New! 2025 Fishing Regulations

The Fishing Regulations Summary includes stocking locations, consumption advisories, creel limits, rules for fishing on reciprocal waters and other tips to help you enjoy West Virginia’s world-class fishing lakes and stream. If you want to request a printed copy of the current regulations, contact your local authorized hunting license agent or WVDNR District Office.

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Fishing Forms

Other Information

About West Virginia’s Fishing Regulations

Fisheries biologists utilize regulations to provide world-class recreational fishing opportunities while protecting West Virginia’s fish resources. Regulations prevent over harvesting sport fish, protect spawning fish, maintain healthy populations and protect vulnerable species. Before implementing a new regulation, the WVDNR carefully collects biological information and considers angler preferences. If you have questions about a specific regulation, please contact a fisheries biologist at a nearby WVDNR District Office.

Featured Articles

West Virginia Musky: Behind the Scenes of a Spawning Success Story

How the WVDNR’s Hatchery Program is Shaping the Future of Musky Fishing Muskellunge, often called musky, are known among anglers as the “fish of 10,000 casts.” These powerful, elusive predators are a bucket-list catch for many anglers and an iconic…

Summer Fishing Guide: West Virginia’s Must-Visit Lakes

6 West Virginia lakes you need to explore this summer Whether you’re looking for an easy-access lake for a family outing or a stream off-the-beaten-path for a weekend adventure, West Virginia has something for every angler. And with warm weather,…

Explore, Learn and Play at the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center

Enjoy a day of fun and discovery while learning about wildlife conservation in West Virginia Looking for a fun, free and educational family trip or field trip this spring or summer? Just outside Charleston, the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education…

Basics for Avoiding Human-Bear Conflicts This Spring

Practical tips for protecting your home and living responsibly with black bears Black bears are a beloved part of West Virginia’s cultural identity and a vital member of the state’s mountain and forest ecosystems. As the state animal, black bears…

Safe Boating Adventures: Your Guide to Boating Safety in West Virginia

Lifejackets, responsible navigation and protecting West Virginia’s waterways With more than 2,000 miles of navigable streams and dozens of boatable lakes and impoundments, West Virginia is an incredible place for boating adventures. But before you rev up your engine, it’s…

Plan the Perfect Family Trip to the West Virginia Wildlife Center

Affordable Outdoor Fun and Learning for the Whole Family If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-plan family trip that offers opportunities to have fun and learn something new, the West Virginia State Wildlife Center is the perfect destination. Nestled in…

West Virginia Gold Rush 2025 Guide

Explore West Virginia’s most popular lakes and streams during Gold Rush Get ready for a reel adventure! The West Virginia Gold Rush is returning for its eighth year on April 1-12. This exciting annual event offers anglers of all ages…

Backyard pollinator garden tips to help you support native wildlife

Support native wildlife with these simple tips for creating a year-round pollinator habitat on your property. Did you know that pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food you eat? Sadly, several natural and human-caused factors…

Spring into adventure at BOW spring workshop

2025 Becoming an Outdoors Woman Spring Workshop Preview Have you ever wanted to learn how to hunt, fish or explore the great outdoors but felt unsure how to get started? The WVDNR’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman spring workshop is the…

Your 2025 Guide to Spring Gobbler Season in West Virginia

Everything you need to know to prepare for a safe and successful spring turkey hunt in West Virginia West Virginia’s spring gobbler season kicks off with a two-day youth season on April 19–20, giving young hunters a chance to take…

4 Ways You Can Support Wildlife Conservation in West Virginia

How you can help protect West Virginia’s wildlife West Virginia’s diverse landscape is home to 57 species of amphibians and reptiles, 70 wild mammals, 178 species of fish, nearly 300 species of birds and numerous plants and fungi. Supporting wildlife…

Explore West Virginia with Online Hunting and Fishing Map

Interactive hunting and fishing map helps you plan outdoor adventures Are you new to hunting in West Virginia and need a place to practice your shot? Maybe you’re an experienced angler who wants to find your next favorite place to…