Spring Trout Fishing in West Virginia
Get Your Line Wet

            Whether you’re seeking secluded wilderness trout fishing or a family vacation, a quality angling experience awaits you in the Mountain State this spring. With its year-round fishing season, including an open season on trout, more than 20,000 miles of streams and more than 100 public fishing lakes, West Virginia provides anglers with a wide variety of fishing opportunities and experiences.

            “The weeks of early spring provide some of the best fishing opportunities,” according to Mike Shingleton, assistant chief for coldwater fisheries for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. “During those chilly days there is less angler pressure, while at the same time, stocking trucks are making their way from the fish hatcheries to many streams and lakes around the state.”

            You can seek native brook trout in headwater streams in Monongahela National Forest or cast for rainbow trout in one of more than 120 stocked trout streams. Stocking of catchable-sized rainbows, browns, brookies and West Virginia golden rainbows continues through May in suitable waters.

            A number of catch-and-release and fly-fishing-only areas provide some of the best, challenging fly fishing in the East. Shoreline fishing, boat launching ramps, and facilities for the physically challenged are available throughout the state. All children under age 15 fish for FREE.

            Favorite trout fishing spots include the Cranberry River, Blackwater River, Elk River above Webster Springs, Back Fork of Elk River, Shavers Fork of Cheat River, Williams River, the South Branch and the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River.  Spruce Knob, Summit and Buffalo Fork lakes are also popular. 

            Many West Virginia state parks, forests and wildlife management areas are located on lakes, rivers and streams. With a wide variety of accommodations to choose from, West Virginia offers excellent fishing opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. Parks that provide spring trout fishing opportunities include Babcock, Blackwater Falls, Pipestem Resort, Stonewall Resort, and Watoga, as well as Kumbrabow and Seneca state forests. Please call 1-800-CALL WVA or visit www.wvdnr.gov  for more information.

            It’s easy to track the trout stocking schedule by calling the Trout Stocking Hotline at (304) 558-3399 or logging onto www.wvdnr.gov/Fishing/Stocking/DailyStock.shtm .

            Don’t forget your 2009 fishing license. Short-term and annual licenses are available at hundreds of license agents in West Virginia or you can buy them online from the comfort of your home at www.wvfish.com. For more information about fishing in West Virginia, call 304-558-2771 or visit www.wvdnr.gov.