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1 March 2018 FREE! FREE - Full Color On The Web! MORE FACTS, PHOTOS, AND FUN INSIDE! FREE

2 TENNESSEE FISHING & HUNTING GUIDE 1805 Amarillo Ln Knoxville, TN J.L. & Lin Stepp Publishers Serving Tennessee Since 1990 BENTON SHOOTERS SUPPLY The Largest Shooters Supply Store In The South! Hwy 411, Benton, TN Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm HUNTING & FISHING SUPPLIES - GUNS - AMMO ARCHEREY EQUIPMENT - SAFES OUTDOOR CLOTHING FOR MEN/WOMEN/CHILDREN Our steppcom@aol.com Send us your pictures! ABOUT THE COVER February often produces some of the biggest trophy catches of the year as this photo of 9-pound largemouth caught on Watts Bar Lake confirms. Didn t get name of angler, but we know he ll be going back! Warmer weather of March welcomes anglers to fish Tennessee waters - so get out there this month! Photo courtesy Watts Bar Bait & Tackle, Decatur, TN Fish & Hunt Tennessee! 2 Long guns and handguns: Over 2,000 guns in stock! Ammo and supplies for every shooting need. KEEP OUR TENNESSEE LAKES CLEAN Introduce A Kid To Fishing!

3 WATTS BAR LAKE 4 CORNERS MARKET Intersection of Hwys 58 & 68, Decatur, TN * Gotzza Pizza - Subs - Salad - Wings (Delicious & Prices) Call In or Carry Out * Hunting & Fishing Licenses * Live Bait & Fishing Supplies * Cigarettes - Beer - Groceries * 100% Ethanol-Free Gas (grades 87 & 93) OPEN 7 DAYS - Big Game Checking Station yr-old Elijah Horton holds an 18-inch largemouth bass caught at City Lake, Crossville - saved by grace. Photo courtesy Jerry s Bait Shop. Support Our Advertisers With YOUR Business! * Groceries * Deli - Take-Out * Pizza * 100% Gas - no ethanol * Live Bait * Worms * Beer * Ice * Lottery * Propane * Minnows Watts Bar Fishing Report: Reservoir Conditions: Normal summer elevation: feet. Normal winter elevation: feet. Current elevation: feet. The water surface temperature is 49 degrees. Largemouth Bass: Slow. A few fish are being caught. Use jerkbaits or jigs. Smallmouth Bass: Slow. A jig rigged various ways will give the determined angler the best opportunity for hooking up. Crappie: Slow. Fish along the bottom with jigs or minnows in ditches in the secondary water. A few suspended fish are being caught in the same areas. Catfish: Slow. Walleye: Slow. The number of anglers visiting the tailwaters is low. Watts Bar Lake Tennessee report by TWRA Region III with the data coming from Huntfishbuddy NOW! VIEW THIS MAGAZINE IN COLOR ONLINE AT 3

4 WATTS BAR LAKE * Fishing Equipment * Tackle * Live Bait * Open Mon - Sat Whites Creek Road Spring City, TN

5 Dan Gibbs, Joshua Roberson Receive 2017 Wildlife Awards NASHVILLE --- Dan Gibbs and Joshua Roberson have been honored by being named the 2017 TWRA Wildlife Biologist of the Year and Wildlife Technician of the Year, respectively. The annual awards are presented by the TWRA Wildlife and Forestry Division. Division Chief Mark Gudlin announced the winners at the January meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. Gibbs began his TWRA career in 1997 and has served as a biologist in East Tennessee since 2002, responsible for regional management of bear, deer, turkey, waterfowl, small game, and furbearers. In 2016, he was also (Con t on p. 14) WATTS BAR LAKE John Henry with two big Watts Bar largemouth bass. Photo courtesy Jerry s Bait Shop. Dustin Ray got this 6-pound largemouth on Watts Bar 2/20/18 on a spinnerbait purchased at Jerry s Bait Shop. Photo Jerry s Bait Shop. 5

6 WATTS BAR LAKE Hunting and Fishing Licenses Available February 18 NASHVILLE --- Tennessee s hunting and fishing licenses will go on sale Sunday, Feb. 18. Licenses are available at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regional offices, license agents, or on the TWRA website, and at the TWRA On the Go App. The licenses are valid through February License sales provide the primary funding for the TWRA. The licenses expire Feb. 28. Resident licenses may be purchased by persons who possess a valid Tennessee driver s license; persons who have lived in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days with the intent of making Tennessee their permanent home (but do not hold a driver s license in another state); military personnel on active duty in this state and their immediate families, who reside with them, regardless of resident status; students who are enrolled in a Tennessee school, college, or university for at least six months. A Social Security number is required to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license. (Con t on p. 7) 6 Download this magazine in full color!

