The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency in partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is conducting a project documenting habitat use, movement patterns, and spawning habits of walleye (Sander vitreus) in Watts Bar Reservoir. This walleye study will include the use of acoustic receivers in the reservoir and transmitters placed in walleye to monitor locations and movements of the fish.
Officials said, "This study will give biologists an enhanced understanding which will help in the overall management of walleye in Watts Bar as well as other reservoirs.
Additionally, this study will lend critical information that will aid TWRA regarding stocking regimes in the future.
"Walleye fingerlings were initially stocked into Watts Bar Reservoir in 2011 by TWRA. Although native to the Tennessee River, walleye had a minimal presence in Watts Bar before stocking. Currently, the walleye population in Watts Bar is favorable thanks to annual stockings by TWRA.
"Anglers will play a vital role in this research and are asked to support this project by collecting information from any walleye caught that is tagged with a prominent, orange loop tag located behind the dorsal fin, and by releasing the tagged walleye. Information needed from a tagged walleye is the tag number, location where the fish was caught, and if the fish was returned to the water. Contact information is available on the tag, flyer, and study website. University of Tennessee graduate student, Brittany Graham is overseeing the project, expected to last two years.
"Releasing the walleye will allow the fish to stay in the study and enable researchers to continue collecting data from the tagged fish. It is imperative the fish remained tagged. Should the fish be harvested or experience mortality, tags, internal transmitter and any associated data can be returned to Graham."