PPHSC Timeline: Our History & Impact

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Mid‑1980s — A Turning Point for the Fishery

• Severe drought conditions lead to a major die‑off of Striped Bass in Percy Priest Lake.
• The TWRA responds by stocking the lake with Cherokee Bass (now commonly called Hybrids).
• Hybrids prove to be a better fit for the lake’s low summer oxygen levels.

1988 — The Club Is Born

• A small group of passionate Hybrid fishermen forms what becomes the Percy Priest Hybrid & Striper Club.
• Early meetings take place in a member’s garage.
• The mission: improve fishing, support stocking efforts, and build a community of anglers.

Late 1980s–1990s — Growing Membership & Growing Impact

• Membership and leadership evolve as the club expands.
• PPHSC begins assisting TWRA with biological studies, recording weight, length, and sometimes age of fish caught by members.
• This data helps guide stocking decisions, eventually leading to the return of Striped Bass to Percy Priest Lake.

1996 — Tournament Rules Evolve

• For the first eight years, only Hybrids are allowed in weigh‑ins.
• In 1996, Stripers are accepted at half weight.
• By 1997, Stripers count at full weight in tournaments.
• About half of all tournaments shift to the Cumberland River, targeting larger trophy fish.

Early 2000s — Conservation Fund Established

• The club creates a dedicated conservation fund.
• Funds are used to purchase high‑quality fish food, delivered directly to the hatchery to support stocking efforts.

2000s–Present — Community, Service & Youth Outreach

• The club takes underprivileged children fishing and supports events for children of fallen soldiers.
• Members introduce countless new anglers to the excitement of catching Hybrids and Stripers.
• Raffles, auctions, and our popular tournament series help fund conservation and community programs.
• The annual Swap Meet becomes a major club event, bringing anglers, families, and vendors together while raising funds for stocking and outreach.

2025 — First Annual Percy Priest Lake Clean Up

• The club launches the First Annual Percy Priest Clean Up.
• Members and volunteers remove over 100 bags of trash from the lake and shoreline.
• The event becomes a new cornerstone of the club’s conservation mission.

Today — Fellowship, Fun & a Growing Mission

• The club continues to expand its reach and impact.
• With more members, more events, and more conservation work, PPHSC remains committed to improving local fisheries and building a strong, welcoming community of anglers.