Thread: whats the deal

As most of you know, I spend lots of time fishing Woods Res. close to Manchester. Morris Ferry dock has been an institution since the fifties that served the fishing public in fine style. Due to some political manuvering by the base that borders the shore of the lake, their lease was not renewed. Now closed never to re-open. Fines are issued if the ramp on the property is used. I was told recently that total use of the lake will be further restricted or even closed to the public after the first of the year. I can't get anything but second hand and possibly skewed info from anyone I've spoken to, and I wondered if any of my fellow .com brothers had heard anything about it. Too many good crappie in that lake to let it go without a fight. Any input is appreciated.

I tried to find anything I could about it on the web, but only pictures of them tearing down everything. It was the first I had heard about it and it really makes me sad. I remember going there in the mid 60's when I got out of the Army. Great place.

I fish there a lot also. I knew that Morris Ferry was closing but this is the first
I have heard about them closing the lake. I work with a guy who lives in
Dechard so I'll see what he can find out.

I would suggest calling your local game and fish board of director for your district or area. We had a issue a few years back and after talking to our rep.(He or she is appointed by the governor and this is the job they are paid to do listen to the public) He went to bat for us and had the problem stoped until the next board meeting after which they (TWRA) changed their mind.

I aint trying to defend them on this situation.But yeah I would call my local rep on TWRA and talk to them or anyone in the office that would listen.But if I aint mistaken correct me if I am wrong aint them Federal Waters there.I am thinking I heard they was because the Air Force built that lake for the water they needed for some kind of cooling or something.Maybe even talk to the kreel clerk and see what she can tell you or who you need to talk to.I dont really see them closing the whole lake due to the fact of all the fish in there.I know Morris Ferry ramp was a nice place to launch but there is other ramps on the lake to use since that one is closed.But please if anyone finds out anything POST up and keep us informed maybe we need to form some kind of petition or something to least keep the lake open.
Speaking from a duck hunters point of view where would all the locals that duck hunt go.Aint too many good duck hunting spots in South East Tenn area.

I've heard the same rumors from several people but lets not get to worked up over RUMORS. I think if it were really so that they are closing the lake then we would hear it from the "horses mouth" . Just my 2 cents worth.

My day off during buisness hours is friday and I will be making a few calls to see about some str8 info. Glad to see the interest from everyone. Hello Fishawk, good to hear from ya. don't get much computer time lately, and even less fish time. gotta change that.

I emailed Buddy Baird on the TWRA commisioner board about the question in general and when I hear something back I will post up.

Spoke to the store clerk where I bought minnows this mornin about the closure of woods. She said that it was just morris ferry and some local roads that deadended into the lakeshore cuz of trash and partyin and the like. Wasn't able to get a warm body on the phone to answer any questions. I'll still keep tryin til I get somethin official.