The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency recently released 300,000 sauger fingerlings beneath Nickajack Dam in Marion County, Tenn.
TWRA Region III Fisheries Biologist Mike Jolley said, "That is good news, there should be more to come in other reservoirs soon... some fry and/or fingerlings. I'll try to keep you posted as I am made aware."
Jolley has been monitoring the sauger fishery in several East Tennessee tailwaters, and says he has noted a decline in angler success. Jolley said he requested the additional stockings in hopes of enhancing the struggling sauger fishery.
It's unclear exactly why the sauger fishing has declined, although Jolley and other biologists have known for years that sauger spawning success is largely influenced by TVA water generation schedules.