The Kentucky Derby may be over, but fishing derbies are in full swing for Erwin National Fish Hatchery! In the month of May alone, the hatchery has supported and participated in five local fishing events throughout eastern Tennessee. These events were hosted by partnering agencies and organizations including Unites States Forest Service, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, Tennessee State Parks, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Trout Unlimited (Overmountain and Cherokee Chapters). By pooling our resources with these awesome partners we are able to provide a much more comprehensive experience for event participants.
Through the collaboration of multiple agencies, organizations, and volunteers, kids were provided with a diverse educational conservation based experience at all events. Numerous booths were set up to educate the kids on topics including ecology, macroinvertebrates, water quality, lifecycle of trout, habitats, and even bird walks. Prizes were available at select events for the first fish caught, largest fish, and others including best marksman in the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission air rifle competition. A total of 471 fish were stocked by Erwin staff for all five events and were caught by anglers of all ages!
