TVA biologists sum up the results of the 2008 spring sportfish survey in one word: excellent.

Catch rates improved from the 2007 survey on 16 of the 21 reservoirs sampled—with nine reservoirs recording their highest catch rates to date. Fish health and condition also were found to be better than average.

The overall catch rate for the 2008 survey was 65 fish per hour—up from the 2007 survey rate of 51 fish per hour. The highest catch rate—more than 100 fish per hour—was observed on Fort Loudoun Reservoir, followed by Wheeler with a catch rate of 82 fish per hour.

TVA conducts the survey every spring to help determine the number, age, and general health of black bass and crappie populations in TVA-managed reservoirs. Results are used by state agencies to protect and improve sport fisheries.

Crews conduct twelve 30-minute electro-fishing runs at sampling locations representing a variety of habitat types. An electric current is used to temporarily stun the fish so that they float to the surface. The fish are released unharmed after they are weighed and measured.

TVA fisheries biologist Donny Lowery is pleased with the 2008 survey results. “Black bass and crappie populations appear to be thriving despite the extended drought, and there is no indication of any negative impacts related to the changes in TVA’s reservoir operating policy implemented in 2004.”

For Apalachia, the survey counted 130 black bass, up from 97 in 2006, with 76.2% harvestable, down from 77.4%. There were 78 largemouth bass counted, up from 62; 25 smallmouth bass, up from 20; 27 spotted bass, up from 15. There were no crappie counted in the harvest, the same as before. The electrofishing rate was 21.7 per hour, up from 16.2. The largest black bass was 5 lbs. There were more fish with disease/parasites -- 26.2%, up from 12.4% in 2006 and none in 2004.

For Blue Ridge Lake, the survey counted 181 black bass, up from 85 in 2006, with 90.2% harvestable, up from 60%. There were 102 largemouth bass counted, up from 60; 23 smallmouth bass, up from 16; 56 spotted bass, up from 9. There were no crappie counted in the harvest, compared to 1 in 2006. The electrofishing rate was 30.2 per hour, up from 14.2. The largest black bass was 5.2 lbs. There were more fish with disease/parasites -- 5%, up from 1.2% in 2006 and 1.5% in 2004.

For Parksville Lake, the 2007 survey counted 500 black bass, up from 234 in 2006, with 97.3% harvestable, up from 94.5% in 2006 and 70.6% in 2004. There were 76 largemouth bass counted, down from 110; 0 smallmouth bass, down from 4; 424 spotted bass, up from 120. There were 2 crappie counted in the harvest, compared to 18 in 2006. The electrofishing rate was 83.3 per hour, up from 39. The largest black bass was 6 lbs. There were fewer fish with disease/parasites -- 0.8%, down from 3.8% in 2006 and 1.9% in 2004.

For Tellico Lake, the survey counted 445 black bass, up from 250 in 2006, with 70.4% harvestable, down from 82.4%. There were 250 largemouth bass counted, up from 125; 126 smallmouth bass, up from 79; 69 spotted bass, up from 46. There were 6 crappie counted in the harvest, compared to 10 in 2006. The electrofishing rate was 74.2 per hour, up from 41.7. The largest black bass was 5.3 lbs. There were slightly more fish with disease/parasites -- 11.7%, up from 11.6% in 2006 and 4.9% in 2004.