Lake life. Public waters. The stories that matter.
UC Now reports that the Corps is balancing releases at Center Hill, Dale Hollow and Cordell Hull despite dry conditions. Officials said the lakes were near their historical median levels for early October.
The Courier News reports that Clinton High School anglers Mason Chambers and Dylan Byrge received rings recognizing their Tennessee Bass Federation state title. Their winning Old Hickory catch weighed 10 pounds, 14 ounces.
TWRA is repairing holes at the ramp and maintaining only the center lane during low water. Boaters are asked to winch or use a trolling motor to load rather than power-loading with the main motor.
A September 23 feature previews Ott DeFoe’s preparation for The Champions, scheduled for October 29–31 on Old Hickory. The event advertises a $3.25 million prize pool and related entertainment and outdoor-expo activities.
The Gillnet’s September 11 report highlights trout stocking at Tims Ford tailwater, Tellico and other Tennessee waters. Stocking schedules can shift with weather and water temperatures; anglers should check TWRA before traveling.
TWRA biologists surveyed 123 sites across ten watersheds, including the Caney, Collins and Calfkiller rivers, to improve information on rare fish, mussels, crayfish and other aquatic species.
A September 9 MLF preview describes bass patterns and growing aquatic grass before the September 19–20 Volunteer Division Super Tournament at Watts Bar. The tournament dates have passed; the article remains in the 30-day news window.
TWRA is inviting students in grades K–12 to enter original artwork featuring a native Tennessee fish in the National Art of Conservation contest.
Local and state emergency officials joined the Corps for a September 22 tabletop exercise at Center Hill Dam. The September 25 report describes testing of release notifications and evacuation coordination; it was a simulation, not an active emergency.
The Nashville District announced a November 2026 drawdown to assess shoreline conditions beside Corps recreation areas and carry out recreation-area maintenance.
A September report describes TVA’s updated Lake Levels hub, launched in July. It combines elevations, generation schedules, recreation releases and operating guides used by boaters, anglers and fishing guides. Release schedules can change without notice.
TWRA recovered a missing swimmer on September 20 after a search near Anderson Beach. The September 21 report said the incident remained under investigation and was Tennessee’s 18th boating-related fatality of 2026.
UC Now reports that two people were ejected when a bass boat struck land on September 14. One man died and the other was taken to Vanderbilt for treatment. TWRA was investigating as of the September 15 report.
WVLT reports that a 72-year-old man died after falling from a moving pontoon near Sand Island on September 11. Responders provided life-saving care, and TWRA was investigating. This is a follow-up to the earlier rescue response.
Rhea County responders assisted TWRA and Meigs County Fire Rescue with an injured person aboard a pontoon. Crews provided life-saving measures and transported the person to the dam boat ramp. TWRA is investigating.
TWRA reported three injury incidents on Kentucky, Chickamauga and Watts Bar lakes, four property-damage incidents and eight boating-under-the-influence arrests. No boating-related fatalities were reported during the holiday weekend.
TWRA marked the naming of the 177-acre Fayette County lake and surrounding wildlife refuge. Lake improvements include fisheries and habitat work; a concessions building and pavilion are planned.
Marina Dock Age reports that Sunset Marina and Resort added 100 slips in a new T-shaped dock layout. The expansion connects to shore by a wide access walkway and gangway.
In Rankin v. HSM Holdings, the Tennessee Court of Appeals affirmed dismissal for lack of standing. The court found the plaintiff had not established a legal injury in the dispute over long-term marina slip rights.
TWRA’s September 22 release describes how hunting and fishing spending supports Tennessee’s economy. Fisheries funding includes fishing licenses, boat registrations, a share of the Real Estate Transfer Tax and federal equipment excise taxes. The release does not announce a new tax increase.
The Nashville District announced waived day-use launch and swim-beach fees for September 26, plus cleanup projects at Percy Priest, Cheatham, Cordell Hull, Dale Hollow and Old Hickory lakes. Those event dates have passed.
Kentucky & Tennessee Marina Associations announcements