Boat loaded with cut trees heads out to Watauga Reservoir. Trees are submerged in the water to provide habitat for the many fish that live in the lake.

Fish for the Future

May 1, 2026

TVA, TWRA Partner to Restore Fish Habitat

What does it take to restore excellent fish habitat?

In the case of Watauga Reservoir, partnerships and long-term planning.

Following Hurricane Helene in 2024, most submerged trees – crucial underwater habitat that offer fish places to feed, breed and hide – were destroyed.

To bring this habitat back, TVA partnered with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) on a year-long project to restore woody habitat for native fish species, including angler favorites such as bass, lake trout, bluegill, walleye and crappie.

The work will help bolster outdoor recreation that brings billions in economic benefits across the Valley region.

“We know the value of this resource for the community,” Michael McCall, TVA vice president of Environment and Stewardship, said. “Watauga Dam helps to power this region, while recreation on the Watauga Reservoir draws anglers and outdoor enthusiasts locally and from around the world.

“It has been a priority since Hurricane Helene occurred for TVA to work with partners to continue to do all we can to support this community.”

Boat loaded down with trees to be submerged in Watauga Reservoir

A boat transports tree structures for fish habitat at Watauga.

Big Business

Watauga, clear and cool, sits highest in the system of TVA’s reservoirs.

A pristine mountain fishing destination and Bill Dance Signature Lake, it attracts tourists and national fishing tournaments.

And it inspires locals to root for its restoration.

“This whole area is amazing for Tennessee,” said state Sen. Rusty Crowe, who grew up here and whose granddad taught him to fish for crappie on these waters. “TVA and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency have been so helpful in recovery.”

Recovery of fish means economic recovery, too.

Across the region, reservoirs and the fishing and boating they offer are big business. In Tennessee, outdoor recreation adds $5.8 billion to state revenue.

And recreation on TVA’s reservoirs across its seven-state service area brings in $12 billion each year to local economies.

Jason Henegar, TWRA fisheries division chief, said his agency annually monitors fish and water quality, an effort TVA joins each spring and fall to help ensure this fishery remains healthy.

On Watauga, monitoring shows fish populations are thriving.

The increased fish habitat, including 75 Eastern cedar trees and 20 crappie stake beds, will keep them going strong into the future.

“I commend TVA and TWRA in their efforts to restore this reservoir and the community,” state Rep. Renea Jones said. “This is a thriving reservoir ... that supports the outdoor recreation industry and the economy. This collaboration is a great example of what we can accomplish together for future generations.”

Boat loaded down with trees to be submerged in Watauga Reservoir

Work crews move woody tree structures into position.

Years to Come

While anglers cast for fish off the wooden pier at Rat Branch boat ramp, a custom TWRA barge chugged into position offshore. Outfitted with special pulleys, the barge helped crews haul and release huge cedars harvested for just this purpose.

With a mighty heave and a tremendous splash, each tree crashed into the water.

Within days, biologists said, bass, bluegill and walleye would be darting between the nooks and crannies of underwater branches.

“Watauga is a treasure and TVA has helped us accelerate its restoration,” Brandon Wear, TWRA deputy director, said. “Together we're protecting and restoring everything this reservoir has to offer.”

As the trees and the last crappie block splashed into the water, another group of anglers arrived at the dock.

Henegar pointed out the new habitat, while director of public relations Emily Buck explained how TWRA marks all the habitat sites on a downloadable, interactive map.

The team predicted that, in just a few hours, fish would be exploring the new habitat – adapting, as all the area’s residents had, to a changed landscape.

“Carter County residents are resilient,” Henegar said. "And the fisheries are resilient.”

Partnerships help ensure the success of this work, said Shannon O’Quinn, TVA Environmental Stewardship program manager.

"Watauga has a special place in the community," O’Quinn said. “This project will help maintain this fishery for years to come."