Lake Junior water levels and shoreline maintenance

[sprestwood]

</p><p class="MsoNormal">Lake Junior has been flooding more and more. Last year there were heavy rains in January, Lake Junior rose like the lake did but did not recede when Chickamauga’s level was brought down. I did not have concern as the water level stayed about the level of the drain was. This drain points toward the dam area; I do not its exact path, but speculated its purpose was to prevent flooding that could provide problems with the highway. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Heavy rains have come back this winter; with each of these rains is an increase in the water level. From my knowledge of the landscape, I estimate that the drain is now 6 feet, or about so, under the current water level. I would have no concern or complaint about Lake Junior’s current water level dismissing the drain and its purpose all together. But the urban trout fishing made available through the stocking of TWRA hatchery fish is deeply constricted due to the lack of bush-hogging around the shoreline. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is now compounded as the level of water has woody brush with in 10 feet or so of the shoreline creating snags that make it difficult to fish in those spots. Other areas that seem promising to set up a fishing spot with one’s 5 year-old nephew are simply blocked by thicket that needs trimming and the high water level. And this thicket is restricting to the number of anglers that can fish from the shore. Last Sunday I felt that it was best for me and my nephew to simply head to the house after the trouble of getting him up early, trying to get a spot where we could fish. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I appreciate fishing access that is provided by TVA properties. I realize that cover on the shoreline is important to growing more and bigger fish, but Lake Junior is a put-and-harvest fishery. More shoreline access would enhance this urban trout fishing opportunity. My talk with a warden indicated that TWRA provides two components to Lake Junior fishing, providing the trout and the law enforcement, the property management is the responsibility of TVA.
</p><p class="MsoNormal">If you share any difficulty in you fishing experience at Lake Junior, The following are ways to comment TVA's management of the area. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">[email protected] </p><h3>Corporate Headquarters</h3> <p class="body">Tennessee Valley Authority
400 W. Summit Hill Dr.
Knoxville, TN 37902-1499
865-632-2101
Note: This operator can connect you to any TVA facility.</p> <h3>Chattanooga</h3> <p class="body">Tennessee Valley Authority
1101 Market St.
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2801 </p><a name="corporate"></a>

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