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

WVDNR stocks 79 waters during week of May 2-6

Anglers are reminded to purchase a 2023 fishing license and trout stamp. SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.VA. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced on Monday that the following waters were stocked during the week of May 2-6: Trout stocking updates…

Your Spring Fishing Guide to West Virginia

Tips, best fishing spots and helpful reminders to get you ready for your spring fishing adventures in Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, May is a great time to go fishing in…

Your guide to spring turkey season in West Virginia

Hunting safety tips, essential gear and best hunting locations to help you enjoy turkey hunting in West Virginia It’s been a long winter, but spring is here and so is one of the most exciting events in West Virginia’s hunting…

WVDNR announces top teams, archers for 18th Archery in the Schools state tournament

More than 750 students from nearly 70 schools participated in the annual tournament. CHARLESTON, W.VA. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced on Thursday results from the 18th WVDNR Archery in the Schools State Tournament. The top high school…

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

Nine easy-to-access Gold Rush stocking locations where you can cast your line for a last minute trip. With 50,000 golden rainbow trout, 68 stockings and a chance to win a lifetime fishing license, the West Virginia Gold Rush is the…

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

Explore West Virginia’s natural beauty and catch a prized golden rainbow trout with our ultimate Gold Rush fishing trip bucket list. The sixth annual West Virginia Gold Rush is March 28 – April 8. This exciting event offers anglers an…

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

On this Feb. 15, 2023 edition of the WVDNR Wildlife Resources Report, Chris Lawrence of WV Metro News talks to Brett Skelley about a study on whitetail deer in three areas of the state to gauge what’s killing the deer…

Archery in the Schools provides inclusive program for kids to learn valuable life skills

After two years of not having an in-person state Archery in the Schools tournament to look forward to, students in West Virginia finally have something to be excited about. The state Archery in the Schools program, which returned to in-person…

French Creek Freddie Facts To Get You Ready For Groundhog Day

You might know French Creek Freddie as West Virginia’s most popular weather-predicting groundhog, but do you know the story of how Freddie started forecasting or how he got his name? Get ready for Groundhog Day celebration at the West Virginia…

Five ways you can help protect wild woodland box turtles

When was the last time you saw a box turtle in the wild? Did you, like so many of us, enjoy watching its slow, steady plod through the grass? Were you treated to the sight of a turtle stretching its…

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…