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.
Two West Virginia record fish have been caught so far this January. Length records for grass carp and blue catfish were broken by two West Virginia anglers, the state Division of Natural Resources announced on Thursday. Zachary Adkins, of Cabins, caught a 53.1-inch, 59-pound grass carp at Warden Lake in Hardy County on January 3. … Read more
A West Virginia man caught a 27.87-inch, four-pound chain pickerel on Oct. 13 at Upper Deckers Lake near Reedsville, West Virginia, in Preston County—a state record, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Angler Matt Born, of Reedsville, used an in-line spinner to catch the trophy fish, which is a state record in … Read more
Despite hot, dry weather, fall trout stocking in West Virginia will run as scheduled during the weeks of Oct. 21 and 28, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. “We are hoping for more rain, but fall trout stocking is still on,” said division hatchery program Manager Jim Hedrick. “The staff will do … Read more
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will hold six public meetings with anglers and the general public in late September and October to discuss its draft trout management plan. “We are looking for comments on our plan, which is designed to help develop future management and stocking protocols,” division director Stephen S. McDaniel said … Read more
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
