Boating Restrictions Lifted After Hurricane Helene!
Douglas Lake Boating Restrictions Lifted After Hurricane Helene: Time to Get Back on the Water!
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has lifted the boating safety advisory that was in place following the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Helene. In addition, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has lifted water contact restrictions and deemed the fish safe to eat.
Douglas Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. The lake’s diverse habitat, including rocky points, submerged structure, and abundant vegetation, provides prime spots for anglers. Popular techniques include top-water lures during dawn and dusk, jigs and live bait for crappie, and various baits for catfish. The lake’s size and depth offer anglers plenty of room to explore and discover their own favorite fishing spots.
This is very good news for our owners, guests, boaters, fishermen, and the small businesses that serve residents and guests that enjoy our beautiful area.
What Does This Mean?
- Boating is Permitted: You can now resume recreational boating activities on Douglas Lake as usual.
- Caution is Still Urged: While the advisory is lifted, the TWRA strongly encourages boaters to exercise caution, especially between mile markers 11 and 15 on the lake where the debris settled when the lake went down.
- Be Aware of Hazards: You may encounter work boats, barges, and heavy equipment while on the water during the cleanup period which is currently ongoing as of January 2025.
What Led to the Restrictions?
- Hurricane Helene’s Impact: The severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene resulted in significant debris accumulation on Douglas Lake’s shoreline, posing a serious risk to boaters.
- Safety Concerns: The boating advisory was implemented to ensure the safety of both boaters and the crews involved in the cleanup operations.
- Water Quality: TDEC had to make sure through extensive testing that the water quality had returned to pre-Helene conditions. See the water results here: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/water/watershed-planning/wr_wq-advisories-post-helene-sampling-report-2025-01-13.pdf
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Lake Season
The lifting of the boating restriction is welcome news for the local community and visitors who enjoy recreational activities on Douglas Lake. Remember to prioritize safety and be mindful of ongoing cleanup efforts.
The storm had a devastating impact on so many people. Let’s continue to show our support by volunteering or donating to organizations that are helping those still in need.
For more information on TDEC please visit https://www.tn.gov/environment/news/2025/1/15/tdec-lifts-water-contact-advisory-following-hurricane-helene.html
For information on boat and fishing regulations please visit TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency)
Smoky Mountain Lake, LLC can help find your vacation home on Douglas Lake! For the best possible rate, please use our convenient Auto-Attendant: https://my.artibot.ai/contactinformation.
