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Due to exceptionally dry conditions, the Department of Wildlife Resources has implemented a complete ban on any open burning (e.g., campfires, grills) on all DWR properties west of Interstate 95, effective immediately and lasting until further notice.

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Trout Fishing Changes & Updates for 2023

  • The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) would like to let the public know that the stocked trout section of Tom’s Creek in Montgomery County will now be designated as a “no fall stocking” trout water. As a result of this change, Tom’s Creek will not be stocked until January each year and will receive a total of four stockings between January 1 and May 15. Anglers fishing stocked trout waters statewide are reminded to respect landowners and their property. This will help to ensure continued stream access, which is essential to the continuation of the stocked trout program.
  • Due to a loss of public access, the 0.4-mile section of Crooked Creek along Elk Horn Road in Carroll County will be removed from the stocked trout program beginning with the 2023–2024 stocking season. The trout that were scheduled to be stocked into that section will be reallocated to the stocked trout section on the East Fork of Crooked Creek. This change will have no impact on the Crooked Creek Fee Fishing Area. Anglers fishing stocked trout waters statewide are reminded to respect landowners and their property. This will help to ensure continued stream access, which is essential to the continuation of the stocked trout program.
  • As a reminder, a trout license is not required to fish designated stocked trout waters during Free Fishing Days. A permit is still required to fish at Clinch Mountain, Crooked Creek, and Douthat State Park Fee Fishing Areas.
  • Swift Run in Greene County will be reopened as a Category B Designated Stocked Trout Water. Refer to signage along the stream for access.
  • The cost for a nonresident trout license to fish in designated stocked trout waters has been reduced to the same price as a resident trout license ($23.00).
  • Stocking dates for Urban Stocked Trout Waters will be posted the week prior to stocking on the Department’s trout stocking info page and trout stocking telephone line.
  • The Delayed Harvest section of Passage Creek (Warren Co.) will be reopened and stocked this season.
  • Two additional sections of the Middle Fork Holston River flowing through the Town of Marion in Smyth County will now be stocked as part of the stocked trout program. The first is the portion of river flowing in front of Marion’s Carl Taylor Public Pool. The second is the section of river that flows through the Wilderness Road Garden Club Park operated by the Town of Marion’s Parks and Recreation Department.
  • A new section of Elk Creek in Grayson County will be added to the stocked trout program to replace the Clito Road section that was lost to public access last year. The new section flows along Carsonville Road (Route 660) from near the intersection with Route 696 to approximately 0.5 miles below the Route 654 bridge.