NASHVILLE — A popular Smith County boat ramp on the Caney Fork River, in an area known as Betty’s Island, has been closed until it can be repaired.

The ramp is suspended about three feet above the river surface after having been undercut by strong current following a heavy rain in the area, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

“It’s a real mess and probably will be that way for a while until we can get repairs made,” said Smith County TWRA Wildlife Officer Derrick Triplett. “It’s a safety issue right now so we have barricaded access to the ramp.”

Access to the Betty’s Island portion of the river, however, is still available. Anglers can park in a gravel lot near the ramp and walk down to the river, noted Triplett.

“We are asking anglers to please not move the barricades,” said the officer. “We do not want anyone to get hurt. It is a dangerous situation.”

News release courtesy Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

Lake Thompson, a 10-acre lake on the VDGIF G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area in Fauquier County, is draining again – the first case occurring almost exactly two years ago. The drain near the lake bottom failed somewhere along its course upstream of the outlet pipe and, unfortunately, was not fixed before the failure became clogged (probably by mud) last time which allowed inadvertent refilling. VDGIF engineers, in consultation with contract dam safety engineers, will evaluate potential repair possibilities to the drain system and conduct additional assessments of the entire outlet structure and emergency spillway that need extensive renovations to meet current Department of Conservation and Recreation Dam Safety Standards.

As of August 23rd, the lake was down to about 2 acres of pool and was still draining rapidly. It is likely that the lake will be dry by the first of September given current flow rate. Anglers are advised to use caution when fishing the lake, as the exposed substrate is slippery and littered with debris. However, fishing is still allowed, and fish may be creeled (harvested) in compliance with State regulations. For updates check the VDGIF website or contact the Region 5 office in Fredericksburg at (540) 899-4169.

News release courtesy Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

NASHVILLE — Free Fishing Day in Tennessee is Saturday, June 12 when anyone in the state may fish free without a license in Tennessee’s public waters.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provides the free day in hopes of increasing interest in fishing. The day allows anyone the opportunity to try this great outdoor sport, especially children. In addition, children ages 13-15 may fish without a license beginning on Free Fishing Day through the following Friday (June 18).

The day and week are annual events in Tennessee and are great opportunities to introduce children to the enjoyment and excitement of a day on the water catching fish. The TWRA is among several organizations planning special fishing events, primarily for youngsters. The TWRA annually provides several thousand pounds of fish for stocking for various events.

For a list of the events, click here. Anglers and potential anglers should check the events list often since special events are frequently added.

Free Fishing Day and Week apply to Tennessee’s public waters, TWRA owned and operated lakes, and state park facilities. Some privately owned pay lakes continue to charge during this special day and week. Anglers may consult with lake operators if there are any questions about a particular facility.

News release courtesy Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

Alabama’s “Free Fishing Day” is scheduled for Saturday, June 12, 2010. The event takes place during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 5 - 13. Approved by the Alabama Legislature, Free Fishing Day allows for an annual free day of fishing when residents and non-residents may fish in most state waters without a fishing license. The fishing licensing exemption applies to both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

The exemption of the usual fishing license requirement on Free Fishing Day does not affect some lakes that may still require fees and permits.  Fishing in a private pond requires the pond owner’s permission. Contact your local Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries district office if you have any questions regarding license requirements. A list of district offices and contact numbers can be found here. A list of freshwater fishing locations may be found here.

News release courtesy Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Spring is upon us and the annual run of shad has begun as they make their way into our freshwater rivers to spawn. Early sampling has detected the beginning of the run and when the rivers return to normal after recent high flow the run will get into full swing. In recent years, many anglers have been rediscovering these fine silvery jewels from the sea, as increasing numbers of hickory and American shad are providing exciting, spring angling opportunities. American shad and hickory shad have already arrived at Richmond in the James River and should arrive at Fredericksburg in the Rappahannock River by late-March. Fishing for hickories usually winds down in late-April in the James and early-May in the Rappahannock. Americans may be caught through the end of May, but most are gone by the middle of the month. Remember, it is catch and release only for American shad (check VDGIF and VMRC regulations).

