Tail Waters
 Flood control and cheap electricity were the by-products of TVA’s efforts to dam the wild rivers in Tennessee beginning in the 1930’s. At the time, little or no attention was given to the impact on the rivers below the dams...the tail waters. In fact, biological diversity suffered as did water quality.
Since the mid-1990’s, the Tennessee Valley Authority has taken the initiative to improve the water quality and biological habitat of the rivers in its vast area. The results, as Wild Side Guide Janet Ivey tells us, are very promising. Improvements such as a more constant river flow and higher, life-sustaining oxygen levels have allowed the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to re-introduce endangered species to their former homes across middle and east Tennessee. Species formerly thought gone are re-appearing and the fabled Lake Sturgeon is even making a comeback. Indeed, the outlook for the future is very bright for species diversity and for sportsmen who stand to benefit from better fishing.
For more about TVA’s Reservoir Releases Improvement program (RRI), visit www.TVA.com/environment/water/rri_index.htm.
At TVA’s website you can also find a complete list, locations, and descriptions of the dams in the TVA system.
Fishing in Tennessee is among the best in the country for variety of location, water, and species. Be sure to visit the website of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at www.tnwildlife.org.
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