As per the information the 2011 Tennessee Fishing Regulations brochure is being distributed across the state. It can be picked up anywhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold. The rule was enacted because shovelnose sturgeon share their habitat with the protected pallid sturgeon and the two are difficult to tell apart in the field.
Shovelnose sturgeons were highly sought by commercial fisherman who could legally sell their eggs for as much as $100 per pound which was subsequently processed into caviar that sells for up to $20 per ounce.
The main points of the new regulations are :
•The removal of special trout regulations at Dale Hollow Reservoir. Dale Hollow will now follow the statewide regulations.
•Changes to trout fishing on the Hiwassee River that remove the 14-inch length limit on brown trout and eliminate the Quality Trout Fishing Area from the entire trout zone.
•The provision of additional protection to muskellunge at Melton Hill Reservoir. Muskie that are not intended to be harvested must be immediately released in a manner that promotes survival of the fish. Culling of muskie is not allowed.
•An 18- to 24-inch protected length range (slot limit) on bass taken at Gibson County and Browns Creek (Henderson County) lakes, with a creel limit of five fish, only one of which may be over 24 inches.
•A15-inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass taken at Great Falls Reservoir.
•Establishment of a delayed harvest season on Piney River near Spring City. From Nov. 1 through the last day of February, only artificial lures may be used and all trout must be released. During the period March 1-Oct. 31, all types of gear are allowed and the creel limit is seven trout.
•Big Creek (Polk County) will follow the statewide trout regulations.
•Changes on South Holston Reservoir were made to match Virginia regulations for the reciprocal agreement.
