Spawner Brown Trout from
Greer's Ferry Tailwater |
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The operation of hydropower projects (dams) on many rivers throughout the U.S. results in the release of winter-cooled water from the lower strata of the associated reservoirs. This cold water has altered or eliminated the original fish communities in the tailwaters of numerous dams in the Southeast. However, it also provides the opportunity for year-round trout fisheries in areas where they could not otherwise exist. A 2005 survey by the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership (SARP) indicated that there are currently 55 tailwater trout fisheries in 11 southeastern states (AL, AR, GA, KY, MO, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, and VA). Flows in these tailwaters can vary dramatically—by several thousand cubic feet per second—on a daily basis. Such volumes and fluctuations of flow limit habitat and other conditions necessary for successful trout spawning. Consequently, tailwater trout fisheries are typically sustained through stocking programs. Management usually employs “put and take” (stocking of 9”-12” catchable-sized fish) or a combination of “put and take” and “put and grow” (fingerling stocking) strategies, primarily using rainbow trout.
A Juvenile Wild Brown Trout from
a TN tailwater |
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Anglers seeking to catch wild trout in the Southeast would typically target unregulated (free-flowing) streams in the Appalachian Mountains. However, despite the obstacles to natural reproduction, trout in some Southeastern tailwaters do successfully spawn and create wild trout populations. In fact, 15 of the tailwaters in the SARP survey (27%) have wild trout (see table below). Additionally, significant numbers of wild rainbow and brown trout were observed for the first time in the Beaver tailwater (Arkansas) in 2006 according to Darrell Bowman of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Reproduction in this tailwater was likely facilitated by the recent drought conditions and associated lower flows.
Although wild trout occur in several Southeastern tailwaters, their significance varies. In some cases, their abundance is low and contribution to the fishery is small, thus they offer limited management potential or importance to anglers. In others, such as Arkansas’s Greer’s Ferry tailwater (Little Red River) and Tennessee’s South Holston tailwater (South Fork Holston River), consistent reproduction has led to the development of outstanding wild brown trout fisheries. Only rainbow trout are stocked in these tailwaters and management strategies A spawner brown trout from the Greer’s Ferry tailwater designed to maintain the wild brown trout fisheries have been established. Remarkably, three tailwaters—the Chatuge (Hiwassee River) and Cedar Cliff (Tuckasegee River) in North Carolina and Gathright (Jackson River) in Virginia—have trout fisheries that consist entirely of wild fish. These are smaller tailwaters that are either not being formally managed by the state (NC) or are not being stocked because of an ownership dispute (VA).
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Is it a wild trout? Tailwater wild trout may appear similar to “put and grow” fish of the same species and size, but they are easily distinguished from fish stocked as catchables by their brighter coloration, intact fins, and more naturally-proportioned bodies
(see photo).
Tennessee's South
Holston Tailwater
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Anglers across the Southeast have the opportunity to catch wild trout in tailwater settings that are typically easier to access and offer larger fish than are found in the mountains streams that support most wild trout populations in the region. Additionally, the landscapes through which many of these tailwaters flow provide pleasing complements to the trout fisheries. So, if you enjoy catching wild trout, or would like to catch one, try one of these Southeastern tailwaters—there’s probably one near you. Use your favorite internet search engine to find out more, and be sure to check the local angling regulations before you go, as special rules may apply.
