SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The 2016 fall trout stocking will take place the weeks of Oct. 11 and Oct. 17, according to Paul Johansen, chief of the DNR Wildlife Resources Section. More than 39,000 pounds of trout will be stocked during the two-week period in 25 streams and nine lakes, as indicated in the 2016 Fishing Regulations booklet. Brood trout will make up part of the fish stocked at select locations.
“The fall trout stocking is concurrent with deer archery and crossbow, turkey, and multiple small game hunting seasons and provides sportsmen and women with a variety of outdoor opportunities,” said Johansen.
Recent rain has resulted in excellent stream flows throughout the state. Higher-than-normal flows should result in good trout dispersal and excellent fishing through the fall and winter months.
The Cranberry and Williams rivers were severely affected by flooding in June 2016; however, both streams remain on the fall stocking schedule. Severe road damage on the Williams River downstream of Tea Creek has resulted in authorized vehicle access only. Trout stocking will occur behind the gates, but anglers will be limited to foot travel in these sections until road repairs are complete. The Williams River upstream of Tea Creek will be stocked as in previous years.
Anglers can call the Fishing Hotline at 304-558-3399 or visit www.wvdnr.gov to find out which streams and lakes have been stocked each day.