Fishing in West Virginia

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Anglers on Shavers Fork of the Cheat

Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor sports pursued in West Virginia. Young West Virginians learn early the art of the cast, and by their teens they are adept at hunting trout in clear mountain streams and coaxing bass from its lakes and rivers. But there are many miles of stream and plenty of fishing holes to be angled.

Bait and tackle shops exist in almost every county in West Virginia, and fishing camps, for , may be found on almost every stream.

Fishing in the Mountain State is notably accommodated by its wealth of well-watered fisheries. Its streams do not grow sluggish in late summer. Though small streams may dry to a trickle, hundreds of larger fishing streams remain productive year-round.


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Fishing is one of the most popular forms of recreation accommodated in West Virginia, and it's hard to keep up with the constant change and expansion. If you’ve noted inaccuracies in our content or would like to contribute as a correspondent, please contact a member of our editorial staff.

West Virginia Fishing News

Monstrous West Virginia Trout

West Virginia stocks monstrous trophy-sized trout in 44 lakes, streams

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources stocked 44 lakes and streams with trout in late October, and anglers who take...
Monster Trout Stocking

W.Va. announces fall trout stockings and return of Monster Trout Contest

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia will begin fall trout stockings during the weeks of Oct. 21 and 28, along with its third annual Monster...
Michael John Drake and record blue catfish

Record West Virginia blue catfish broken fourth year in a row

GALLIPOLIS FERRY, W.Va. — For the fourth year in a row, the West Virginia state record for the largest blue catfish by weight has...
Fishing by Greysen Johnson

West Virginia to stock upper Elk River in pilot winter trout program

WEBSTER SPRINGS, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources will stock trout on the upper Elk River and its back fork in November...
Trophy trout in West Virginia

West Virginia stocks 43 waters during first week of fall trout stocking

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources stocked 43 during the first week of fall trout stocking, and two anglers have...