Norris Gill Netting 2008
Sampling Date: January 8 –11, 2008
Species collected in survey (28 net nights):
Walleye - 163
Striped bass - 37
Sauger - 13
White bass - 16
The TWRA has used winter gill netting during the past several years 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 either 5 or 10 walleye per acre each of the past ten years. The fishery has recovered tremendously as a result. More information about the Norris walleye fishery can be found on this web page.
The 2008 sample suggests the walleye fishery remains relatively stable. The walleye catch rate declined in 2007, but bounced back up to normal in 2008. 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 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 - 2008
Walleye gill netting catch rates - 1998 to 2008
Walleye condition (95-105 is ideal) - 2008
Striped bass length frequency - 2008
Striped bass condition (95-105 is ideal) - 2008
