Fishing

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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.

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

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

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

Spring 2014 may be ideal for family fishing in West Virginia

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