Trout in Cookeville

Author

Cookeville Scoop
January 08, 2026

Good morning, Cookeville.

The holidays are behind us, but that doesn't mean the fun stops. This week brings fresh trout in the lake, live music on the WestSide, and a chance to explore our town's history with a free scavenger hunt. Whether you're casting a line, grabbing coffee, or looking for family adventures — we've got you covered.

In today's Cookeville Scoop:

  • 5,000 rainbow trout just stocked at Cane Creek Park

  • Live music and comedy this Friday

  • A free photo safari exploring historic WestSide

  • Local restaurant spotlights: Poet's Coffee & 37 Cedar

Let's get to it.

-- The Cookeville Scoop Team

THE SCOOP

5,000 Trout Now Swimming at Cane Creek Park

If you've been waiting for a reason to dust off the fishing gear, this is it.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency just stocked approximately 5,000 rainbow trout into Cane Creek Park's 56-acre lake as part of its annual winter stocking program. The fish came from the Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery in Celina and are released into urban areas where summer temps are too warm for year-round survival.

Here's the kicker: TWRA also dropped in 20 trophy-sized fish weighing 3-5 pounds each "to add a little more excitement."

The park has two fishing piers and a boat ramp for non-motorized and electric boats. Winter hours are 7 AM - 6 PM daily. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required.

Where: Cane Creek Park, 201 C C Camp Road
Cost: FREE (TN fishing license required)
More info: cookeville-tn.gov

TO DOS

Events worth putting on the calendar (tickets or registration may apply):

Thursday, January 8: Intro to Art Media Class, 6:30-8:30 PM @ Cookeville Art Studio & Gallery

Friday, January 9: Henry Cho - 2026 Empty Nest Tour 2.0, Evening @ 72 South Main, Ticketed

*Henry Cho is one of the most-touring clean comedians in the country. If you haven't seen him live, this is your chance.

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Poet's Coffee — Cookeville's Living Room

Celebrating 30 years of serving the Upper Cumberland, Poet's Coffee is where Cookeville gathers. Located on the town square since 1994, it's the kind of place where strangers become regulars.

What to try:

  • Fireside Latte — Seasonal favorite

  • The Hobbs — Sausage, cream cheese, and apple butter on a bagel

  • Acai Bowl — Light, refreshing, and loaded with fruit

They serve organic fair trade coffee from Nashville roaster Bongo Java, plus all-day breakfast and lunch.

Locations:

  • Main: 230 E Broad St (on the square)

  • Poet's Tech: 1100 N Peachtree Ave

  • Poet's South: 157 S Jefferson Ave (drive-thru!)

Learn more about Poet’s at poetscookeville.com.

37 Cedar Restaurant & Bar — Where History Meets Live Music

Tucked into the historic WestSide, 37 Cedar is part scratch kitchen, part live music venue, and completely unique.

The bar? Made from former slate roofing of the Tennessee governor's mansion. The food? Locally sourced and made from scratch. The vibe? Relaxed, with craft cocktails and an expanded patio for warmer days.

This Friday: Serial Chillers plays live from 3-6 PM. No cover — just grab some food, a drink, and enjoy.

Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-9pm, Thu 11am-12am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am, Closed Sunday Where: 37 Cedar Ave 37cedar.com

HAPPENINGS

Free and family-friendly events around town:

Friday, January 9: Serial Chillers (Live Music), 3:00-6:00 PM @ 37 Cedar Restaurant & Bar

Saturday, January 11: WestSide Photo Safari, 10:30 AM-2:30 PM @ Starts at Cookeville Depot Museum

The WestSide Photo Safari is a free monthly scavenger hunt. Start at the Depot Museum, follow the clues, snap photos at participating local businesses, and enter to win prizes. Great for families! Recurs the second Saturday of each month (Jan 11, Feb 8, Mar 8).

ANYTIME THIS WEEK

These spots are open and worth a visit:

Cookeville Depot Museum — FREE Built in 1909 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. See Tennessee Central Railway artifacts, an HO scale model of 1955 WestSide Cookeville, a 1913 Baldwin steam engine, and vintage cabooses. Open Tue-Sat, 10 AM - 4 PM | 116 W Broad St

Cane Creek Park — FREE Beyond the fishing, there's 12 trails for hiking and mountain biking, an 18-hole disc golf course, five playgrounds, and picnic areas with grills. Winter hours: 7 AM - 6 PM | 201 C C Camp Road

GOLDEN EAGLES UPDATE

Tennessee Tech basketball hits the road this week:

  • Thu, Jan 8: at Eastern Illinois, 7:30 PM (ESPN+)

  • Sat, Jan 10: at Western Illinois, 3:30 PM (ESPN+)

Home games return January 15 at Eblen Center.

COMING UP

Mark your calendars for later this month:

  • Jan 16-24: "Lost Girl" at Cookeville Performing Arts Center

  • Jan 30: Jon Reep comedy show at CPAC

  • Jan 31: Fit Frenzy — Free fitness class sampling at Cane Creek Recreation Center

GET INVOLVED

Know of an event we missed? Have a story tip or a local business we should feature? Reply to this email — we read every message.

If you enjoyed this newsletter, share it with a friend. The more locals who subscribe, the stronger our community coverage gets.

THANKS

Thanks for reading and for being part of what makes Cookeville special. Whether you're catching trout, catching laughs at a comedy show, or just catching up over coffee — we hope you have a great week.

See you next time.

-- The Cookeville Scoop Team