Press Release:
Crossville—Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is currently monitoring Dale Hollow Reservoir where high water temperatures, low dissolved oxygen, reduced flows, and changes in water levels have contributed to the mortality of approximately 250 Walleye. The Horse Creek and Mitchell Creek areas, located on the lower end of Dale Hollow, are specifically being monitored.
Walleye seeking baitfish and cooler water temperatures can fall victim to low dissolved oxygen levels in the water. These occurrences are weather related, with the last significant incident taking place at Dale Hollow in 2012 when conditions were similar.
Currently, it is mostly Walleye affected by poor conditions. However, if weather and water conditions do not change, other game species could be affected. In 2012, game and nongame species were affected, including Walleye and Black Bass. Anglers could also see these occurrences on additional reservoirs in the area.
Dale Hollow populations have been resilient in the past with no long-term effects to the populations, and TWRA fisheries staff will continue to monitor and manage fish populations through various data collection methods on all reservoirs.