CHARLESTON, W.Va. — About 40,000 pounds of trout will be stocked in nearly 40 West Virginia lakes and streams during the weeks of October 19 and 26, giving anglers opportunities to fish during the state’s fall foliage season.
Each designated water body will receive one stocking per week, for a total of two stockings during the fall program, according to Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources.
“Fall stocking is a great time to fish for trout and a gorgeous time to be outdoors when fall colors are peaking around West Virginia,” McMillion said. “We encourage you to take your family and friends and enjoy this unique opportunity.”
Stocking will continue as visitors travel to West Virginia’s mountains for autumn scenery, particularly in the New River Gorge and Monongahela National Forest regions, where trout fishing is among the available outdoor activities.
Where will trout be stocked?
The state’s fall stocking program includes mountain streams, public lakes, and tailwaters below dams, McMillion said.
West Virginia Explorer maintains guides to trout-stocked rivers and streams, as well as trout-stocked lakes and ponds, across the state.
Waters designated for fall stocking in the state’s 2026 fishing regulations include the Blackwater River in Tucker County, Shavers Fork in Randolph County, the Cranberry River in the central mountains, and the Williams River in Pocahontas and Webster counties.
In southern West Virginia, designated waters include Glade Creek of the New River in Raleigh County, Summersville Lake Tailwaters in Nicholas County, and Anthony Creek and Big Clear Creek in Greenbrier County.
Other fall-designated waters include the Buckhannon River in Upshur County, Spruce Knob Lake in Pendleton County, and Sutton Lake Tailwaters in Braxton County.
The complete statewide trout stocking schedule is published on pages six and seven of the 2026 West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary.
Anglers can also consult the state’s fish stocking reports for information about completed stockings.
Pink-tagged trout carries lifetime license prize
One angler could win a lifetime fishing license during the fall stocking program through the Governor’s Tagging Contest.
According to the WVDNR, a specially designated trout bearing a pink tag will be released into state waters. The angler who catches the tagged fish and reports it according to the instructions printed on the tag will receive a lifetime fishing license.
Officials encourage anglers to inspect their catches for the distinctive tag.
What anglers need to know
West Virginia generally requires anglers age 15 and older to have a valid fishing license and trout stamp when fishing for trout, although certain exemptions apply.
Anglers must also carry identification as required by state regulations.
Anglers can purchase licenses and trout stamps online at WVFish.com or through about 160 authorized retail locations statewide.
The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources provides additional information on trout fishing, stocking locations, and applicable regulations.