7 WATTS BAR LAKE Watts Bar Bait and Tackle 1831 State Hwy 68W Decatur, TN LIVE BAIT - TACKLE - FISHING SUPPLIES 100% GAS - GROCERIES - DELI LICENSES - BIG GAME CHECKING STATION BEER - ICE - CIGARETTES Open 7 Days from 5am - till fish quit biting! - AMERICAN OWNED - Archery Equip & Supplies Custom made Long-Bows and Muzzleloaders Guns - Ammo - Scopes Treestands - Clothing Open: Tu - F 12-7 / Sat 12-8 Business wilkey.doa@gmail.com Mike Stacia Market St. Dayton, TN Ph: (423) Fax:(423) Whites Creek Rd - Spring City, TN Kenneth Moore go this limit of crappie on Watts Bar on January trip. Photo courtesy Jerry s Bait Shop. * Lodging For Any Need * Plus New Floating Covered Docks ( 2018 Licenses On Sale Now... con t from p. 6) Through the internet, charges are $4.25 for licenses mailed and $3 for self-print or ed. In case of a lost license, duplicate licenses can be obtained from any TWRA license agent for an $8 fee. Also, valid duplicate licenses can be printed online at no cost by selecting the reprint my licenses button on the customer information screen. Resident and non-resident guide licenses will only be available by application as of Feb. 18, Replacements will only be available by application as well. For the second license year, customers have the option to purchase a hard-copy collector s card for any annual license. The size of a credit card, the license features recreated paintings by famed Tennessee artist Ralph McDonald. Customers may choose between his renditions of a buck or largemouth bass. Specific license information is on the back of the card. ---TWRA--- 7

8 HIWASSEE / OCOEE RIVERS Waterfowl Hunting Regulations, New Officers Election Set for TFWC Meeting NASHVILLE --- The state waterfowl hunting regulations will be among the agenda items addressed when the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission meets Feb in Nashville at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency s Region II Ray Bell Building. In addition, the TFWC will elect its new officers for a.m., Wednesday. The public is invited to attend. The committee meetings will begin at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. The regular TFWC meeting will start at A preview of the regulations was given during the January. Seasons and bag limits for most migratory gamebirds will be similar to Proposed changes include the increase of the daily bag limit for pintails and black ducks from one bird a day to two birds a day. Another proposed change is in regard to the youth waterfowl hunts which occur on consecutive Saturdays in February. The hunts have been for youth ages 6 to 15, but the agency is proposing a change for youth from ages 6 to 16 to fall in line with other TWRA youth hunts such as deer and turkey. Federal regulations were recently changed to include youth to age 16. The proposal includes an expansion for most goose seasons to include more days. The bag limit of white-fronted geese would increase from two birds a day to three a day. The statewide sandhill crane hunting season will remain the same with only a change in calendar dates. In addition, the commission will discuss the possibility of applying Tennessee s restrictions on the (Con t on p. 19) 8

9 FORT LOUDON / TELLICO :Photos above: Big cats also taken below Ft. Loudon Dam. Photos FISH ON! Guided Tours. Photos above: big stripers taken below Ft. Loudon Dam - guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours. This Magazine Provided To You FREE By The Advertisers Thank Them With YOUR Business! 2018 Fishing Licenses On Sale Now! Download this magazine in full color! 9

10 FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Global Loan & Pawn Need Cash Quick? We loan on guns, jewelry, car titles, land, boats, any item of value We Pawn, Buy & Sell We can order any gun you need, If we don t have it! (865) West Broadway, Lenoir City, TN OPEN: M - F 10-6 Sat 10-3 pawn@globalpawn.net $10.00 Off $10.00 Off $10.00 OFF ANY GUN WITH COUPON $10.00 Off $10.00 Off 10 Good catfishing below Ft. Loudon Dam. Guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours.

11 FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Photos above: Guide Capt. Chadwick Ferrell with striper and catfish action below Ft. Loudon Dam. Photos courtesy FISH ON! Guided Tours. 11

12 FORT LOUDON / TELLICO 12 Photos avove: Cold weather striper action below Ft. Loudon Dam. Guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours.

