The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) held a ribbon-cutting on September 30 to officially name Bill Dance Lake at the newly established Herb Parsons Wildlife Refuge in Fayette County, honoring two Tennessee legends.
The place
The lake is a 177-acre reservoir inside a 474-acre property that the agency designated as the Herb Parsons Wildlife Refuge. The property is near Eads and Collierville in West Tennessee. TWRA lowered the lake’s water level as part of a fisheries habitat project, and the property reopened earlier this year.
The honorees
Bill Dance is a world-renowned angler, television host, and lifelong ambassador for fishing. The refuge is named for Herb Parsons, a famed sharpshooter and entertainer known as “The Greatest Exhibition Shooter of All Time.” TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon said the naming celebrates two icons who helped shape how Tennesseans connect with the outdoors.
An investment in fishing
The lake is part of the Bill Dance Signature Lakes program, a partnership among Tennessee State Parks, TWRA, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development that committed more than $15 million in improvements to lakes across the state. At this lake, upgrades included infrastructure, habitat enhancement, and fisheries management.
What visitors can expect
The refuge is meant to support wildlife habitat, outdoor education, and responsible recreation, and the public is invited to visit. Specific slot limits and regulations apply at the lake, so check TWRA’s rules before you go.
Why it matters
State-managed fishing areas give anglers close-to-home options and help conserve habitat. A named, upgraded lake near Memphis-area communities is a good reminder that outdoor recreation is a big part of Tennessee’s identity.
Planning tips
- Check TWRA regulations and licensing before fishing.
- Visit early in the morning for calmer water.
- Look for new signage honoring Dance’s legacy at the site.
