The Reel Thing: TWRA beginning January trout stocking cycle

In the early stages of the new year, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has resumed its trout stocking schedule across the state. On Monday, Ralph Stout Park Pond was stocked with trout for the first time in 2026. The Mountain City location was the first location in the state to be stocked in the new year, according to the TWRA website. There are other waterways in East Tennessee that are scheduled to be restocked as part of the trout stocking program. Cherokee Tailwater in Jefferson and Grainger counties is expected to receive a restocking of rainbow and brown trout later this month, though there isn't an exact date listed. In Blount County, Greenbelt Lake/Pistol Creek is scheduled to receive its next stocking of rainbow trout on Jan. 15. Mossy Creek in Jefferson County is set to get more rainbow trout the day before on the 14th. Fountain City Lake in Knox County will also be a part of the January stocking cycle. According to the TWRA, it will receive another supply of rainbow trout on the 16th. Oneida City Park Lake in Scott County will receive its first rainbow trout of the year on Wednesday. The Gatlinburg Streams will be visited next on Thursday, and Pigeon Forge will be stocked before the week ends. If any anglers are looking to take advantage of the trout stockings, it is worth noting the rules in place for trout fishing in Tennessee. Statewide, only seven trout per day can be caught, and certain locations have special regulations. For more details, please visit tn.gov/twra/fishing-regs/trout-regulations If you have a story you'd like to share, a fishing event upcoming, or an update on your local waterways, feel free to reach out to Andrew Smith at asmith@sixriversmedia.com.