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Fisheries committee previews sport‑fishing changes; deputy director presents finances through Nov. 2025

Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission · January 12, 2026

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Summary

The fisheries committee reviewed adjustments to sport‑fishing proclamations (delayed‑harvest changes, stream openings, renovation plans for two signature lakes) and the budget committee received a financial update through November 2025, including wetland acquisition fund activity and investment returns.

Committee chairs presented proposed fishing regulation changes and a multi‑committee financial update during the committee day.

Travis Scott (Assistant Chief) presented recommended edits to the sport fishing proclamation: removal of a delayed‑harvest rule on Piney River to allow fall/winter harvest, a date shift for Big Sodie Creek stocking, broader angler access to streams on Catoosa WMA except during deer and hog control seasons, and drawdown/renovation work on Travis McNatt Lake (Big Hill Pond State Park) and Woodhaven Lake (Montgomery Bell State Park) with temporary catch‑and‑release periods until fisheries are reestablished.

Deputy Director Frank Fiske provided a financial report through November 2025. He said the boating fund is on track, the wildlife fund income is slightly ahead of projections, and the wetland acquisition fund shows year‑to‑date income (~$6.8M) and withdrawals (~$13.7M) as the agency draws funds to reimburse law enforcement and support acquisitions. He reported investment returns of about 3.9% on certain funds and a plan to move the wetland fund balance toward a target range by year end.

Why it matters: The sport fishing proclamation changes affect seasonal rules and stocking timing used by anglers and managers; the budget update explains near‑term funding available for habitat and law enforcement priorities.

Next steps: The fisheries committee will forward proclamation recommendations to the full commission for action tomorrow; fiscal monitoring will continue and staff will report back on project timelines for lake renovations.