The state record length remains a 31.7-inch rainbow caught by John P. Arnett in 1993 at Stonecoal Lake. Anglers who believe that they have caught a state record fish should check the record listing in the 2013 Fishing Regulations brochure.
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Are there rainbow trout in West Virginia?
Rainbow trout seek cobble and boulder streams, although do well in larger bodies of water so long as they are clean and cold. In West Virginia, rainbows spawn both in the late fall and in late winter or early spring. Wild populations are established throughout the state.
Does West Virginia have good trout fishing?
The Elk River is by far one of the most well known trout streams in West Virginia. The size of the fish attract anglers from all over. Brown and rainbow trout ranging over 22 inches are not rare in the Elk. There are also native brook trout and the occasional golden trout in the river.
What fish are in the rivers of West Virginia?
In these waters, you can target popular sport fish, such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass, sunfish, musky, walleye, channel catfish and flathead catfish. Learn more about the different types of sportfish you can find in West Virginia’s waters.
What fish are in the Tygart River WV?
The backwaters of the Tygart River is known for its massive carp, muskie, large-mouth bass, pike, crappie, walleye, and big catfish. Check out the ADA accessible Scott’s Ford Fishing Pier for easy access. Much of the Tygart River is composed of long, deep pools.
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.
Can you fish trout year round in WV?
You can find golden rainbow trout throughout the year, but anglers can also get in on “The Goldrush Program,” which takes place each spring.
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?
What is the rarest fish in WV?
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV (WCHS/WVAH) — They are one of the rarest species of fish found in West Virginia. And you can only find them here in the Central Appalachians.
Is there alligator gar in WV?
Habitat. Longnose gar prefer shallow, weedy, quiet waters. However, they are found throughout West Virginia in most streams, rivers and reservoirs.
Are there sturgeon in WV?
Though other species of sturgeon can grow quite large, the shovelnose variety stocked in West Virginia waters seldom exceeds 3 feet in length and 5 pounds in weight. “We’ve received reports of people catching them,” O’Bara said.
What fish are in Shavers Fork?
Shavers Fork is a stream near Fairmont. The most popular species caught here are Rainbow trout, Smallmouth bass, and Brook trout.
Where can I fish in Elk River WV?
The Elk River begins in Slatyfork along State Route 219, just downstream from the Elk River Inn and Restaurant. A West Virginia fishing license is required and please keep in mind that the catch-and-release section of the Elk begins at the headwaters and runs for nearly five miles.
Are there trout in Cheat Lake WV?
But there are other species of fish in the river and Cheat Lake. Anglers can catch yellow perch, rock bass, walleye, sunfish, channel catfish, and sometimes native brook trout.
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 are they stocking 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.
How do you catch stocked trout in a river?
What is the biggest buck killed in West Virginia?
Jody Dalton killed a massive whitetail with his bow in Wyoming County, West Virginia, on Nov. 6, 2020. He speculated it would beat the current state record of 188 ⅞ inches but needed to wait 60 days to get an official score.
What is the biggest fish in WV?
Price’s record fish was 50.7 inches long and weighed a whopping 67.22 pounds. The trophy catfish eclipsed the weight record of 61.28 pounds held by Cody Carver for only seven weeks and also broke the length record of 50.15 inches held by Justin Goode since 2021.
How many trout can you keep in WV?
5.2. Trout (Brook, Brown, Rainbow and Golden Rainbow Trout). — The daily creel limit is sixtrout in aggregate and the possession limit is 12 trout in aggregate, except as provided in Sections 5.2.
Is it legal to use bluegill as bait in WV?
The only game fish that can be used as cut bait are bluegill, sunfish, and bream.
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.
Can you use goldfish as bait in WV?
It may be only slightly better to fish with dead goldfish. In fact, Florida, North Dakota and West Virginia only permit goldfish as bait if they are dead.
What is the fine for fishing without a license in WV?
§20-2-2a. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500 or imprisoned in the county jail for not less than ten days nor more than one hundred days or both fined and imprisoned.
Is there gold in WV streams?
Gold in West Virginia There are no commercial gold mines operating in West Virginia. Despite the lack of gold found within quartz, very small quantities of gold can be found within the state. As with almost any state, very tiny specks of gold have been reported to be found in several creeks and rivers.