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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.

Kayakers At North Bend State Park in West Virginia
Fishing

North Bend offers kayak, rappel, mtn.-bike courses June 10

by David Sibray

Encouraging visitors to try new outdoor activities, rangers at North Bend State Park this weekend are offering introductory courses in kayaking, rappelling, mountain biking.Park rangers and activity guides will provide instruction in an affordable group format during the daylong Introduction to Adventure event, according to park superintendent Steve Jones.Along with skill development, instructors will share … Read more

Free Fishing Days in West Virginia
Fishing

Free fishing weekend (June 7-8) to boost travel

by Will Reedy

This weekend (June 7-8) is free fishing weekend in West Virginia — that time of year when anglers can fish without a license and everyone seems hooked on the sport. Rangers are expecting increased activity on waterways, and ponds on private properties will enjoy a boost as well. The old-time bamboo poles that staff at … Read more

Fishing on Tygart River
Fishing

June 7-8 is free fishing weekend in West Virginia

by Will Reedy

The weekend of June 7-8 (2014) is free fishing weekend in West Virginia, during which residents and nonresidents alike may fish its lakes and streams without a license.Frank Jezerio, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, emphasized in a May 28 press release the opportunity that weekend to introduce or reintroduce friends and family to … Read more

Eric Files displays record rainbow trout
Fishing

W.Va. record for rainbow trout set at Berkeley Co. pond

by Will Reedy

A state record for rainbow trout was established April 30 by Eric Files Sr. of Martinsburg, West Virginia, who pulled the 33.11-inch, 19.40-pound specimen from a private pond in Berkeley County.The catch set a new West Virginia record for weight and length, according to a press release disseminated today by the W.Va. Division of Natural … Read more

Channel Catfish
Fishing

W.Va. DNR: Catch a channel cat, and win a night’s camping

by Will Reedy

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In an effort to increase visitation at state-managed parks and recreation areas, the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources will begin stocking more than 5,000 channel catfish in West Virginia ponds and lakes on May 20, 2014, and anglers who report a tagged catfish will receive a certificate good for a night’s … Read more

Austin Hoffman and record blue cat taken on Ohio River, 2014
Fishing

State confirms W.Va. record blue catfish taken in Ohio River

by Will Reedy

APRIL 30, 2014 –The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources today confirmed the capture of the largest and longest blue catfish in state history, taken on the Ohio River below the Robert C. Byrd Lock & Dam near Apple Grove, W.Va.,  by Austin Hoffman, of Milton. Hoffman caught the 47.75-inch, 52.95-pound fish using cut bait on April … Read more

Trout taken from Glade Creek
Fishing

Spring 2014 may be ideal for family fishing in West Virginia

by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Springtime is a good time to take the family fishing, says a West Virginia wildlife biologist. The spring of 2014 may be especially so, thanks to a long, snowy winter. Bret Preston, the assistant chief of warmwater fisheries for the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, reckoned that adequate precipitation and temperatures have made … Read more