Sturgeon are present in Tennessee’s waters, representing a remarkable story of ecological recovery and dedicated conservation efforts. These ancient fish have a long history in the state’s river systems. Their current presence is a testament to significant collaborative programs aimed at restoring their populations. While once nearly absent, ongoing initiatives have brought them back into Tennessee.
Sturgeon Species and Their History in Tennessee
The primary sturgeon species found in Tennessee is the Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), a native inhabitant of large rivers and lakes. Historically, these fish were widespread in the Cumberland, Mississippi, and Tennessee rivers. Lake Sturgeon populations dramatically declined and were largely extirpated from Tennessee by the 1970s. This decline resulted from overfishing, habitat loss, and the damming of rivers, which fragmented their migration routes.
Lake Sturgeon can live up to 150 years, growing up to eight feet in length and 300 pounds. Their slow maturation rate made them vulnerable; females typically reach sexual maturity between 20 to 25 years, while males mature around 15 years. Since 2000, extensive reintroduction efforts have been underway to restore reproducing populations.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Tennessee Aquarium, has spearheaded these programs. Over 300,000 Lake Sturgeon have been stocked into the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. These stocking efforts are designed to re-establish a self-sustaining population, with natural spawning expected as the first reintroduced fish reach maturity.
Sturgeon Habitats in Tennessee
Lake Sturgeon inhabit large rivers and lakes, preferring environments with clear sand or gravel bottoms. In Tennessee, they have been reintroduced and are now found throughout the Tennessee River system, including major tributaries like the French Broad, Holston, and Cumberland Rivers. The TVA reservoir system also provides suitable habitat, with stocking locations in areas such as Fort Loudoun, Watts Bar, and Chickamauga reservoirs.
These fish are bottom feeders, consuming snails, insect larvae, mollusks, and crayfish. For spawning, Lake Sturgeon migrate upriver to flowing habitats, seeking coarse rocky substrates. Monitoring efforts confirm that suitable spawning habitat patches exist in the tailwaters below dams within the Tennessee River system.
Conservation and Regulations for Sturgeon in Tennessee
Lake Sturgeon are currently listed as an endangered species in Tennessee. This status reflects their significant population declines and the ongoing recovery efforts. Due to this protected status, Lake Sturgeon cannot be harvested; fishing is strictly catch-and-release. Anglers who incidentally catch a Lake Sturgeon should handle the fish carefully, avoid holding it by its tail, and release it immediately.
Reporting incidental catches to the TWRA is encouraged, providing valuable data on the fish’s movement, growth, and population health. This information helps agencies monitor the reintroduction program’s success and guide future restoration. Beyond stocking, conservation initiatives involve habitat restoration, such as improving water quality and managing river flows. The long-term goal is to establish a self-sustaining population of Lake Sturgeon in Tennessee.