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.
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is asking hunters and anglers to enter showcase pieces for its big buck and trophy fish display at the National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration at Stonewall Resort State Park on Sept. 22-23.Mounted trophy white-tailed bucks with a Pope-and-Young or Boone-and-Crockett score of 140 or greater that were legally … Read more
A new West Virginia “noodling” or hand-fishing season launches June 15, according to the state Division of Natural Resources.A law passed during the 2018 legislative session will allow anglers to hand-fish, or “noodle,” in public waters from June 15 to Aug. 31 between sunrise and sunset.Noodlers may only hand-fish in naturally-occurring habitats, such as hollow … Read more
As part of the dam-safety program of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Conaway Run Lake, near Middlebourne, in Tyler County, is undergoing repairs June 11-Oct. 31, 2018.Its boat ramp, parking lot, and the access road to its dam will be closed during this time, according to a release from the division.Bank fishing will … Read more
The lake at Little Beaver State Park has been nominated one of the best places to go for family-friendly fishing and boating in West Virginia, according to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources.The lake is featured on a “Top Mom-Approved Places to Fish and Boat” list “made for moms, by moms,” according to a release … Read more
The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources and U.S. Geological Survey have confirmed that a northern snakehead fish was killed in another body of water and illegally dumped into Opequon Creek near W.Va. Route 9 in Berkeley County. [Add your comments about this potentially devastating crime below!] The survey received the dead fish at its Leetown … Read more
Your chances of striking gold during the special West Virginia Gold Rush trout stockings April 2-6 have increased. Due to growing interest and excitement, the Division of Natural Resources will stock golden rainbow trout at 20 new locations around the state, bringing the total number of stocked lakes and streams to 50, according to Jim … Read more
In an effort to encourage families and new anglers to enjoy fishing this spring, the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources is publishing the locations of 104 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 hatchery staff, according to Stephen McDaniel, … Read more
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will start its 2018 trout stocking season January 2, though two stocking locales will be added to the schedule and one will be removed, according to Paul Johansen, chief of the division’s wildlife resources section.The 2018 stocking schedule contains several changes, Johansen said. The Greenbrier River in Pocahontas County, … Read more
An updated, online interactive map that provides valuable information on hunting and fishing adventures in West Virginia is now accessible on smartphones and tablets, according to Stephen McDaniel, director of the state Division of Natural Resources.Hunters will find the locations of license agents, check stations, public shooting ranges, wildlife management areas, Class-Q hunter-access roads and … Read more
West Virginia officials are gearing up for the state’s annual Free Fishing Weekend, June 10-11, during which residents and non-residents may fish in West Virginia for free.The annual event provides anglers the chance to fish without a license, attracting anglers to the Mountain State and encouraging the sport among in-state residents, says Bret Preston, assistant chief … Read more
