TWRA’s winter trout stocking program kicks off this week with a brand-new location: Mossy Creek in Jefferson City. For the first time since the 1980s, Rainbow Trout will be stocked in this Cherokee Reservoir tributary.
Mossy Creek Details:
• 300 Rainbow Trout (from Buffalo Springs Hatchery) will be stocked once each month in November, December, and January.
• Stocking area sits on the Carson-Newman University campus behind the baseball stadium.
• Access points: Walnut Ave and Brookline Court.
• Project partners: Jefferson County Tourism, Mossy Creek Outdoor Collective, Carson-Newman University, and the City of Jefferson City.
“This project brings an exciting new opportunity for our community and visitors to enjoy the outdoors this winter,” said Skylar Hamilton, Jefferson County Tourism Operations Coordinator.
Other Region 4 Winter Trout Locations:
Pistol Creek/Greenbelt Lake (Maryville), Fountain City Lake (Knoxville), Ralph Stout Park Pond (Mountain City), and Oneida City Park (Oneida). Statewide winter stockings continue December–February.
Before You Go:
• Stocking dates may change — check updates at tnwildlife.org under “Trout Fishing & Stockings.”
• A fishing license and trout stamp are required (Sportsman’s License includes the stamp).
• Kids under 13 fish free.
• Daily creel limits vary: five trout at Pistol Creek/Greenbelt Lake, Fountain City Lake, Cameron Brown Park Pond, Cedar Hill Pond, and Jack Dickert Pond; seven at other winter trout locations.