Whitewater rafting attracts over 60,000 adventurers to the Gauley River each year. The upper Gauley offers tremendous class III to V+ drops in steep, turbulent chutes such as Pillow Rock, Iron Ring and Sweet’s Falls, and rocky routes that demand constant maneuvering such as Lost Paddle and Shipwreck.
What kind of fish are in the Gauley River?
The Gauley River offers anglers the opportunity to catch trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, and muskellunge. With proper respect for the river and its resources and a few safety precautions, anglers can enjoy a quality fishing experience.
How deep is the Gauley River?
The mouth of the Gauley River, 107 miles from its source, is at an elevation of about 600 feet. The resulting average rate of fall is 37.4 feet per mile. Downstream from Summersville Dam where the boundary of the recreation area begins, the river has cut a gorge of up to 500 feet deep in places.
Can you fish trout year round in WV?
West Virginia Trout Season 2022 Trout fishing season is open all year round with stocking occurring in specific trout waters between February and May.
What streams are stocked in WV?
Native brook trout streams often flow into larger streams that are stocked with trout annually. Streams such as Cranberry River, South Fork of Cherry River, Williams River, and the upper Elk River are just a few examples of these waters.
Is the Gauley River polluted?
Industrial pollution drained directly into the Gauley River, earning it the nickname “the River of Ink.” This pollution killed fish and prevented people from swimming and enjoying the river’s water.
Is the Gauley River clean?
The Gauley River unfortunately has a lot of pollution, making it not wise to swim in it.
Where are the biggest trout in WV?
The most trophy rainbow trout caught from any single West Virginia water during 2016 came from the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River.
How many trout can I keep in WV?
Creel limit is four trout.
What months do they stock trout in WV?
From March 29 to April 9, the WV Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) will stock 50,000 golden rainbow trout at 62 lakes and streams around the state, including waters in or near 15 state parks and forests. Stocking locations and details about the Gold Rush can be found at wvdnr.gov/goldrush.
Can you night fish for trout in WV?
Night fishing is allowed, so you can practice your cast under the stars of Pocahontas County’s famous dark sky. Reminder: You’ll need a West Virginia license and trout stamp, along with a National Forest Stamp for some rivers. Where are you catching the next big one?
How often do they stock trout in WV?
Trout Run, in Hardy County, is stocked once in January, once in February, and once weekly March through May. Tuscarora Creek, in Berkeley County, is stocked once in February and once every two weeks in March, April, and May.
How many Class 5 rapids are on the Upper Gauley?
There are 5 rapids on the Upper Gauley that gain the whitewater rating of “Class V,” which are the upper level of what can be safely guided down. Each one of these “Big 5” has its own characteristics: Insignificant Rapid is the opposite of its name, but starts small before building into enormous waves.
Which is harder Upper or Lower Gauley River?
The Upper Gauley is more difficult than its downstream counterpart. The Upper section features rapids rated up to class V, some of which are nationally known such as Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, and Sweet’s Falls. This section will take an experienced paddler or guide to make it down safely and enjoyably.
What class rapids are the Upper Gauley?
The Gauley is famous for its “Big 5” rapids: the Class V monster rapids on the Upper Gauley.
What is the cleanest river in WV?
The Cacapon River, above the wastewater plant outlet, is said to be one of the cleanest rivers in West Virginia.
Is the Kanawha River polluted?
The Kanawha River Valley in West Virginia has become extremely polluted due to leaks and spills from some 20 chemical plants that produce explosive, toxic, and carcinogenic compounds.
Is the New River in Virginia clean?
The New River is one of the world’s oldest rivers and also one of the most pristine, thanks partly to the efforts by the Radford University family, City of Radford volunteers and surrounding communities to keep it clean.
Is the New River clean?
The New River is filled with sewage and toxic pollution. Despite more than $90 million spent, the Mexican and U.S. governments have failed to clean it up.
What is the biggest rainbow trout ever caught?
On Sept. 5, Canadian angler Sean Konrad obliterated the IGFA all-tackle world rainbow record with a 48-pound rainbow out of Saskatchewan’s Lake Diefenbaker, eclipsing a 2-year-old record held by his twin brother.
What flies to use for trout in West Virginia?
West Virginia’s best-known fly tier is Charlie Heartwell. In June, his Green Drake Emergers and Sulphur Spinners (#8-14) are a must for matching local hatches. Throughout the summer and into fall, terrestrials dominate the menu. Use spiders, brown and tan Elk-hair Caddis, and ants (#14-20).
Where can I find golden trout in West Virginia?
- Curtisville Lake in Marion County.
- Mason Lake in Monongalia County.
- Coopers Rock Lake in Monongalia and Preston counties.
- Tygart Tailwater in Taylor County.
- Teter Creek Lake in Barbour County.
- Mill Creek Reservoir in Randolph County.
- Black River.
- Thomas Park Lake in Tucker County.
Is it legal to fish with treble hooks in WV?
Virginia prohibits treble hooks in several trout streams but are legal elsewhere. Washington only restricts treble hooks in areas that are designated as ‘fly fishing only’ or have ‘selective gear rules. ‘ West Virginia requires that treble hooks be barbless in catch and release waters.
Is it illegal to use bluegill as bait in WV?
The only game fish that can be used as cut bait are bluegill, sunfish, and bream.
Does a 65 year old need a fishing license in WV?
(d) In accordance with the provisions of section twenty-seven of this article, any resident sixty-five years of age or older is not required to have a license to hunt, trap or fish during the legal seasons in West Virginia, but in lieu of such license any such person shall at all times while hunting, trapping or …