West Virginia is a top destination for fishing, offering anglers of all ages and skill levels access to pristine rivers, mountain streams, and stocked lakes teeming with trout, bass, catfish, and more. With renowned fishing spots like the New River, Cheat Lake, and Elk River, as well as countless remote creeks hidden in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia promises peaceful days on the water surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Year-round fishing opportunities, well-managed hatcheries, and accessible public fishing areas make it easy for both locals and visitors to reel in a memorable catch. For new residents relocating from big cities thanks to the remote-work revolution, fishing in West Virginia provides a relaxing escape, a chance to bond with family and friends, and a meaningful way to enjoy the state’s rich outdoor heritage and abundant aquatic life. Be sure to visit our Fishing Travel Guide for more information about fishing and fishing areas in West Virginia.
BOWDEN, W.Va. — Young anglers will have the chance to reel in trout and compete for prizes when the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources hosts its annual Bowden Fishing Derby on June 13 at the Bowden Fish Hatchery in Randolph County near Elkins. The free event, part of West Virginia’s annual Free Fishing Days celebration, … Read more
PETERSBURG, W.Va. — West Virginia anglers are breaking fishing records with unusual frequency, a trend fisheries experts say reflects years of better fish stocking, improved water quality, and the maturation of trophy-sized fish populations. So far in the spring of 2026, six reports of record catches have been confirmed by biologists with the W.Va. Division … Read more
MARLINTON, W.Va. — John Terry, of Gallagher, in Kanawha County, set a new state record for tiger trout on March 19 by catching a 29.13-inch, 11.04-pound tiger trout from Seneca Lake in Pocahontas County. The trophy catch surpasses the previous state length record of 28.7 inches recorded by Mike Connelly in 2011 at Krodel Lake … Read more
SMOKE HOLE, W.Va. — Hunter Rohr, 15, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, has caught a golden rainbow trout that set state records for length and weight, according to biologists with the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Rohr caught the 28-inch, 11.84-pound trout in the Smoke Hole section of the South Branch of the Potomac River in Pendleton County … Read more
REEDSVILLE, W.Va. — Matt Born, of Reedsville, in Preston County, West Virginia, has caught a new state-record chain pickerel at a pond in the county. He landed the 27.95-inch, 5.65-pound fish on April 21 using a homemade spinner on a four-pound test line, according to biologists with the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Born broke his … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources will sponsor the annual West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show, set for Jan. 23–25 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, bringing thousands of hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts to the capital city. West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show returns to Charleston The three-day event showcases … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources in Charleston announced that hatchery crews stocked trout in 46 lakes and streams across West Virginia during the week of Jan. 5, continuing the agency’s winter trout-stocking program. West Virginia trout stocking is a cornerstone of the state’s year-round fishing program, supporting both resident … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Trout stockings have resumed in select lakes and streams across West Virginia, the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources announced, restoring a seasonal boost to recreational fishing around the state. Brett McMillion, director of the division, said the stockings are part of the agency’s ongoing effort to support anglers and promote year-round outdoor … Read more
FORT GAY, W.Va. — West Virginia has reinstated its reciprocal fishing agreement with Kentucky, allowing Mountain State anglers to once again fish shared border waters with a single license. Under the renewed agreement, West Virginia residents may use their state-issued fishing licenses to fish from the Kentucky side of the Big Sandy and Tug Fork … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Biologists in West Virginia will be studying trout harvest rates during the state’s fall trout-stocking season to better understand how long trout stay in stocked streams, how they move over time, and whether they survive through the summer. As part of the effort, the state recently released rainbow and golden rainbow trout … Read more
