Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Smoky Mountain Speckled Trout


The Daily Times of Maryville, TN reports that a three year study of native brook trout (speckled trout as they are called here) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will come to an end in June of this year. So far the study has found that sport fishing has no real negative impact on fish stocks.

"Park Fisheries Biologist Steve Moore has discovered that 67 percent of local anglers and 83 percent of visitors do not keep even one fish. The mere experience was pleasure enough."

On a related note, If you are planning on visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this year and want to do some fishing. Consider buying your out of state fishing license in North Carolina rather than in Tennessee. North Carolina charges $25 for a three day permit with trout stamp, while Tennessee charges 33.50 for a three day all fish permit. Due to a reciprocal agreement, either license will allow you to fish inside the boundaries of the park. The difference in price is even greater if you are considering annual licenses. Check it out for yourself by visiting the respective websites for NC and TN Wildlife Resources.

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