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Leave the nasty 2010 winter behind and bring in the 2010 fishing season with an evening of New River smallmouth bass fishing techniques and West Virginia trout fishing secrets featuring Bruce Ingram, renowned sporting writer and contributor to Virginia Wildlife magazine, and Britt Stoudenmire, New River guide from the New River Outdoor Company. The ‘Thaw-Out’ Smallmouth & Trout Fishing Seminar March 4th in Christiansburg event will be held Thursday, March 4, at the Montgomery County Government Center, 2 miles south of I-81 (exit 118C) on Rt. 11 in Christiansburg. Admission is free, but a $5 donation at the door supports the New River Valley Trout in the Classroom program and puts you in the running for a New River smallmouth float trip guided by Britt Stoudenmire, as well as numerous other door prizes. Additional door prize chances will be available for purchase. Bruce Ingram will also donate $2.50 from every book sold at the event to the Trout in the Classroom program! Trout in the Classroom is a cooperative program involving VDGIF, numerous public schools, Trout Unlimited and community and business partners to introduce students to the science and excitement of coldwater ecology. As an added feature to the event, Bruce and Britt have agreed to answer your fishing questions that may be pre-submitted via email to the address be_ingram@juno.com. Come out to hear some great fishing information from regional experts and support a worthwhile cause! Contact Todd Lowe (540) 797-0643, toddlowe@gmail.com for more information.

News release courtesy Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

The Rapidan Chapter of Trout Unlimited and VDGIF partner with Graves Mountain Lodge the first Saturday in April for Trout Heritage Day and Kid’s Fishing Day. Several hundred trout are stocked along a private section of the Rose River, solely for children under the age of 12 to experience the joy of fishing. Come join us on April 3 to support Kid’s Day and Trout Heritage Day at Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria, Virginia. Check the VDGIF website for details.

News release courtesy Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

On November 1, 2009, the Lake Whitehurst fishing station and boat ramp, located off Shore Drive in Virginia Beach, will close to public access. The property owner, Norfolk Airport Authority, has decided not to renew the lease agreement to the City of Norfolk, thereby restricting public access to Lake Whitehurst. Norfolk Airport Authority has cited future airport expansion and the runway protection zone needed for the construction of a parallel runway as the reasons for closing the facility. The lake itself will remain open for fishing and boating, however access will be extremely limited. Anglers should be reminded the Little Creek portion of Lake Whitehurst, located off Northampton Boulevard, will remain open to the public. Due to this decision and the elimination of public access, the VDGIF will no longer be able to justify current fisheries management activities, including fish stockings. VDGIF will be working with the local municipalities in an effort to locate a possible future public access site to Lake Whitehurst. For additional information pertaining to Lake Whitehurst please contact the City of Norfolk, Utilities Dept. at (757) 441-5678, VDGIF at (757) 465-6812, and the Norfolk Airport Authority at (757) 857-3351. Click here to see the City of Norfolk News Release.

News release courtesy Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

Fishing Manager Tye Krueger, for the Richmond Orvis Store at Short Pump Mall, invites area sportsmen to participate in the “Fall Orvis Days Celebration - Hunting and Fishing Seminars” scheduled for October 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Seminar topics for October 10 include:
How to Fit a Shotgun, Getting Your Trophy Bird Mount Starts in the Field, Tower Hunting and Dog Training Techniques as well as Duck and Goose Calling Demonstration. Award winning waterfowl and upland game artist, and Virginia Duck Stamp competition winner Guy Crittenden, will have various waterfowl and upland gamebird prints and originals on display all day for your enjoyment.

Topics for October 17 are:
Traditional Canvas Decoys, North Carolina Inshore and Offshore Species on Light Tackle, Surf Fishing North Carolina’s Outerbanks and the Virginia Eastern Shore. Representatives from ARK (Area Rehabbers Klub) will be on hand with live animals for discussion and demonstrations. ARK takes in the orphaned and injured native Virginia wildlife for rehabilitation and release it back into its natural habitat.

For details and seminar schedule times contact Tye Krueger, Orvis Store (804) 253-9000.

News release courtesy Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

Have you wanted to try Kayak Fishing, but just never had the opportunity? Well here’s your chance! Register for the Kayak Fishing Workshop October 6, at Beaverdam Park in Gloucester from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will receive kayak instruction and lessons on freshwater fishing. Instructional sessions will be followed by lunch and kayak fishing on Beaverdam Swamp Reservoir. Kayaking is fun, but add fishing to it and it just doubles the enjoyment. This workshop is designed for beginners and those who are new to kayaking. Participants must be age 12 and older. Workshop fee is $15 per person. For more information or to register online, visit the VDGIF Upcoming Events page.

News release courtesy Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries