W.Va. announces fall trout stockings and return of Monster Trout Contest

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia will begin fall trout stockings during the weeks of Oct. 21 and 28, along with its third annual Monster Trout Contest.

The W.Va. Dept. of Natural Resources will stock 35,000 pounds of trout weighing one to two pounds in 40 lakes and streams around the state and 6,500 pounds of monster trout weighing three to six pounds.

Gov. Jim Justice, himself an angler, celebrated the announcement with enthusiasm.

“Our trout program keeps getting bigger and better, and this year will be no exception,” Justice said.

“It’s a great opportunity for folks to enjoy our beautiful waters and try their luck at catching trophy-sized or even monster trout for some amazing prizes. West Virginia is truly a world-class fishing destination, so get out there and make some memories.”

Justice said the state will tag 100 monster trout with a bright pink tag, and anglers who catch one and submit a photo with the tag number online will be eligible to win a prize.

Five recipients will be selected to win a grand prize, such as a weekend cabin stay at a West Virginia State Park or a Cabela’s prize package. Entries must be submitted by Friday, November 22.

Brett McMillion, director of the division, said the contest and other programs managed by the division emphasize opportunities for all ages and skill levels.

“Our fall trout stockings are designed to support West Virginia’s fisheries and offer exceptional recreational fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels,” he said.

“The Monster Trout Contest adds an extra level of excitement and encourages people to get outside and experience our state’s natural beauty while enjoying top-notch sport fishing.”

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Special Elk River Fall Trout Stockings

In November and December, the division will stock trout on the Elk River in Webster County for the second year. These stockings, which are part of a program to evaluate the economic impact of trout stocking, will occur at usual stocking locations.

The division will stock 750 rainbow trout each month for a total of 1,500 additional trout stocked in the Elk River.

To learn more about these stockings, visit WVDNR.gov/elk-river-trout-stockings.

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WVDNR Announces Trout Tagging Study

During fall trout stockings, the division will also conduct a trout-tagging study and ask anglers who catch a tagged trout to report their catch using information printed on the tag.

Trout study tags are yellow and include a four-digit number and a division email address.

Anglers who catch a tagged fish should clip off the tag and email the number to the provided address along with the date of their catch and whether they harvested or released the trout.

WVDNR biologists will use information collected in this study to understand fish movement, estimate angler catch rates, and determine how long stocked fish remain in streams so they can better manage stocked trout waters.

All anglers 15 years and older must have a West Virginia fishing license, trout stamp, and a valid form of identification while fishing for trout. Licenses and stamps can be purchased at 160 retail locations across the state or at WVFish.com.

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