Bass Fishing Feb - Mar 2020 | Page 19

CONSERVATION NEWS: ASIAN CARP REPORTED IN CHICKAMAUGA > DESPITE WIDESPREAD EFFORTS to keep inva- sive Asian carp species from spreading east through the Tennessee River system, it seems Lake Chickamauga may be next on the list of fisheries to be impacted by their presence. On Jan. 10, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) received a report from a local angler of a silver carp jumping into his boat when he deployed his trolling motor. He encountered the fish near the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, and stated he “saw 15 to 20 more fish near the surface” exhibiting a feed- ing behavior. No other reports of Asian carp in Chickamauga have been made since the angler’s account, but the TWRA urges the public to report any carp sightings in east Tennessee. Asian carp are not known to be fully established in the region yet. Reports can be made by calling the nearest TWRA regional office, or by emailing [email protected]. FEBRUARY-MARCH 2020 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING.COM | FLWFISHING.COM 17