Douglas Lake Notice of TVA Guideline & Updates

Published on 03-06-2025

Important Notice for Big Bass Tour Anglers – Douglas Lake Event Update

As we prepare for this weekend’s Big Bass Tour event on Douglas Lake, we want to provide an important update regarding ongoing cleanup and survey operations taking place in several areas of the lake. These operations are part of ongoing debris removal and waterway management efforts, and your cooperation and heightened awareness will be critical to ensuring everyone’s safety on the water.

Indian Creek – No Wake Zone and Active Operations Area

The Indian Creek area will be an active work zone throughout the weekend. Please note the following:

  • Indian Creek is designated as a No Wake Zone for the duration of the event.
  • Barges loaded with vegetative debris will be making regular trips across the main lake between Indian Creek and Zone 13R, where the debris will be transferred.
  • Ground crews will also be actively removing non-vegetative debris and transporting it to the main staging area.
  • All anglers are asked to maintain a minimum distance of 500 feet from all work crews, equipment, and barges.

New Survey Crew Operations in Zones 11R and 12L

In addition to the debris operations discussed above, an underwater survey crew will be working in Zones 11R and 12L, just west of Indian Creek.

  • This survey crew will have a boat moving back and forth across these zones throughout the event.
  • Anglers should treat this area as a heightened awareness zone, operating at reduced speeds and maintaining safe distances from the survey vessel at all times.

Crew Traffic and Operational Timing

For your planning purposes, here is the anticipated crew traffic schedule on the main lake:

  • 7:30 am to 8:30 am – Transport from Point Marina to Indian Creek and Zone 13R
  • 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Transport from Indian Creek to Zone M12
  • 4:45 pm to 5:30 pm – Return transport from Indian Creek, Zone 13R, and M12 to Point Marina
  • Barge traffic will occur as needed between Indian Creek and Burn Site 2 in Zone 13R

Boat Ramp Closures

Please note the following ramp closures related to cleanup work:

  • Shady Grove Boat Ramp – Closed
  • Flatwoods Boat Ramp – Closed

Additional Shoreline Cleanup Operations

On Sunday, crews will also be working on shoreline debris removal in Zones 3 and 4L. Debris from these areas will be transported back to the Muddy Creek burn site, where crews will be conducting controlled burns on Friday and Saturday.

Trailering to Weigh-In Reminder

As always, anglers are permitted to trailer their boats to the weigh-in location during the event. This is an important safety option to avoid congested areas, rough water, or hazardous conditions during debris transport times.

We are committed to working closely with the cleanup crews, TVA, and local authorities to ensure a safe and successful tournament for all. Your cooperation in observing no wake zones, maintaining safe distances from equipment and crews, and staying aware of active work areas is essential.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our tournament staff prior to the event. We appreciate your attention to these important updates and look forward to a great weekend of fishing at Douglas Lake.

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