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 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
The West Virginia Gold Rush—special stocking of golden rainbow trout—will return in 2019 with more fish and new locations, according to Stephen McDaniel, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. “Gold Rush” will return the week of April 1-6, 2019, and include stockings and events at more than 55 lakes and streams across the … Read more
Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to Stonewall Resort State Park in Lewis County for West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day Sept. 22-23, 2018, according to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. The event is the largest outdoor hunting-and-fishing show in the Mountain State, with approximately 100 vendors exhibiting hunting, fishing and conservation-related merchandise … Read more
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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … Read more
