TWRA Completes First Winter Trout Stocking Program

TWRA’s first regional winter trout stocking program completed over the last two days at Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville.

Region 3 Fisheries Program Manager Travis Scott said the stocking takes place sporadically throughout the state all year. He said they want to provide ample opportunities for winter fishing.

“People love to fish for trout and they appreciate having that opportunity,” Scott said. “And it wouldn’t be possible without the stocking because of the water temperatures and water quality we see in places like, Cane Creek Park for example. And so we want to make sure we’re providing the fisheries our anglers are looking for.”

Scott said winter trout fishing is one of TWRA’s most popular programs.

Scott said because trout do better in the colder months, that is when they tend to stock. He said the stocking process starts about two years in advance when eggs are fertilized in places like Dale Hollow Fish Hatcheries. He said once they reach the desired length and weight, the fish are shipped to be stocked across the state.

“It’s really a straightforward process as far as opening the valve and releasing the fish through a tube into the lake,” Scott said. “They’ll back down the boat ramp and have them all in the water in a few minutes.”