26a Construction Standards

Fish Attractors

Fish attractors are man-made habitats designed to attract fish by providing substrate, or feeding locations and shelter for young fish and other small aquatic animals. They help increase anglers’ success by concentrating fish in identifiable areas.

Site approval

Applicants should request assistance from TVA in evaluating proposed sites for fish attractors. The appropriate Watershed Team can determine whether the proposal meets fish attractor guidelines, whether the proposed attractor placement will be beneficial to resident aquatic organisms, and whether there are any navigation, recreation, or land-rights concerns.

Applicants (individuals, sportsmen’s or civic groups, state or federal conservation agencies) should submit a request to the appropriate TVA Watershed Team office that includes: application for TVA Section 26a review and approval, a site map, detailed plans, and evidence of landrights if private property is involved. The Watershed Team office will inform the applicant of TVA’s determination; 26a and land-use fees will be waived for fish attractor placement requests. However, if other structures (e.g., dock, decking, etc.) are included in the permit request, the standard fee will be required. Permitted individuals, groups, or agencies that installing each fish attractor will be responsible for installation and maintenance of the attractor.

Criteria for attractor placement

1. Attractors will be located in areas where natural cover is sparse or absent, but not in main-stem or secondary marked navigation channels or other reservoir areas where such structures would impede recreational boating. Any unit that is not constructed in accordance with approved plans, creates a safety hazard, or is involved in a reported boating accident will require modification or removal at the owner’s expense within 30 days of notification by TVA.
2. All floatable materials will be permanently anchored. Each separable piece of floatable attractor will be tightly lashed into the structure. The entire structure will be securely anchored to the bottom in such a way as to prevent its floatage, floatage of any of its member pieces, and excessive chafing of its lashings or anchor lines. Approved anchoring materials include rocks or rock-filled mesh bags, concrete blocks or slabs, ceramic tiles, or other suitable-weight material that, if exposed, does not detract from the natural aesthetics of the surrounding area.
3. Units may be designed from brush piles, stake beds, rock piles, log cribs (i.e., a stack or pile of logs), and spawning benches. Any vegetation removed from TVA land for use in fish attractor construction must be approved by TVA and be consistent with TVA vegetation removal guidelines. Unit design may vary depending upon terrain. Automobile tires and construction materials such as concrete blocks and ceramic tiles are not to be used in the construction of attractors with the following exceptions: concrete blocks and/or ceramic tiles can be used to anchor brush piles or spawning benches, ceramic tile shelters may be used in areas where the top of the attractor unit is at least five feet below the water surface at minimum pool elevation, and wooden stake beds are acceptable.
4. Native vegetation planting using flood-tolerant species is recommended at sites that are gently sloping, are protected from severe wave action, have soils conducive to plant growth, do not have high populations of potentially destructive animals (e.g., geese, deer, etc.), and have little or no existing cover. Figure 1 illustrates general placement for flood-tolerant grasses, shrubs, and trees in reservoirs with minimal annual fluctuation in water levels. The grasses should be planted near the average winter water level, shrubs and/or some tree varieties should be planted in the average summer water level areas, and less flood-tolerant trees should be located in riparian areas to help stabilize the bank and provide overhead cover. Figure 2 shows suggested planting areas for tributary reservoirs with large annual drawdowns. Native aquatic vegetation can also be planted in suitable shallow shoreline habitats. Table 1 lists examples of flood-tolerant and aquatic species recommended for planting.

Installation and maintenance

Installation of fish attractors will be allowed only at sites approved by the appropriate TVA Watershed Team office. Permitted individuals, groups, or agencies will be solely responsible for installing fish attractors in accordance with approved plans and following permit guidelines provided by TVA. TVA personnel will not routinely accompany or assist permit holders in installing attractors and devices used to mark attractor locations.

If TVA personnel observe attractors in need of maintenance during the course of duties on the reservoirs or receive complaints about attractors in disrepair, the individual, group, or agency responsible for the attractor will be notified and requested to make necessary repairs or remove the attractor within 30 days.

 

 

 

Additional information

More information on fish attractors.

Figure 1 illustrates general placement for flood-tolerant grasses, shrubs, and trees in reservoirs with minimal annual fluctuation in water levels.

Figure 2 shows suggested planting areas for tributary reservoirs with large annual drawdowns.

Table 1 lists examples of flood-tolerant and aquatic species recommended for planting.