Why we love to fish the Tennessee River… The Tennessee River is a special place where anglers from across the world go to fish. We asked the anglers at the 2023 Bassmaster Classic why the waterway is so special. Here is what these competitors had to say about the Tennessee River and why they love to fish it starting with Gerald Swindle, Scott Canterbury, David Mullins, Brandon Card, Tristan McCormick, Jon Cox, Clifford Pirch, Cody Huff, Drew Cook, Greg Hackney and the winner of the 2023 Bassmaster Classic, Jeff Gustafson. We had a chance to catch up with angler, Jeff Gustafson at media day before the 2023 Bassmaster Classic on Fort Loudoun and Tellico Lakes. Listen in to Jeff's comments about his chances at the Classic and his take on fishing the Tennessee River lake system. Got 72 hours for an epic adventure? Listen in as ROAM's founder, Greg Wingo shares ideas for adrenalin adventures in the Tennessee River Valley In this episode, Park Ranger, Joseph Gamble talks about the history of Norris Dam and the co-located, Norris Dam State Park. This park is a treasure trove for outdoor lovers with its paddling, camping, historic buildings, and trail system, which includes hiking, mountain biking, and horse trails. Park Ranger, Joseph Gamble talks about the history of the fort and the nearby Tellico Blockhouse. Why were these structures built? Who lived here? Learn more about this living history state park and the events that are held annually. In 1942, TVA's first dam, Norris Dam was generating power and World War II was being fought in two theaters- Europe and Japan. How did these two events combine to birth a National Park? Oak Ridge Historian, Ray Smith takes us from the beginning of the "Secret City" project being built in Oak Ridge and powered by Norris Dam to the establishment of the Manhattan Project National Historic Park. Tim Pruitt, TVA retiree shares stories about the history of Douglas Dam and its purpose for World War II. The power from the dam was used for aluminum production to build military aircraft. What's Up Ballooning pilot, Ray Fournier shares his expertise of going aloft in a hot air balloon. Every day that the winds are right and the clouds are clear, Ray is bringing guests over the Smoky Mountains to see a different view. In this episode, listeners will learn about how weather and wind conditions are used to set the flight path for that day. How does the balloon gain loft and how does it land? In the midst of the Great Depression, the cycling of floods and poor farming practices led to millions of cubic yards of fertile topsoil sliding down hillsides and clogging waterways. In this episode, TVA Retiree, Tim Pruitt will take you on a journey from FDR's New Deal and the sweat investment of TVA in re-greening the Valley. Find out if TVA had a hand in today's most well-known whiskey and Lynchburg distillery. The Tennessee River Valley is known for its world-class tournament lakes and rivers. TVA biologist and recreational angler, Shannon O'Quinn talk about the role that TVA plays in supporting wildlife agencies to keep the river and lake fisheries productive. Learn about the role of the "hot-cold" dam at Tims Ford Dam and the impact on native species such as the darter and creating a trout habitat on the Elk River. Understanding the Drawdown: Darrell Guinn from the River Forecast Center talks with Julie to answer the question that so many people who live and play on TVA lakes have about the up and down of lake levels, especially the "dreaded drawn down." The MapGuide not only will lead visitors to the most authentic places to see, play, and experience in the Valley, but will also be used by small businesses, nonprofits, and communities to tell their stories.

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