Fishing in West Virginia

Fishing on Shavers Fork of Cheat River, Randolph County, Allegheny Highlands Region
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 rent or sale, 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

A rite of winter in West Virginia, trout stockings have resumed in select lakes and streams. (Photo courtesy W.Va. Dept. of Commerce)

West Virginia trout stocking resumes in lakes and streams statewide

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Trout stockings have resumed in select lakes and streams across West Virginia, the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources announced, restoring a...
Under the renewed agreement, West Virginia residents may use their state-issued fishing licenses to fish from the Kentucky side of the Big Sandy and Tug Fork rivers

West Virginia reinstates fishing agreement on Kentucky border waters

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FORT GAY, W.Va. — West Virginia has reinstated its reciprocal fishing agreement with Kentucky, allowing Mountain State anglers to once again fish shared border...
Biologists have released trout marked with unique numbered blue tags into waters during fall stockings.

Fall study to provide insight into trout harvest rates, movement in West Virginia

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Biologists in West Virginia will be studying trout harvest rates during the state's fall trout-stocking season to better understand how long...
The annual Monster Trout Contest gives anglers and their families a chance to reel in trophy-sized fish while enjoying peak fall foliage.

Monster trout contest returns to West Virginia as fall fishing season heats up

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials have announced the return of the state’s fourth annual Monster Trout Contest, giving anglers and their families a...
The annual fishing weekend also includes derbies at Little Beaver Lake at the Bowden Fish Hatchery on June 7.

Family-friendly Free Fishing Days in West Virginia to return June 7-8

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Free Fishing Days will return June 7-8, allowing anglers and their families to fish for free in public lakes, streams, and...