13 FORT LOUDON / TELLICO "Every cast is a new adventure!" Capt. Chadwick Ferrell Join "Fish On!" Guided Tours, Located on the Tennessee and Clinch rivers. Est As seen on "Live at Five","Allstar Cast" and featured in Tennessee Sportsman magazine. Member: Knoxville Chamber Of Commerce in Your guide has over 24 years exp. as a LOCAL, sponsored/pro angler. We are a FULL TIME guide service, targeting ALL east Tennessee species: Trophy Striper, Trout, Catfish, Bass, Crappie, White bass, Sauger and Muskey. We fish ALL year round..great Gift Idea! Gift Certificates available. Book Today! Check us out at COM. Contact : USCG Certified, Captain Chadwick Ferrell, Thank You and Tight Lines. Wintertime striper action below Ft. Loudon Dam - guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours. This Magazine Provided To You FREE By The Advertisers Thank Them With YOUR Business! 13

14 FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Fishing Supplies - Custom Lures - Live Bait - Hunting Supplies - Licenses Checking Station - Hardware - Gas - Convenient Mart - OPEN 7 DAYS ( 2017 Wildlife Awards... con t from p. 5) designated as the Statewide Bear Program Leader. Roberson serves in TWRA Region I and has worked on Kentucky Lake and Natchez Trace Wildlife Management Area for the past seven years. The Biologist of the Year is the latest honor for Gibbs. He was named Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) Biologist of the Year this past fall. Gibbs was instrumental in establishing the current Tennessee bear hunt zones, based on data and management techniques that allow for sustainability or growth in each zone. He has worked closely with various organizations and communities on bear conflict and nuisance issues. Gibbs is also responsible for coordinating with the Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) in admitting orphaned bear cubs and later relocating cubs into the wild. 14 Photos above: Good smallmouth bass below Ft. Loudon Dam - guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours. In the last two years, Gibbs has worked with several partners to obtain funding to put radio collars on relocated nuisance bears or orphaned cubs rehabilitated by the Appalachian Bear Rescue Center and subsequently released in the wild to follow their movements and survival. He established an on-line bear reporting system on the TWRA website for the public to log in bear sightings, which should provide data for gauging Download this magazine in full color! (Con t on p. 16)

15 FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Allen s Guns and Leather - FREE LAYAWAY! - NEW AND USED GUNS - LARGE SELECTION OF AMMO BUY - SELL - TRADE - TRANSFER - FFL DEALER Looking for something? We cand help you find it! Ammo - Holsters - Scopes - Carry Purses Ask About Out Custom Leather Belts, Wallets, Zippo Lighters, Belt Buckles - Glock Armor B Hwy 321 N, Lenoir City, TN Big striper below Ft. Loudon Dam. Photo courtesy FISH ON! Guided Tours. This Magazine Provided To You FREE By The Advertisers Thank Them With YOUR Business! 15

16 CHEROKEE / DOUGLAS Swango s Precision Firearms 7272 St. Clair Rd. Whitesburg, TN Open: Mon - Sat Buy, Sell, Trade, Transfer Pistols, Rifles, Shotguns, Safes Ammo, Accessories, Reloading Supplies Special Orders, & Handgun Carry Classes ( Waterfowl Regulations... con t from p. 8) importation of deer, elk, moose, and caribou carcasses on all U.S. states and Canadian provinces, rather than just those that have confirmed cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD). Contagious and deadly to members of the deer family known as cervids, this disease has been discovered in 25 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. Mississippi became the latest state to confirm CWD last week. Many hunters travel out of state and often return with harvested animals. Import restrictions require that cervid carcasses be properly cleaned and dressed before being transported into Tennessee. Lt. Col. Cape Taylor, Boating and Law Enforcement Assistant Chief, will discuss issues with CWD and provide and update on equipment needed to help with law enforcement issues concerning CWD. Capt. Matt Major will have a presentation on the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that TWRA has used often in recovery efforts after fatal boating or drowning accidents. TFWC Chairman Jamie Woodson will call for a report from the TFWC Officer Nominating Committee. The TFWC officers include a chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary. ---TWRA--- ( 2017 Wildlife Awards... con t from p. 14) bear interactions with the public and westward expansion of bear range in the state. 16 INDIAN CREEK MARKET & DELI 1811 Indian Creek Road Dandridge, TN OPEN 7 Days a Week 6:00 am - 9:00 pm Phone # Full Menu: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Take Out Ask About our Daily Specials and Desserts! Live Bait - Fishing Supplies BOAT STORAGE - BOAT REPAIRS Gibbs currently serves as the Chair of the SEAFWA Large Carnivore Working Group and has long been an active member of the Southeast Black Bear Work Group. His leadership and involvement over the last several years in these working groups have resulted in a multistate bear population study based on DNA analysis of hair samples, and adoption of a multistate educational outreach program called BearWise. Gibbs s work and influence in the bear arena helped the scheduling of the annual National Bear-Human Conflict Workshop in Gatlinburg in March, the first time it will be held east of the Mississippi River. Joshua Roberson Receive 2017 Wildlife Awards Roberson has worked to help maintain and promote hunting, fishing and trapping. He assists in banding ev- (Con t on p. 18)

