News Flash

COOKEVILLE – Winter brings more than frigid temperatures to Cane Creek Park.

It also brings trout.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency released 1,500 rainbow trout into the park’s 56-acre lake Dec. 9 and will return Jan. 20 to release approximately 1,500 more through its annual statewide winter trout stocking program. 

“I call it a stocking for the people who have cabin fever,” Scotty Webb of TWRA said. “They’ve been sitting around the house and they want to go fishing so we put fish in for them.”

Trout is a cold-water species that cannot live year-round in the lake at Cane Creek Park. That is why the fish must be restocked each December and January.

Dennis Woolbright, park manager, said local anglers anticipate this winter fishing opportunity each year.

“It gives people another reason to come to the park,” he said. “Those who love to fish for trout don’t have to leave the city. We encourage people to catch them, take them home and enjoy them.” 

The trout, which are 10-12 inches long, came from Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery. The daily creel limit is seven, and anglers must have a trout license in addition to their Tennessee fishing license, or a sportsman license.

TWRA’s winter trout stocking program provides an opportunity for people in urban areas to enjoy fishing close to home.

“It’s been 10 years or longer that we’ve had trout coming,” Woolbright said. “I think it’s a blessing for the city.”

Cane Creek Park is open daily from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. at 201 C C Camp Road. The park has two fishing piers and a boat ramp for non-motorized and electric-powered boats. For more information, call 931-520-4386.