It’s important for anglers to keep themselves up to date with the current fishing regulations. Fishing is available to enjoy year-round, but you should be aware of the specific fishing regulations where you are fishing. Laws may differ when fishing in certain lakes or rivers or catching certain fish species. Review the current Fishing Regulations Summary before planning your next Almost Heaven fishing trip.

CURRENT FISHING REGULATIONS

View the current Fishing Regulations Summary. In addition to regulations, it contains fishing tips and other useful information.

West Virginia shares waterways with several states. View information on reciprocal boundaries and rules and regulations for fishing these waters.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

In addition to downloading the above resources, printed copies of current regulations can be found at authorized fishing license agents or at your DNR District Office.

Fisheries biologists utilize regulations to provide the best possible recreational fishing opportunities for anglers, while protecting West Virginia’s fish resources. Regulations are established for a variety of reasons. They are often adopted to prevent over harvesting of sport fish, protect spawning fish, maintain healthy populations and/or to protect vulnerable species. 

Before implementing a new regulation, the WVDNR carefully collects biological information and considers anglers attitudes and preferences. The goal of our fisheries management is to create statewide sportfishing opportunities with equal and sustainable levels of harvest for anglers, while preserving our unique fish communities. If you have questions about a specific regulation, please contact a fisheries biologist at a nearby WVDNR District Office.

Featured Articles

9 go-to lakes and streams to help you plan your Gold Rush trip

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7 bucket list items to help you plan your Gold Rush trip

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Wildlife Resources Report: Sectional Meetings

2023 Sectional Meeting Regulation Proposals Questionnaire On this Feb. 15, 2023 edition of the WVDNR Wildlife Resources Report, Chris Lawrence of WV Metro News talks to WVDNR Wildlife Section Chief Paul Johansen about the annual sectional meetings on March 13…

Wildlife Resources Report: Deer Project

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WVDNR highlights habitat and stream restoration project in Monongahela Forest

GLADY, W.VA. — More than 2,000 acres of wildlife habitat in the Monongahela National Forest is being restored thanks to a collaborative project between the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and United States Forest Service. The work is being…

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The next time you notice a monarch butterfly, with its brilliant orange and black wings rimmed with white dots, take a good long appreciative look. Monarchs used to number in the billions. Since 1976, the world population of monarch butterflies…

40,700 pounds of trout stocked in 38 waters throughout West Virginia

The year might be coming to an end, but there’s still plenty of fish to catch in West Virginia. In October, we stocked more than 40,000 pounds of trout in 38 waters around the state. The final trout stocking of…

Updated license system makes buying license and checking game easier

Buying a hunting and fishing license and checking game in West Virginia just got a lot easier thanks to our upgraded electronic licensing and game check system.

Second split of WV’s fall turkey season to open Oct. 25

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