17 NORRIS LAKE Whirling Disease Found in Watauga and South Holston Tailwaters NASHVILLE --- Whirling disease was recently discovered by biologists during their annual trout population monitoring in the South Holston and Watauga tailwaters. The discovery is the first known occurrence of this disease in Tennessee. Whirling disease, a condition caused by a nonnative microscopic parasite, affects fish in the trout and salmon family, including rainbow, brook, and brown trout. This parasite can cause damage CEDAR GROVE MARINA & CAMPGROUND Scott Liford & Jeff Norris Owners *Houseboat Rentals *Speedboat Rentals *Pontoon Rentals *Open Pontoon Slips *New Wave Runner Rentals *New Park Models Rentals *Paddle Board & Boat Rentals *Water Toy Rentals *Overnight & Primitive Temt Camping Phone (865) cedargrovemarina.com to the fish s cartilage and skeletal tissue, resulting in deformities in the head and spine. They may also develop a black tail, or display whirling or erratic tail-chasing behavior. Although a diseased trout may not die directly from the parasite, it can affect the ability for them swim, eat, and escape predators. Other organisms, such as humans, mammals, pets, or other fishes like bass, catfish and perch cannot become infected. So far, there has been no indication of negative impacts of whirling disease in the South Holston and Watauga tailwater trout populations, said Sally Petre, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Region IV Trout Biologist. Although the infected trout were collected in the South Holston and Watauga tailwaters, the more immediate concern is the spread of whirling disease to areas that may be more vulnerable such as wild trout streams. Petre explains that those impacts can be dependent on water temperature, habitat, and the age and species of trout present. Brown trout rarely display symptoms associated with whirling disease unless heavily infested, (Con t on p. 19) A Full-Service Marina conveniently located on beautiful Norris Lake off Hwy 33 in New Tazewell, TN New Luxury Houseboat Rentals Speedboat Rentals Pontoon Rentals Open Pontoon Slips New Wave Runner Rentals New Park Models Rentals Paddle Board & Paddle Boat Rentals Water Toy Rentals Overnight & Primitive Tent Camping Contact us today and start planning your next lake get-away! cedargrovemarina@hotmail.com 17

18 NORRIS LAKE ( 2017 Wildlife Awards... con t from p. 16) ery year at the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge s Duck River Unit where he has helped band more than 1,000 geese and 2,500 wood ducks. Roberson has notoriety as a trapper, particularly trapping beavers on waterfowl impoundments. He is a certified Hunter Education Instructor and assists local wildlife officers in teaching multiple Hunter Education classes annually in Benton County. Roberson has also volunteered in other youth outdoor events such as Free Fishing Day and the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge s Green Wing Day that allows youth to participate in wood duck banding. In aspirations to further his education and knowledge, he has also taken extra training classes offered by the state as well as attending seminars that have been conducted by local universities pertaining to wildlife management. (See photos of award recipients on page 21) - TWRA - Send us your hunting & fishing photos: to steppcom@aol.com 2018 Turkey Seasons Young Sportsman March 24-25, 2018 Shotgun/Archery March 31-May 13,

19 WATAUGA / S. HOLSTON / BOONE Brummitt s Bait & Tackle Live Bait Hwy 321 Hampton, TN ( Whirling Disease... con t from p. 17) while rainbow and brook trout, especially young fingerlings, are more susceptible to the effects of the parasite. TWRA biologists will begin collecting trout in tailwaters across the state and within the South Holston and Watauga watersheds to determine the current distribution of the non-native parasite and the prevalence of whirling disease. Annual routine testing currently indicate that all TWRA hatchery facilities are disease free. There is no known cure to rid the parasite that causes whirling disease now that it has been established, so the best way to protect Tennessee s many trout fisheries is to prevent it from spreading. For more information on whirling disease and how to can help, visit: ---TWRA Fishing Licenses On Sale Now! Download this magazine in full color! 19

20 DALE HOLLOW LAKE DALE HOLLOW SPRING BASS CLASSIC Hosted by: SUNSET MARINA April 14 & 15, MAN BUDDY TOURNAMENT SATURDAY: 7am to 4pm SUNDAY: 7am to 2pm $22,500 POTENTIAL PRIZE MONEY $500 BIG BASS EACH DAY Sponsored By: THE TOWN OF BYRDSTOWN AND PICKETT COUNTY GOVERNMENT BYRDSTOWN-PICKETT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE $500 EACH DAY AWARDED FOR THE BIGGEST BASS EITHER SPECIES! BOATS WILL BE SENT OUT IN FLIGHTS - EARLIEST REGISTRATION DETERMINES FLIGHT NUMBER. - LIMITED T0 THE FIRST 150 BOATS ENTERED ENTRY FEE $150 PER BOAT Non-Refundable Two people per boat 20 Get your new 2018 fishng license today - a trophy like this may be waiting on you! Photo TWRA website.

