STATEWIDE LIMITS & REGULATIONS Statewide Creel and Length Limits The following are the creel and size limits that apply statewide. Several waters have exceptions to these limits. Refer to the pages listed in red at the bottom of this page to see exceptions to the statewide regulations. If you are fishing a location that does not have exceptions listed in this guide, then the statewide limits apply.
Species When hiking, fishing, camping, etc., your presence in nature leaves an impact on our natural resources. A group of concerned citizens in East Tennessee are working to minimize the impact on their greatest natural resource, Norris Lake. The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people of all ages how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, and is the most widely accepted outdoor ethics program used in public lands. Through relevant and targeted education, research and outreach, the Center ensures the longterm health of our natural world. Leave No Trace is about making good decisions to protect the world around you, the world we all enjoy. The Leave No Trace Center has identified seven principles:
Black Bass (includes Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted, Alabama and Coosa) Crappie (all species combined) Region I Crappie Exception: unless otherwise noted for specific waters Rock Bass or Redeye and Shadow Bass (all species combined) Striped Bass or Hybrid Striped Bass (any combination)
Creel Limit
Minimum Length Limit
5 No more than 5 black bass per day in any combination may be taken
none
15
10 inches
30
none
20
none
2
15 inches
White Bass
15
none
Muskellunge
1
36 inches
Sauger or Sauger/Walleye hybrids
10
15 inches
Walleye
5
16 inches
Trout (all trout species combined)
7
none
Only 2 trout may be lake trout
none
20
none
no limit
none
100
none
Lake Trout
Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave what you find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Redear Sunfish or Shellcracker
For more info about the Leave No Trace Principle: ph: 800-332-4100 web: www.LNT.org
Catfish: Only one catfish over 34 inches may be harvested per day. No harvest limit on catfish 34 inches and less. Paddlefish: Paddlefish may be harvested from April 24 through May 31. Daily creel limit is 2 fish per day with no size limit. Culling is prohibited. For exceptions on Center Hill, Cherokee, and Watts Bar reservoirs, see pages 15 and 17. Sturgeon (Shovelnose, Pallid, Lake, and Hybrids): No harvest allowed. Must be returned to water immediately. Please report all catches to TWRA (see details on page 48).
For more info about the Norris Lake Stakeholders, their cleanup and other current projects: ph: 800-524-3602 web: www.lakenorris.org
Yellow Bass, Bluegill, Warmouth, Bream, Bullheads, Pickerel, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, nongame species Skipjack Herring
Alligator Gar: No harvest allowed. Must be returned to water immediately.
EXCEPTIONS TO THE STATEWIDE LIMITS and OTHER REGULATIONS: Reservoirs
pages 12–17
TWRA Fishing Lakes
pages 22-23
Small Impoundments
page 24
State Park Lakes
page 24
Streams and Rivers
pages 26–27
Trout Fisheries
pages 28-33
Measuring a Fish’s Length Lay the fish on a flat ruler, close the mouth, and squeeze the lobes of the tail fin to produce the maximum length. The mouth of the fish may not be manipulated or extended.
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2018-2019 Fishing Guide