Efforts to enhance fishing opportunities for children and individuals with disabilities have resulted in the designation of eight small impoundment’s and two sections of streams to be managed as special fishing areas. These areas offer exceptional potential for fishing success. Trout stockings are provided March through May and users can enjoy fishing in a more relaxed atmosphere without the concern of competing with others to achieve angling enjoyment.  In addition, there are several accessible fishing piers and stream accesses that can be used by a person with a disability.

Regulations

  1. Areas are managed under special regulations March through May.
  2. During this period fishing is restricted to individualswith disabilities holding a Class Q fishing license and to children 10 years of age or under.
  3. Fishing permitted during daylight hours only.
  4. Creel limit is four (4) trout.
  5. Another person(s) may assist with baiting hooks and removing fish.

Special Class Q Handicap & Children’s Areas

Baker Lake – Ohio County3-acre lake in Bear Rock Lakes WMA. Access by county Route 41/6.
Clear Fork  – Wyoming County300-yard section of Clear Fork in Gilliand Park in Oceana.  Access is by State route 10.
Coonskin Park Pond – Kanawha County2.7-acre pond on the Coonskin Park, Kanawha County. Access is off I-77, Exit 1, north on U.S. Rt. 119 to Henry Shores Drive.
Handley Pond – Pocahontas County5-acre pond on the Handley WMA, Pocahontas County. Access is by secondary routes 17 and 17/1 which intersect U.S. Route 219 at Edray north of Marlinton
Logan County Airport Pond1-acre pond. Access by county Route 119/8 off state Route 17.
Mash Fork of Camp Creek – Mercer County100-yard section of Mash Fork in Camp Creek State Park/State Forest at Mash Fork Waterfalls. Access by county Route 19/5 from I-77, exit 20.
Millers Fork Pond – Wayne County5-acre pond on the Beech Fork WMA in Wayne County. Access is by county Route 22 off county Route 17.
Raleigh County Airport Pond1-acre pond at the entrance to the Raleigh County Airport. Access is by county Route 9/9 off I-64 at Airport Exit 125-B.
Underwood Lake – Cabell County1-acre pond in Huntington YMCA property. Access by state Route 2.
Westover Park Pond – Monongalia County1-acre pond located at the Westover Park just off U.S. Route 19 approximately 1/2 mile east of I-79 Westover exit.

Accessible Fishing Piers by District