West Virginia Explorer
Fishing in West Virginia By Greysen Johnson

West Virginia to stock upper Elk River in pilot winter trout program

Fishing

November 21, 2023

Will Reedy

WEBSTER SPRINGS, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources will stock trout on the upper Elk River and its back fork in November and December as part of a pilot program to evaluate economic impact.

Though in one of the more remote reaches of the state near Webster Springs, the upper Elk and its back fork are within a short drive of shops, lodges, and restaurants that could see increased traffic as a result.


An avid outdoorsman, Gov. Jim Justice announced the program, touching on his love for growing the state’s trout fishing programs.

Not only will you experience the thrill of reeling in a trout in our crystal-clear streams, but you’ll also be supporting the local economy in Webster County,” Justice said.

“As a lifelong angler myself, I can confidently say that there’s never been a better time to cast a line in Almost Heaven.”

The state operates seven hatcheries where trout are raised before being stocked in cold-water streams. Justice said that to allow anglers to catch more than one species, the state will stock multiple species—brook, brown, tiger, rainbow, and golden rainbow trout.

“These additional trout stockings are a testament to our world-class hatchery program, which has made West Virginia one of the world’s premier trout-fishing destinations.”

For more information about trout stocking, anglers are encouraged to check the 2023 West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary. The state also posts trout stocking updates online at WVDNR.gov/fish-stocking.

All anglers 15 years old and older must possess a West Virginia fishing license, trout stamp, and a valid form of identification while fishing for trout. Licenses and stamps can be purchased at 175 retail locations across the state or at WVFish.com.

To learn more about fishing opportunities and trout stockings in West Virginia, visit WVDNR.gov/fishing. For more information about attractions in Webster County, visit WVTourism.com.

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