Sturgeons are a group of primitive fish and of the seven sturgeon species in North America, three are found in Tennessee. Lake sturgeon almost vanished from Tennessee waters due to pollution, loss of habitat and overfishing.
These prehistoric fish are making a comeback with the release of the baby sturgeons, cleaner rivers and by TVA injecting
oxygen into the water near the dams.
The Friends of Seven Islands are proud to announce the revival of Sturgeonfest, a free family-friendly event presented by TVA, where attendees can release a baby sturgeon that is being provided by the Warm Springs Hatchery in Georgia.
Sturgeonfest is on Saturday, October 7, 2023, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Seven Islands State Birding Park Boat Launch, 2809 Kelly Lane, Kodak, Tennessee. Parking will be in the fields just above the event and in the main parking area up by the Bluebird Barn.
Participants will begin releasing the first of the 1,000-baby sturgeon into the French Broad River rain or shine, at 11 a.m.!
Food and ice cream vendors will be on site.
To release a baby sturgeon, we encourage everyone to register at Register Sturgeon Fest for one of the available 15-minute time slots.
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