Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/406483
23 Shor e l i n e S | 2014 Vol :3 staircases and walkways that replaced muddy footpaths. Log banks, boulders and rock crevices were installed to serve as protection for the fish. The final installment of the plan was creating a minimum flow from the dam during times when hydroelectric generation was not needed, which now allows the fish to remain in their natural habitat when the units are not generating. This flow has enhanced tailrace anglers' experiences, drawing more and more fishermen to the area. Alabama Power's investments with stakeholder groups have continually advanced the growth of the trout population and helped attract more anglers. ADCNR Fisheries Biologist Jay Haffner said 35,000 trout are stocked annually through its collaboration with Alabama Power, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery. Recently, Alabama Power partnered with ADCNR to release 1,800 rainbow trout into the tailrace. "Due to the unique habitat, the Smith Dam tailwaters provide an excellent location for stocking rainbow trout," said Chris Greene, assistant chief of fisheries for ADCNR. "Through a cooperative agreement with Alabama Power, we are now pleased to offer anglers more frequently stocked and larger fish." Trout fishing below the dam has been an economic gain for the area, said Linda Lewis, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Walker County. "The chamber has led the way for more than a decade in recruiting fishing tournaments to our area and understands the meaning of tourism dollars," Lewis said, estimating the impact between $1.5 million and $2 million for each event. "By stocking trout below the dam, it will provide additional recreational opportunities to our area and will continue to attract avid anglers and their families to the community," Lewis said. Walker County and Cullman County, which lie on each side of the river, will continue to see economic impact as word spreads to anglers in Alabama and beyond of this little- known trout bastion. – SAR AH R EID HAR R IS Brandon Jackson shares fishing tips at apcshorelines.com. Above: Photo by Billy BroWn — Brandon Jackson and his wife, Mary Carole, are expert fishing guides on the Sipsey Fork below Lewis Smith Dam.