Tag Archives: TWRA

TDEC’s Deputy Commissioner said changes being made to what will eventually be Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park in White County would be noticeable this time next year. Greer Tidwell said the state park system is currently hiring park rangers. He said TDEC would also be adding amenities to the area like a visitor’s center, bathrooms, and ranger stations as well ... Read More »

Fall hikers are hitting the trail and so are baby snakes, slithering for the first time this fall. TWRA Spokesperson Matt Cameron said summer is a snake-mating season, resulting in many live births and baby snakes come fall. Cameron said that hikers should be aware that snakes are attracted to brushy areas to hunt prey. Cameron said that the surest ... Read More »

TWRA has changed the size and creel limits for fish located at White County’s Bridgestone and Firestone Wildlife Management Area. Anglers are now allowed to catch and keep certain fish within certain specifications. Region Three Fisheries Manager Will Collier said the restrictions are being made in regard to the health of the fish and their habitat. “The best analogy is ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland Extension Team will debit a brand new event this weekend designed to bring the region’s hunters, fishermen and outdoorsmen together for connection and learning. Woods, Water And Wildlife Day will be held at Hyder Burks Pavilion Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Ag Extension Agent Katie Martin said the extension agents wanted to host a forestry and wildlife ... Read More »

Boating under the influence numbers statewide have already surpassed last year’s numbers. Upper Cumberland TWRA Officer Dustin Buttram said seven people were cited along Upper Cumberland waterways during the just-completed July Fourth holiday. “Last year the whole state totaled 102 BUI arrests on the waterways and this year we’re at 104 BUI arrests,” Buttram said. “So that number is already ... Read More »

TWRA is working to rebuild the Hellbenders population in the Upper Cumberland and across the state. Hellbenders are the largest salamander in North America growing to lengths of 30 inches. Hellbenders have been found in Upper Cumberland Streams. TWRA Biodiversity Coordinator Mallory Tate said hellbender populations have been decreasing due to environmental impacts including silt and pollutants. She said the ... Read More »

The 2023 Tennessee Fishing Guide is now available with one small change in regulations at Fall Creek Falls. TWRA Communications Coordinator Mime Barnes said the annual guide covers fishing regulations statewide. She said this includes large and small reservoirs, community fishing lakes, and streams and rivers. “There’s a change for large-mouth bass at Fall Creek Falls, 10 fish per day ... Read More »

A larger no-wake zone put in place around Cookeville Boat Dock some 12 years ago will remain indefinitely. TWRA increased the no-wake zone in anticipation of low water levels, the result of a Center Hill Dam project.  Boating Education Leader Captain Matt Clarey said when that two-year project turned into a 10-year project, TWRA thought it made the most sense ... Read More »

A Clay County man has completed his six-year term on TWRA’s Fish and Wildlife Commission. Brian McClerran represented the Upper Cumberland District since 2017 after being appointed by Governor Bill Haslam. McClerran said the voluntary commission appoints the TWRA executive director, sets hunting seasons and the agency’s budget. “I had a great experience,” McClerran said. “I really enjoyed being involved ... Read More »

TWRA’s first regional winter trout stocking program completed over the last two days at Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville. Region 3 Fisheries Program Manager Travis Scott said the stocking takes place sporadically throughout the state all year. He said they want to provide ample opportunities for winter fishing. “People love to fish for trout and they appreciate having that ... Read More »