Forest regeneration was examined on abandoned channels along the Hatchie River in western Tennessee. Tree age and size data were used to reconstruct the development of the young forest stands and to predict future changes. Taxodium distichum and Salix nigra are among the first terrestrial species to colonize oxbow lakes after the channel cuts off. Salix lives a few decades. In contrast, Taxodium may dominate a site for several centuries. But, because of its low reproductive success in mature stands it will eventually be replaced by shade tolerant species, primarily Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Acer saccharinum. Therefore, the early colonizers rarely occur on older surfaces. Channel migration and the creation of new surfaces will maintain Taxodium and Salix in the lower bottomlands. However, these species will likely decline in some areas because of channelization. Maintaining straightened channels precludes the formation of oxbows. Therefore, the primary regeneration site for these species no longer exists.