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4 reasons why you need to participate in West Virginia’s 2024 fall trout stockings

WVDNR

Fall trout stockings provide an opportunity to enjoy fall foliage and win prizes

Get ready to enjoy West Virginia’s world-class fishing and fall foliage because fall trout stockings are only a few weeks away! During the last two weeks of October, we will be stocking some of your favorite lakes and streams with more than 40,000 pounds of trout. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, here are four reasons why fall trout stockings are a perfect opportunity to cast your line.

Practice Your Casting Skills

Our trout stocking program is designed to enhance fishing opportunities around the state and make the fishing experience accessible to as many anglers as possible. Stocked waters are often easier to fish in, which helps beginner anglers hone their skills as they get comfortable with the outdoors. Stocked waters are usually well-marked and easily accessible, so you won’t have to venture far to cast your line. Whether it’s casting, reeling or understanding fish behavior, stocked waters also provide a controlled environment where you can practice your skills without feeling overwhelmed.

Plenty of Opportunities to Catch Trout

West Virginia’s fall trout stockings in 2024 are scheduled for the weeks of October 21 and October 28. During these two weeks, we will stock 40 waters around the state once each week, which means you’ll have even more opportunities to catch trout. Each of the following waters will be stocked once each week for a total of two stockings.

  1. Anthony Creek
  2. Big Clear Creek
  3. Blackwater River
  4. Brandywine Lake
  5. Buckhannon River
  6. Buffalo Fork Lake
  7. Cacapon State Park Lakes
  8. Coopers Rock Lake
  9. Cranberry River
  10. Elk River
  11. Evitts Run
  12. Glade Creek of New
  13. Guyandotte River
  14. Knapps Creek
  15. Lost River
  16. New Creek Dam No. 14
  17. North Branch of Potomac River
  18. North Fork South Branch
  19. Opequon Creek
  20. Pendleton Lake
  1. Pinnacle Creek
  2. Pipestem
  3. Pond Fork
  4. R.D. Bailey Tailwaters
  5. Rock Cliff Lake
  6. Seneca Lake
  7. Shavers Fork (Lower)
  8. Shavers Fork (Upper)
  9. South Branch (Franklin)
  10. South Branch (Smoke Hole)
  11. Spruce Knob Lake
  12. Summersville Tailwaters
  13. Summit Lake
  14. Sutton Tailwaters
  15. Teter Creek Lake
  16. Tygart River Headwaters
  17. Tygart Tailwaters
  18. Watoga Lake
  19. West Fork Greenbrier
  20. Williams River

Catch a Tagged Monster Trout to Win a Prize

You’ll want to catch a trout this year during fall stockings, because West Virginia’s Monster Trout Contest is back. Of the 40,000 pounds of trout we stock, 35,000 pounds of trout are trophy-size (1-2 pounds) and 6,500 pounds are monster trout (3-6 pounds). Catching a trout of this size is quite an accomplishment, even for a Master Angler.

During fall trout stockings, we will tag five monster trout with a bright pink tag. If you catch one of these tagged fish, submit a picture of you and your catch, along with the tag number and additional information, via our online form. These lucky anglers will be entered into a drawing for a weekend cabin stay at a West Virginia State Park. To learn more about the Monster Trout Contest, visit WVdnr.gov/fall-monster-trout-stockings.

During fall trout stockings, we are conducting a trout-tagging study, so be on the lookout for trout tagged with a yellow tag that includes a four-digit number and an WVDNR email address. If you catch one of these trout, clip off the tag and email the number to the provided address along with the date of your catch and whether you harvested or released the trout. Information collected in this study will be used by WVDNR biologists to understand fish movement, estimate angler catch rates and determine how long stocked fish remain in streams so they can better manage stocked trout waters.

Visit a State Park and Enjoy Epic Fall Foliage Views

Fall trout stockings aren’t just about catching fish and winning prizes. These stockings come at a special time of year when West Virginia’s scenic beauty is on full display in all the hues of fall. While each stocking location will offer great opportunities to see fall color, we recommend casting a line in at least one state park or forest, which not only have some of the best views but also some of the best fishing spots.

State parks and forests receiving a fall trout stocking include:

To get the most out of your fishing trip, book a stay in a park cabin or lodge room. But hurry! Accommodations book up fast this time of year. Visit WVstateparks.com to book your trip!

Buy Your Fishing License and Trout Stamp

As you plan your fall fishing adventures, remember that all anglers 15 years and older are required to have a West Virginia fishing license. To fish for trout, you’ll also need a trout stamp. Licenses and stamps can be purchased online at WVfish.com.

While you’re at it, elevate your angling experience by opting to purchase a durable license card. This collectible card not only looks good but serves as a memento of your commitment to the sport and the conservation efforts that keep it thriving. It’s a small upgrade that can make a big difference, ensuring you’re always ready to seize the moment when the waters call.

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