot of revenue is spent from people coming to Tennessee to fish for smallmouth bass, after you have this hybridization by Alabama Bass and smallmouth bass over a period of time you are really left with an inferior product,” Jolley said.

Jolley said it is difficult to tell the difference between the Alabama Bass and Smallmouth Bass as they look similar. Jolley said locals can help by being educated on the issue and reporting suspicious activity regarding people stocking fish in public waters.

“In our studies, we are having to depend on genetic testing,” Jolley said. “And we are currently trying to evaluate ways to make regulations more simple because ID is such a problem.”