Norris Lake - Gill Netting 2010
Sampling Date: January 26 – February 24, 2010
Species collected in survey (26 net nights):
Walleye - 162
Striped bass - 31
Sauger - 6
White bass - 18
Smallmouth bass - 23
The TWRA uses winter gill netting to determine the status of the Norris walleye and striped bass fisheries. The effectiveness of our stocking program and growth characteristics of the fisheries are monitored with this sampling procedure.
During the late 1990’s, Tennessee Technological University determined the Norris walleye fishery was failing due to limited natural spawning. TWRA responded with an aggressive stocking campaign and have stocked 5 to 10 walleye per acre each of the past 11 years. The fishery has recovered tremendously as a result. More information about the Norris walleye fishery can be found on this web page.
The 2010 sample suggests the walleye fishery remains relatively stable. The walleye catch rate declined in 2007, but bounced back up to normal in 2008-2010. One can see in the length frequency below that a high percentage are greater than harvestable size (15-inches).
The striped bass fishery has rebounded since a die-off of large fish in the summer of 2003 and the stocking moratorium from 1996 through 1998. The TWRA presently stocks approximately three striped bass per acre which is sufficient to maintain a substantial fishery.
Visit the slide show on the NLFAC page for a complete summary of the status of the Norris fisheries.
Walleye length frequency
Walleye gill netting catch rates