21 DALE HOLLOW LAKE Boat Parking With Elec. Hook-ups Wireless Internet Security Cameras - FACILITIES FOR SALE - - Dale Hollow Fishing Report - courtesy Sportsman s Lodge Motel Smallmouth Bass: A few smallmouths are being caught on A-rigs while fishing grass on flats in feet of water. Largemouth Bass: A few largemouths are being caught while fishing colored water with crankbaits and jigs above sunset Crappie: A few crappie are being caught above Eastport while fishing minnows and lay down trees in about 12 feet deep. (Huntfishbuddy.com) Horse Creek Dock & Resort 703 Horse Creek Dock Road, Celina, TN * COTTAGES * BOAT RENTALS * FISHING SUPPLIES * BAIT * ICE - GROCERIES Photos: (Top): Dan Gibbs receives WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST OF THE YEAR, included are TWRA s Ed Carer, Mark Gudlin, John Mike, and Jeff Cook. (Bottom): WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR, Joshua Roberts, pictured with TWRA officials David Ulderich, Ed Carter, Mark Gudlin, and Jeff Cook. Photos courtesy TWRA. 21

22 CENTER HILL LAKE Center Hill Fishing Report: Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is tough. The water temperature is 47 degrees. Lake is very unstable and the water level is at 644 feet. Black Bass: A few bass are being caught on crankbaits and A rigs while fishing channel banks in the colored water. Crappie: A few crappie are being caught around docks with minnows in feet of water. Walleye: Occasional walleye are being caught above Pates Ford in 25 feet of water. Fishing Report by TWRA through Huntfishbuddy 22 TonyTodd (Tournament Director) or tonytoddbass@comcast.net

23 PAY LAKE FISHING GALLATIN PAY LAKE 1035 N.WATER AVE. GALLATIN,TN (615) LAKE OPEN: 7:00am To 7:00am $10.00 Per Person MONDAY THU SUNDAY, (BUT, BAIT SHOP CLOSED: Mon.,Tue., Wed., Thur.). USE MAIL SLOT TO PAY ON SIDE OF BAIT SHOP. BRING YOUR OWN BAIT CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY! Tom Hawkins - 22 lbs 5/20/17. Photo courtesy Gallatin Pay Lake. BAIT SHOP OPEN: Fridays Saturdays Sundays ONLY 7:00am To 9:00pm STARTING MARCH 30 Friday, MARCH 31 SATURDAY, APRIL 1 SUNDAY $10.00 per person, children 10 and under fish free on paid parent ticket $2.00 Per LB. to keep fish on Fri, Sat, Sun only! Pickle Jar: Fri, Sat, Sun. OLNY AFTER 9:00pm Catch and Release Only! TILL 7:00am Peggy Mallard - 23 lbs 3 oz 7/29/17. Photo Gallatin Pay Lake. Nice catch 10/6/17. Photo Gallatin Pay Lake. 23

24 PAY LAKE FISHING 24 Photos above: Catches at Gallatin Pay Lake from last season.

25 PAY LAKE FISHING Gilmore - 6 lbs 7 oz 2/24/18. Photo Gallatin Pay Lake. Gilmore - 9 lbs 9 oz 2/24/18.. Photo Gallatin Pay Lake. PERCY PRIEST LAKE TROUT STOCKING AT FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK TWRA has partnered with Fall Creek Falls State Park to bring new trout fishing opportunities to the area. Both rainbow trout and brook trout will be stocked in the upper sections of Cane Creek by March 1. The rainbows will be placed in The George Hole, near the Nature Center, where anglers will have ample bank-fishing access and the brookies will be stocked upstream, around the Highway 284 Bridge and the park s Upper Loop Trail. - TWRA - Photo TWRA. 25

26 26 PERCY PRIEST LAKE

27 OLD HICKORY LAKE SUMNER/WILSON BASS ANGLERS ASSOCIATION March 11, 25 -Bull Creek - SL - 1pm For info: Tournament Trail March Flipper s Bait & Tackle King Kat USA Tournament Trail March Flipper s Bait & Tackle - Super Event for info Download this magazine in full color! 27

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