NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is going to use the same methodology to develop the state’s upcoming 2028–37 Tennessee Trout Management Plan as it used for the black bass management model.
With TWRA’s current trout management plan expiring next year, the TWRA Fisheries Division is mirroring the multi-phase, citizen-led framework successfully utilized for the state’s recent black bass management plan, incorporating public input throughout. The process begins with an online survey underway now and continuing through Nov. 6. Scan the QR code below to take part.
Scan this QR Code to participate in a survey regarding TWRA’s new trout management plan. (Code courtesy TWRA)
This will be followed by the formation of a dedicated Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC). This group will include a diverse cross-section of volunteer citizens—including local river guides, cold-water conservationists, fly-shop owners, and recreational trout anglers—to collaborate directly with Agency biologists in drafting the 10-year strategy.
The drafting phase is expected to carry through at least mid-year 2027. Once a complete draft plan has been developed, the TWRA will transition to the next phase of the blueprint, which will be a public review period.
Gil Lackey shows off a respectable brown trout from Middle Tennessee’s Caney Fork River. The Caney is one of several Tennessee streams where anglers can catch all three spcecies of trout in the Volunteer State – brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout. (Photo: Richard Simms)
“Our trout fisheries are an incredible natural resource for Tennessee,” said Jim Habera, TWRA Trout Program Manager. “By following the stakeholder and public meeting processes we used for our black bass management plan, we ensure that the voices of the people who fish and protect these waters are built directly into the foundation of our long-term policy.”
As with the Black Bass Management Plan, the final document will serve as broad policy guidance for the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC). The plan will not replace the formal rulemaking process required to change specific trout fishing regulations.