Senators Introduce Bill to Preserve Tailwater Fishing

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Senators from Kentucky and Tennessee have introduced legislation to preserve tailwater fishing in the dams of the Cumberland River. The legislation, called the Freedom to Fish Act, would prevent the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from installing barriers along portions of the river that would block fishing access to tailwaters.

Dams are popular fishing spots because small fish get trapped and attract larger ones like catfish and bass. Corp officials say boating too close to the spillways at the dams is a safety risk and that barriers will go up this year. Anglers in both states have been voicing outrage over the plan.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell U.S. Senator Rand Paul, along with Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker of Tennessee filed the legislation Thursday.