The experiment will allow angling in eight streams that are currently closed to fishing, while continuing to prohibit fishing in eight adjacent, and very similar, streams. Biologists will sample fish populations through electro-fishing, and at the end of the experiment, will compare the fish populations in the fished versus un-fished streams. If it can be shown that the populations are statistically about the same, Park managers will decide which other brook trout streams may be opened to fishing.

At 12:00 noon on July 1, only the following streams will reopen to fishing for all the species that anglers are currently allowed to take as well as for brook trout:

In North Carolina: Beech Flats Creek above Kanati Branch confluence, all of Bunches Creek within the Park, Hazel Creek upstream of Proctor Creek, and Lost Bottom Creek upstream of Palmer Creek.

In Tennessee: Cosby Creek above Rock Creek confluence, all of Indian Camp Creek inside the Park, Walker Prong upstream of Alum Cave, and Fish Camp Prong upstream of Goshen Prong.

Park managers emphasized that all other streams currently closed to fishing remain closed, and that taking brook trout anywhere in the Park except for those eight experimental streams remains strictly prohibited.

Signs are being posted at the appropriate locations to help anglers identify which streams are being reopened under this experiment. All other Park fishing regulations, including the 7" minimum size limit on trout, remain in effect.