BILL DANCE SIGNATURE LAKES
The Bill Dance Signature Lakes program includes enhancements both above and below the water line for multiple lakes throughout Tennessee .
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER SHANGLE
The Bill Dance Signature Lakes project
Dance ’ s desire to spread the gospel of Tennessee fishing manifested in December of 2021 with the announcement of Dance ’ s relationship with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency ( TWRA ), Tennessee State Parks and the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development to develop the Bill Dance Signature Lakes program .
As revealed proudly by Dance and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee – himself an avid outdoorsman – the Bill Dance Signature Lakes portfolio of 14 “ Phase 1 ” fisheries opened with a $ 15 million initiative that had a straightforward core mission to enhance the Volunteer State ’ s already-impressive fishing resources . The secondary goal ( one that the camera-friendly Dance is uniquely qualified to help accomplish ): to spread the word to an audience of opportunity-hungry anglers throughout the state , region and country that the Bill Dance Signature Lakes will provide an angling experience endorsed by the world ’ s most beloved bass fisherman .
“ If I ’ m going to lend my name ( to this project ), I want anglers of all ages – from experts to amateurs – to have a legendary experience ,” Dance said at the time of the announcement .
The 10 large reservoirs and four small-water fisheries initially honored with the Bill Dance signature of approval stretch from one side of the state to the other and offer an impressive range of diverse fishing and recreational options . From trout , bass and panfish in 6,430-acre
BILL DANCE SIGNATURE LAKES
WESTERN REGION
• Reelfoot Lake ( crappie , catfish , bluegill )
• Herb Parsons Lake ( bluegill , catfish , largemouth bass )
• Lake Halford ( largemouth bass , crappie , bluegill , walleye )
• Brown ’ s Creek Lake ( largemouth bass )
• Pickwick Lake ( largemouth bass , catfish , crappie , bluegill )
CENTRAL REGION
• Kentucky Lake ( largemouth bass , crappie )
• Old Hickory Lake ( largemouth bass , striped bass , crappie , sauger , walleye )
• Tims Ford Lake ( largemouth bass , striped bass , walleye , crappie )
• Fall Creek Falls Lake ( largemouth bass , bluegill , catfish )
• Dale Hollow Lake ( smallmouth bass , largemouth bass , crappie , walleye )
EAST REGION
• Chickamauga Lake ( largemouth bass , crappie , walleye )
• Douglas Lake ( largemouth bass , crappie , bluegill )
• Norris Lake ( largemouth bass , striped bass , walleye , crappie )
• Watauga Lake ( smallmouth bass , walleye , crappie , trout )
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2024 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM 53