On April 15, TWRA stocked Maryville's greenbelt lake with several hundred channel catfish in order to provide the community with an opportunity to continue the popular sport of fishing for the next few months. 

For the months of April, May, and June, the lake will be stocked with channel catfish. The fish require a regular fishing license to catch. In order for more people to be able to enjoy this sport throughout the summer, anglers should only take what they need for dinner.

City Manager Greg McClain said, "We are thrilled to be able to partner with TWRA for a second fish species stocking program. We know many people in our community enjoy the sport -  and that our families appreciate the opportunity to spend time together in the natural environment."

Over the past two years, TWRA has partnered with the city of Maryville with assistance from Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited to bring trout fishing to Maryville's greenway. The program has provided an opportunity for our community to fish for trout in a convenient and safe location. Trout is stocked in the winter months when the temperatures are low enough for the species.

​For more information, contact us at 865-273-3406.

​The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has added Maryville’s Greenbelt Lake/ Pistol Creek to its winter trout stocking program. Fish will be stocked in the Greenbelt Lake – near the Blount County Public Library. Additionally, trout will be stocked upstream to the Jack Green amphitheater area near U.S. 321. With the appropriate state-issued license, anglers will be able to fish from the banks of the lake and stream throughout this area.
 
Sally Petre, TWRA biologist explained that rainbow trout will be stocked three times over the winter months when water temperatures are ideal for the species. The first round will take place Friday, December 20. Four hundred fish will be stocked in the area in December. Additional stockings of 400 will be added in January and February. Petre said, “We are very excited about this partnership and being able to bring rainbow trout into the community for new and seasoned anglers.”
 
Maryville City Council has been very interested in partnering with TWRA on the stocking program. City Council member Joe Swann said, “Fishing has always been part of my life and I hope many in our community are able to get out and fish with their kids and make some lasting memories.”
 
Adding the greenbelt lake to the stocking program has been an ongoing effort for Little River Chapter Trout Unlimited. Members of the club will dedicate their volunteer efforts to their adopted area of the greenway where the fish will be stocked. “The greenway is such a beautiful public property and we are excited about this added attraction for the area,” said club president Ernie Frey. Club members picked up more than 100 pounds of litter last week in preparation for the stocking. “We want to ensure the area remains a beautiful, safe resource for its wildlife and the community,” said Frey.
 
It is important to note that people who take advantage of this opportunity also need to take responsibility to clean up after themselves and not leave trash or hooks and lines behind. Fishing must occur from the banks since floating vessels are not allowed in the lake.
 
A state fishing license with a trout stamp is required for any person age 13 or older. There are many types of fishing licenses available – and can be obtained at sporting goods stores or on the TWRA website. Petre also explained, “You can also buy your license on the ‘TWRA on the go’ app which provides a convenient way to get a license on demand.” Limits on daily catch and other information is available through the TWRA website tnwildlife.org or by phone at 615-781-6500.
 
Councilman Swann also offered some advice on how to catch the “beautiful, tasty fish known to be fierce fighters.” He explained, “Stocked trout are proven to like small spinners, corn or worms on a standard spinning rod. If a fly rod is your preferred tool, dry flies are best used on warmer days when insects are active.”
 
For licensing and other TWRA information, visit the website tnwildlife.org or phone 615-781-6500.
For information about Trout Unlimited visit lrctu.org.
For city of Maryville Engineering and Public Works contact 273-3302.