Tag Archives: TWRA

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 »

A Tennessee Tech graduate will head TWRA’s Fisheries Division. Mark Thurman has been named TWRA Fisheries Division Chief. Thurman has served as the Upper Cumberland Fisheries Program Manager for 12 years. Thurman will now be responsible with creating policies and managing fisheries programs across the state. “We are excited to welcome Mark Thurman into this new role with the agency,” ... Read More »

TWRA asking for public comment on proposed new fishing regulations in Tennessee waters. Regional Fisheries Program Manager Mark Thurman there are several proposals for waters specific to the Upper Cumberland, including Fall Creek Falls. He said these include kreel limits for bass, blue gill, and catfish. “The goal of that regulation is to increase the quality at fisheries by spreading ... Read More »

Saturday is National Hunting and Fishing Day. TWRA Outreach and Communications Coordinator Mime Barnes said the day is a time to thank hunters and fishermen who are the backbone of natural conservation. “It is important, because of that conservation model in the United State and in Tennessee rest on the shoulders of those who hunt and fish,” Barnes said. ‘We appreciate ... Read More »

Labor Day marks the end of summer boating season for most, but it’s important to remain vigilant while celebrating this weekend. TWRA reports that Tennessee has already seen 24 boating-related fatalities this year an increase from 17 at the same time last year. The 24 fatalities have surpassed the year total of 22 for 2021. TWRA Wildlife Officer Dustin Buttram: ... Read More »