The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is committed to making the outdoors accessible to everyone by providing opportunities for all constituents to participate in activities involving the state’s natural resources. One way the WVDNR accomplishes this is by creating special fishing opportunities for kids and individuals with disabilities.
From March to May, nine lakes and three stream sections are designated as Class Q fishing areas. During this time, only children 14 and younger and those with a Class Q permit can fish in these waters. These waters are stocked with trout during the first week of March and have a special daily limit of four trout.
Fishing in Class Q areas is allowed during daylight hours, and anglers can have someone assist with baiting hooks and removing fish. From April to February, these waters follow general fishing regulations.
View Class Q Fishing Sites
Lakes regulated as Class Q include the following:
- Baker Lake (Ohio County) – This 3-acre lake, located on Bear Rocks Lake Wildlife Management Area, can be accessed via county Route 41/6.
- Bishop Knob Pond (Webster County) – This 2-acre lake between the Cranberry and Williams rivers can be access by Forest Road 101.
- Coonskin Park Pond (Kanawha County) – This 2.7-acre pond at Coonskin Park can be accessed off exit 1 of Interstate 77. Follow U.S. Route 119 north to Henry Shores Drive.
- Handley Pond (Pocahontas County) – This 5-acre pond is located on the Handley Wildlife Management Area and can be accessed by county Routes 17 and 17/1. These roads intersect U.S. Route 219 at the town of Edray (north of Marlinton).
- Logan County Airport Pond (Logan County) – This 1-acre pond can be accessed via county Route 119/8 off state Route 17.
- Millers Fork Pond (Wayne County) – This 5-acre pond is located on the Beech Fork Lake Wildlife Management Area and can be accessed by county Route 22 off county Route 17.
- Raleigh County Airport Pond (Raleigh County) – This 1-acre pond is located at the entrance to the Raleigh County Airport and can be accessed via county Route 9/9 off exit 125-B of Interstate 64.
- Underwood Lake (Cabell County) – This 1-acre pond is located on Huntington YMCA property and can be accessed by state Route 2.
- Westover Park Pond (Monongalia County) – This 1-acre pond is located at Westover Park off U.S. Route 19, approximately 0.5 miles east of the Westover exit of Interstate 79.
Streams regulated as Class Q include the following:
- Davis Creek (Kanawha County) – From route 23 bridge near the entrance of Kanawha State Forest upstream. Includes all tributaries (17.2 miles).
- Laurel Fork (Wyoming County) – 300-yard section of Laurel Fork in Gilliand Park in Oceana. Access is by Route 10.
- Mash Fork of Camp Creek (Mercer County) – This 100-yard section of Mash Fork is located in Camp Creek State Park and State Forest at Mash Fork Waterfalls. It can be accessed by county Route 19/5 from exit 20 of Interstate 77.
Anglers who feel that they meet the requirements for a Class Q Permit may apply by downloading the Disability Medical Evaluation Form, which includes a section to be completed by a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, physician assistant or chiropractic physician. The form also is available at agency district offices.
Send completed applications with original signatures to:
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
ATTN: License Section
324 Fourth Avenue
South Charleston, WV 25303