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Quote:

Originally Posted by bd- (Post 15793)

By the way, somebody is bound to ask why I am "naming names" on the trout spring creeks.

TWRA currently doesn't feel like these creeks are a very widely utilized resource. Based on attention, they value the tailwaters highest (obviously), and the urban stocking program second highest.

The spring stocking program barely gets any attention at all. If more people fished these creeks, talked about these creeks, and called TWRA asking about these creeks, it would help. TWRA would value them more highly as a fishery and more emphasis would be placed on their management.

Right now, it's just a deal of "we dump some trout there in the spring because we've always done it." But those streams could be soooo much more!!!

bd

I am currently running around in Western, NC. To support your point, take a look at WNC stream management. Most of the public/managed waters are posted streamside, allowing fishermen to know where the resource is and what the regs. are. This not only allows a newbie to the area to understand public access areas, they can also accurately report field experience. Delayed Harvest areas are the best of both worlds. A Catch and Release Fisherman can play here from October thru June. Then harvest is allowed June thru September. Hold over fish are common as you suggest TN could do as well. Then there are the WILD trout Streams, Fly Fishing Only/C&R, Hatchery Supported. All clearly communicated and marked. I'd fish TN streams more if they were better marked. Tail Waters are nice and all but being knee deep in cold water is just what Trout fishing is all about. At least for me anyway.

There are spots that are going to be abused. Abuse happens everywhere. As fishermen, we just have to lead by example, support Wildlife Management and keep looking forward.

Here are a few pix of a Golden from the Oconaluftee I landed yesterday along the way.

Just thoughts.