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.
Just in time for free fishing weekend June 8 and 9, the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources—in cooperation with the West Virginia Professional River Outfitters Association—stocked 650 pounds of rainbow trout in the Summersville Dam tailwater of the Gauley River June 6. “The goal of the stocking is to provide increased summer trout fishing opportunities … Read more
Governor Jim Justice has announced that the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has implemented a new trout-stocking method designed to enhance fishing. Rather than dumping the trout at single locations on a stream, division staff and contractors will now spread the fish over longer sections of stream, the governor said. “This is how our … Read more
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and representatives from the state Division of Natural Resources today launched the West Virginia Gold Rush — the Mountain State’s annual golden rainbow trout stocking initiative. “I hope as many West Virginians as possible take advantage of the Gold Rush this year,” Justice said while visiting Babcock State Park. “Fishing … Read more
In an effort to encourage families and new anglers to enjoy fishing during the spring 2019 season, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is promoting the locations of 69 trout stockings scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays. Locations were selected based on proximity to state parks and adequate access points and to accommodate anglers and … Read more
The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources will hold 12 public meetings across the state on proposed hunting, trapping, and fishing regulations March 11-12 from 6 to 8 p.m. Anglers, hunters, trappers, landowners, and other concerned citizens who attend will have an opportunity to review and comment on proposed 2020 fishing regulations, 2020-2021 general hunting and … Read more
A state record yellow perch was caught by Clinton Mills, of Ravenswood, West Virginia, on Feb. 24, 2018, according to a news release from the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Mills caught the 14.5-inch, 2.04-pound fish on a 10-pound test line with live bait while fishing from a boat on Summersville Lake in Nicholas County. … Read more
The West Virginia Natural Resources Commission will conduct its quarterly meeting Sunday, Feb. 24, at the DNR Headquarters at 324 4th Avenue in South Charleston at 1 p.m. The public is invited to attend and make comments. The public is invited to attend and make comments. Items on the agenda include: Introductions and Acknowledgements: John … Read more
Trout stocking at Conaway Run Lake in Tyler County has been suspended until repair work to the dam is completed, the Division of Natural Resources announced. Adverse weather conditions have delayed the needed dam repair work. The dam at Conaway Run Lake has been stabilized to ensure safety, proper function, and structural integrity, but the … Read more
West Virginia’s 2019 trout-stocking season is underway. Through May 31, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will stock lakes and streams around the state each week. Beginning in March, the stocking schedule will shift to Tuesday-through-Saturday, according to division fisheries supervisor Jim Hedrick. Currently, the stocking schedule is Monday-through-Friday, Hedrick said. “The Saturday stockings … Read more
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will stock 26 streams and 11 lakes in the Mountain State with trout during the weeks of Oct. 15 and 22. Autumn trout stocking traditionally occurs during the week of Columbus Day and the following week, but this year’s stocking will begin a week later to help ensure … Read more
