Anglers Are Encouraged To Notify TWRA When Catching A Sturgeon

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is encouraging fishermen to notify the Agency’s fisheries division when catching a sturgeon in east Tenn. waters. Information obtained from anglers provides vital information in managing this primitive fish species.

Efforts have been underway to restore reproducing populations of sturgeons to Tenn. waters. Since 1992, well over 100,000 lake sturgeons have been stocked into east Tenn. river systems including the Clinch River above Norris Dam, and the French Broad River below Douglas Dam. Fishermen in east Tennessee are most likely to catch them in Fort Loudon and Tellico Reservoirs as well as the headwaters of Ft. Loudon Lake (Holston and French Broad Rivers). Sturgeons may also be caught in Watts Barr and Melton Hill Reservoirs, with a slight chance of being caught in Norris Lake and its headwaters. Most reports come from anglers while cat-fishing and running trotlines in the headwaters of Ft. Loudon Lake. A sturgeon caught in these waters could be over four-feet long.

Sturgeons become sexually mature between 14 and 22 years of age (36 to 55-inches), but most are around the 20 year old mark, with males maturing more quickly than females. It is estimated that maturity will happen quicker in Tenn. because of faster growth rates. They can live over 100 years, exceed eight-feet in length, and weigh over 300 pounds. The oldest fish in the French broad system will have been in there 13 years and could possibly be sexually mature. However, females only produce eggs once every four-to-nine years and males spawn every two-to-seven years.

Although lake sturgeons must be released if caught, TWRA encourages anglers to report pertinent information, such as time and location of capture, and the length of the lake sturgeon by calling the Fish Management Division at 615-781-6575. Anglers may also call the nearest TWRA regional office to make a report. This data will provide important movement and growth information needed to monitor the success of Tennessee’s lake sturgeon reintroduction program. A photo of the fish would also be appreciated. For their efforts, anglers will be provided with a numbered certificate of their catch with a drawing of a sturgeon.