TWRA biologists were joined by 35 volunteers to increase habitat for Florida Bass at three specific locations on Watts Bar Reservoir. The Florida Bass fingerling stocking will take place at the end of May or beginning of June, 2015 and is the first stocking of a multi-year project. Volunteers worked for several hours at three sites, over a three day period to place approximately 550 cut cedar trees from shallow to deeper waters.
A recent study by TWRA biologists revealed Watts Bar Reservoir habitat requirements needed some oomph for Florida Bass fingerling introduction. “Volunteers are critical to our fish habitat efforts and we couldn’t have done this without them,” shared Chris Morton, TWRA Habitat and Fisheries Manager. Fingerlings are typically one to three inches long and need places to hide. Success of Florida Bass stocking greatly depends on this type of habitat. Studies have shown that the use of thick brush, such as cedar trees, can be as efficient as aquatic vegetation for increasing the survival of young fish.
Reservoir biologists identified three areas to be stocked, Big Springs Access Area, Caney Creek Access Area and Rhea Springs Access Area. Nickajack Reservoir will also be stocked but unlike Watts Bar, Nickajack Reservoir has ample habitat in regards to aquatic vegetation.
For more information on the Florida Bass stocking, visit http://www.tn.gov/twra/fish/Reservoir/Research/FLLMB.html