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.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice announced today that Free Fishing Weekend in West Virginia will return June 10-11, 2023, and encouraged anglers and their families to plan a trip. The Free Fishing Weekend is part of a nationwide effort to make fishing more accessible to the public. During these two days, residents and nonresidents … Read more
TAMS, W.Va. — Some of southern West Virginia’s historic ghost towns are attracting the attention of trout anglers nationwide as the region recovers from the coal mining boom of the early 20th century. Descending from mountains once known chiefly for their coal, select streams in the upper watersheds of the Tug Fork and Guyandotte rivers … Read more
LOUDONDALE, W.Va. — A stream restoration project designed to improve fishing and recreation at Kanawha State Forest near Charleston, West Virginia, has been completed, according to West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice. Started in 2020, the project was a significant undertaking and included the removal of the Davis Creek Dam, which was built in the 1930s. … Read more
West Virginia Explorer Magazine publishes an updated list of waters stocked by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources as the division publishes announcements. Trout Stocking in West Virginia, March 6-10, 2023. The following West Virginia waters were stocked with trout from March 6-10, 2023. Anthony Creek Big Clear Creek Little Clear Creek Big Sandy Creek … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va.—West Virginia has announced the publication of updated 2023-2024 fishing regulations and the return of trout stockings to lakes and streams around the state. Brett McMillion, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, emphasized that stocking trout helps support state initiatives to protect and build on outdoor recreation. “Trout stocking in … Read more
SANDSTONE, W.Va. — The New River Gorge in southern West Virginia has been ranked second among the top autumn fishing destinations in the U.S. by Fishing Booker. According to magazine spokesperson Karin Meyer, the gorge was ranked so highly not only because of its fishing but because of its spectacle. The New River is the … Read more
A 17-year record for the largest channel catfish caught in West Virginia has been broken, according to the state Division of Natural Resources. On June 20, Allen Burkett, of Criders, Va., caught a channel catfish that weighed 36.96 pounds and measured 40.59 inches long. Burkett was fishing with chicken liver from the shore of South … Read more
West Virginia officials have confirmed that on Saturday, March 19, Lucas King, of Burnsville, West Virginia, caught and released a new Mountain State record muskie. King was fishing from the bank of the Little Kanawha River at a public access site in the tailwater section of Burnsville Dam in Braxton County, according to the state … Read more
Gov. Jim Justice announced today that the “West Virginia Gold Rush” will return for its fifth year on March 29 and provide anglers and their families with 12 days to catch golden rainbow trout and win prizes. All anglers who catch any of the 50,000 golden trout being stocked are able to receive a special … Read more
Trout stocking has commenced for the spring 2022 season in West Virginia, and 60 sections of stream have so far been stocked, according to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Stockings will increase in February and continue through spring. Updates on stocking are posted online at wvdnr.gov/fish-stocking. While fishing for trout in West Virginia, all … Read more
