Important Notices
| Lake Thompson Trout StockingDue to inconsistent water levels, we have discontinued trout stocking at Lake Thompson indefinitely. |
- Trout stockings will now be announced on the third Friday of the month for the following month on the DWR website. Announced stockings may not occur due to weather, equipment failure, staff shortages, or other unforeseen circumstances. Stockings that do not occur on the announced date will be stocked at a later date. Anglers are encouraged to check the daily trout stocking schedule for the most current stocking information before heading out.
- Construction to repair damage from Hurricane Helene at the U.S. Forest Service’s Raven Cliff Recreation Area in Wythe County began earlier this year and will continue through early 2027. To ensure visitor safety, the Raven Cliff Recreation Area will be closed to the public. As a result, the Raven Cliff section of Cripple Creek will not be stocked this season until the construction is complete.
- Dredging and other work at the U.S. Forest Service’s Beartree Lake is nearing completion. The lake had been drawn down for this work and is in the process of refilling, but the speed at which that occurs will be dependent on rainfall. DWR will attempt to stock Beartree Lake this season, but only when water conditions allow.
- Due to road closures at the U.S Forest Service’s Hanging Rock Day Use Area, the stocked section of Little Stony Creek in Scott County will not be stocked until the roads are reopened.
- The stocked section of Lovill’s Creek in Carroll County is being permanently removed from DWR’s stocked trout program beginning this season. Recent property posting has greatly reduced the amount of stream that is accessible to the public.
- Construction repairs at Mint Springs Upper Lake have been completed and trout stocking for the 2026-27 season will be completed as planned as soon as water levels and water temperature return to ideal levels for public use.
- Construction repairs at Mint Springs Middle Lake are ongoing and are expected to be completed by January 2027 and DWR trout stocking will be postponed until October 2027 to allow for development of ideal habitat and angling opportunities to be confirmed prior to trout stocking in fall of 2027.