Well, maybe. We still have the ongoing threat of the hatcheries potentially being shut down. So far, the Corps of Engineers has generously agreed to help with part of the funding, but TVA has not. The Elk is a TVA tailwater. If the Corps pays for trout and TVA doesn't, the Corps tailwaters will get most of the trout that are raised on the reduced budget.

In that scenario, the Elk could see a reduction of 80 percent or more in stocking a few years from now. Hopefully TVA will step up to the plate, but who knows.

Anyway, the issue on the tailwaters isn't only "dumping fish in." You're right that we can put tons of trout in the river and impose harvest regulations to keep the larger ones in there. Even with massive fishing pressure, the Caney still has plenty of big trout.

But big fish aren't the whole story. The issue is overall quality of fishing experience. Trying to fish with a constant - and I mean CONSTANT - procession of rental canoes making racket and crashing through your drift isn't so fun. The noise, crowds, and commercialization of the river have made it somewhat like trying to trout fish at Disney World, unfortunately.

I still love to trout fish, and there are limited options for that in Middle Tennessee. Thus, I bite the bullet and elbow in among the crowds. But it's a growing issue of conflict that will probably have to be addressed somehow, one day soon.

bd

I wonder if more will switch to night time for that river. My typical trip up there even if I bring the boat starts at 10pm here leaving the house and fishing on through noon or so once I arrive.

I hardly ever see anyone until just before daylight about 95% of the time.

Only the diehard anglers, hopefully, travis. I don't think the tourist crowd or the fairweather guys will enjoy being shrouded in fog, in the dark, with sounds coming from who-knows-where, and shivering to boot. I, however, love it.


Chris

I consider myself a diehard angler, and even I hate fishing at night. I'll endure it for the right rewards - big stripers, trophy trout, or occasionally even top-notch bass fishing or catfish. It has to be pretty good though to get me out there at night. I just hate all the minor annoyances that go along with not being able to see. It's simply not my thing.

bd

:D

Beavers... I hate'em

Waist deep, full moon in front of you, fog creepin down river, not a soul around.........SMACK!!!! Beaver just slapped his tail on the water 4 feet behind you.


I will wade at night even during winter November through Feb. Sometimes that borderlines nuts as colds as it gets but never once have I packed it in due to cold.

I like the reward as well. Almost all my biggest fish of most the species I chase have come from night fishing.

I have been on a coulpe rivers and heard some giants breaching. Never got close enough to cast to them but enough the really get you going.

Since my fly casting skills aren't top notch yet, I stick to gear fishing at night for trout most the time. Although I have been playing with a glowing indicator for some nymph fishing this summer under the stars.

Very Very nice! I grew up fishing the Elk. We owned 350 +/- acres right there below the dam that ran along the river up to the first bend (turnhole) up until the summer of 07'. I tell you what, I bet I've caught thousands of trout out that short stretch of river, but NEVER a big ol brown like that! Awesome! :D