The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources makes every effort to provide opportunities for all constituents to participate in activities involving the state’s natural resources, which includes establishing unique angling opportunities for children and individuals with disabilities. A total of eight lakes and two sections of streams fall under Class Q designation from March to May. During this time, these areas are open only to children 14 years of age and under and individuals possessing a Class Q permit. Trout stockings on Class Q areas are conducted during the first week of March and are regulated under a special four-fish daily creel limit for trout. Fishing is only permitted during daylight hours on Class Q waters, and another person can be present to assist with the baiting of hooks and removal of fish. Between the months of April to February, these areas are managed under general fishing regulations.
View Class Q Fishing Sites
Lakes regulated as Class Q include the following:
- Baker Lake (Ohio County) – This 3-acre lake is located on Bear Rocks Lake Wildlife Management Area and can be accessed via county Route 41/6.
- Coonskin Park Pond (Kanawha County) – This 2.7-acre pond is at Coonskin Park and 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:
- Clear Fork (Wyoming County) – This 300-yard section of Clear Fork in Gilliand Park is located in Oceana and can be accessed by state 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