Have you ever been fishing? Where did you go and what did you catch - or do you know what you caught? This site will lead you on a general historical and geographical tour of the Tennessee River. You will also learn about how the dams affect fish habitat. Most importantly, this will allow you to discover the different species of fish that are common in this winding river. Reel in the excitement and get hooked on the fun!
You will.....
|
 |
1. History: In 1540, Hernando DeSoto’s Spanish expedition traveled the Tennessee River from the present location of Chattanooga to the present location of Guntersville. This was the first recorded exploration of the Tennessee by white men. For the next two hundred years Indian settlements remained virtually undisturbed in the Tennessee Valley.2. Maps are available that will help you better understand where the Tennessee River begins and ends. Track a voyage from Kentucky through 5 states and dock in Knoxville. (You will probably need to enlarge this map).
3. There are nine different dams located on the Tennessee River. These dams provide electricity for many people in the mid-south region. You can also learn about the history, economics, and navigation. The fishing lights are bright below Guntersville, Wheeler, and Wilson dams. The reason? The tastiest fish that swims in the Tennessee River concentrate below the dams, mainly in the winter. You can also find out why the areas above and below the dams for so popular for fishermen.
4. Fish have the distinction of being the largest group of ectothermic (body temperature largely determined by external source of heat) vertebrates with over 28,000 species identified. Characteristics that identify most members of this group include an elongated body usually covered with scales as well as the presence of fins and gills. Members of the group spend their entire lives in aquatic environments. All bodies of water have certain species that particular to that habitat. Among the most popular species that reside in the Tennessee River are: bass, catfish, crappie, sauger, and bluegill. However, this list is not exclusive, it is only a differentiation of the most popular species.
5. Just for fun......
* reel in this site for species, recipes, reports, records, and weather.
* The Tennessee Aquarium offers virtual visits, where they display all
species of fish that call the Tennessee River their home.
1. In 1540, Hernando DeSoto’s Spanish expedition traveled the Tennessee River from the present location of Chattanooga to the present location of Guntersville. This was the first recorded exploration of the Tennessee by white men. For the next two hundred years Indian settlements remained virtually undisturbed in the Tennessee Valley. From the beginning point, the Tennessee flows in a southwesterly direction to Chattanooga, TN, before turning westward through the Cumberland Plateau into northern Alabama. It continues across Alabama before turning northward at the Mississippi-Alabama border to flow through Tennessee and Kentucky to Paducah. The river's drainage basin is about 41,000 square miles. Check this out to learn more about the history of the Tennessee River.2. Navigate these maps in order to help you better understand where the Tennessee River begins and ends. Track a voyage from Kentucky through 5 states and dock in Knoxville. (You will probably need to enlarge this map).
3. Learn why the nine dams located on the Tennessee River are so important. These dams provide electricity for many people in the mid-south region. You can also learn about the history, economics, and navigation. The fishing lights are bright below Guntersville, Wheeler, and Wilson dams. The reason? The tastiest fish that swims in the Tennessee River concentrate below the dams, mainly in the winter. You can also find out why the areas above and below the dams for so popular for fishermen.
4. All bodies of water have certain species that particular to that habitat. Among the most popular species that reside in the Tennessee River are: bass, catfish, crappie, sauger, and bluegill. This site will also show you another popular underwater species that is very common to the Tennessee River, mussels. However, this list is not exclusive, it is only a differentiation of the most popular species.
Click on the name to have a closer look.........
Largemouth bass
5. Just forfun......
* Reel in this site for species, recipes, reports, records, and weather,
* The Tennessee Aquarium offers virtual visits, where they display all
species of fish that call the Tennessee River their home.
* Catch a screen saver of your favorite fish.6. Now its time to test your fish sense. Take a Tennessee River QuiaQuiz
Learning Advice: |
 |
After your voyage up and down the Tennessee River, you should be familiar with the history and different species of fish found there. You should also be familiar with the purpose, location, and usage of the dams that are so valuable to this river.
For more Tennessee River experiences, you can search the Web for more in depth information on fish and the dams. A great place to start is look at the state web sites of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. There are also many sites on guided tours of the Tennessee River at various points.
To learn even more about the Tennessee River, visit it! Check
out tnriver.com for more.
| I hope your adventures on the Tennessee River are entertaining and
informative. By now, you should be able to identify the most common
species that call the Tennessee River their home.
For more fishy, fish facts check out the PowerPoint Presentation. |
 |
WebQuest created by Christy Smith on March 3, 2001 for Dr. Bruce Lewis - Freed-Hardeman University, EDU 506. Site was last update on March 24, 2001.
