Anchoring near dam
 

Someone mentioned to me last night that it is a fineable offense to anchor near the dam out in the open water. Anybody know what the regs are on this. I see many people doing this at OH dam.

I don't believe it's unlawful if not marked, just not advisable.

Never anchor your boat in the area below a dam

A sudden surge of water can pull a boat under and sink it before you have a chance to pull up the anchor and move to safety.

http://www.tva.com/river/hazwater/safe.htm


Never anchor your boat when fishing below a dam; leave your boat motor running even if drift fishing.
Here is what I found with a quick search, I'll look a little more. You won't find me anchoring below a dam.
http://www.tva.com/river/hazwater/

I think the TVA does this so when someone does anchor and their boat gets swamped and sinks to the bottom, and the members aboard have to bail they can say "hey stupid we told you not to do that".


Boating Near Dams—Beware!

Never anchor your boat in the area below a dam. Never anchor your boat from the stern. A sudden surge of water can pull a boat under and sink it before you have a chance to pull up the anchor and move to safety.

http://www.boat-ed.com/tn/course/p4-...soperation.htm

In the above statement they could see it as recklessness and charge you will reckless operation of a watercraft.

Jeremy

I do in certain areas. I tie my anchor rope to a cleat on the bow. I keep a sharp knife next to the cleat and only fish off the bow while anchored. Aside from the danger I've lost 5 anchors at $20 a pop below old hickory due to them hanging in the rocks.

Times two on your advice. I lived in West TN for a while and had a bass boat and fished below Pickwick Dam almost everyday with it. You see a lot of stuff when you are on the water that much. Have seen boats do just what you describe in your post. Not a good idea to anchor below a dam....IMHO.


Regards