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 fishing event of the year. With that many stockings to choose from and an incredible prize on the line, you don’t just want to cast your line without a plan.
Find Your Gold Rush Stocking
There’s no such thing as a “best lake” and you’ll never find the “perfect stream,” but you can find one that works best for you and your family. It just takes a little time and patience and some planning to make any of the Gold Rush waters the best place for your fishing adventure.
But with so many stockings to choose from, we understand that planning a trip can be a little intimidating, especially with only one week left until Gold Rush starts. If that’s you, here are nine easy-to-access Gold Rush stocking locations with great accommodations where you can cast your line for a last minute trip.
9 Go-To Gold Rush Stockings at WV State Parks
Boley Lake at Babcock State Park
At about 18 acres, Boley Lake at Babcock State Park in Fayette County is a popular fishing destination all year. This serene and peaceful lake is regularly stocked with trout in the spring, so if you enjoy your time here during Gold Rush you know you can come back for even more fishing adventures. Trout are usually stocked once each month February through May. Depending on where you live, Babcock State Park is a great place for a day trip. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking and birdwatching in the park. If you want to or need a place to spend the night, the park has 26 cozy cabins.
Pendleton Lake and Blackwater River at Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park is one of the most popular Gold Rush destinations because it gets two different stockings. If you enjoy lake fishing, there’s a stocking at the 10-acre Pendleton Lake. If you prefer casting a line in a stream, there’s the Blackwater River. Both spots are part of regular trout stocking, so if you enjoy your time here during Gold Rush you know you can come back for even more fishing adventures. Pendleton Lake is stocked once each month January through April and Blackwater River is stocked once in January, twice in February, once each week March through May and twice in October. If you want to spend the night, you’ll need to make a reservation fast because the cabins and lodge at Blackwater Falls book up fast. You can also look for a room or cabin at nearby Canaan Valley Resort.
Cacapon Lake at Cacapon Resort State Park
If you’re traveling from the D.C. Metro area or want an excuse to visit West Virginia’s eastern panhandle, the 12-acre Cacapon Lake at Cacapon Resort State Park is a great place for a Gold Rush trip. This area is also part of regular trout stockings in the spring, so if you enjoy your time here during Gold Rush you know you can come back for even more fishing adventures. Trout are usually stocked once in January, twice in February, once each week March through May and twice in October. For even more fishing adventures, you can drive east to the Martinsburg area and cast a line in Opequon Creek, which will also receive a Gold Rush stocking. Cacapon Resort State Park offers a variety of accommodations, including cabins and a lodge.
Greenbrier River at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
For those who want to enjoy the rugged beauty of West Virginia, a Gold Rush adventure at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park might just be what you need. The Greenbrier River at Cass is a 4.37-mile section of trout water. This area is also part of regular trout stocking once a month February through May, so if you enjoy your time here during Gold Rush you know you can come back for even more fishing adventures. During Gold Rush, you can also cast your line at nearby Seneca Lake. The park has several company houses if you need a place to stay.
Chief Logan Pond at Chief Logan State Park
Chief Logan State Park features a fishing six-acre pond that is perfect for family trips, especially during Gold Rush. This area is also part of regular trout stocking once a month January through April, so if you enjoy your time here during Gold Rush you know you can come back for even more fishing adventures. You can also cast your line in nearby Rockhouse Lake. If you need a place to stay, Chief Logan has plenty of options, including lodge rooms and cozy cabins.
North Bend Tailwaters at North Bend State Park
At 1.53 miles, the North Bend Tailwaters at North Bend State Park is a good place for a Gold Rush Trip. This area is also part of regular trout stocking in the spring, so if you enjoy your time here during Gold Rush you know you can come back for even more fishing adventures. Trout are usually stocked from North Bend Lake Dam downstream 1.5 miles once a month January through April. The park offers a variety of lodging options, including cabins and lodge rooms.
Longbranch Lake at Pipestem Resort State Park
At 18 acres, Longbranch Lake at Pipestem Resort State Park is a great place for families to enjoy a Gold Rush trip. This area is also part of regular trout stocking in the spring, so if you enjoy your time here during Gold Rush you know you can come back for even more fishing adventures. Trout are usually stocked once each month February through May. The park offers a variety of lodging options, including cabins and lodge rooms.
Stonewall Jackson Lake Tailwaters at Stonewall Resort State Park
At 1.59 miles, the Stonewall Jackson Lake Tailwaters at Stonewall Resort State Park offers great fishing opportunities. This area is also part of regular trout stockings in the spring, so if you enjoy your time here during Gold Rush you know you can come back for even more fishing adventures. Trout are usually stocked in a 1.5 mile section from the dam downstream to near the DOH garage twice a month February through April and once in May. The park offers a variety of lodging options, including cabins, lodge rooms.
Tygart Tailwaters at Tygart Lake State Park
At about half a mile, the Tygart Tailwaters is a great place for a Gold Rush trip. This area is also part of regular trout stocking in the spring, so if you enjoy your time here during Gold Rush you know you can come back for even more fishing adventures. Trout are usually stocked below the dam in Grafton City Park once a month February through May and twin in October. In addition to great trout fishing, Tygart Lake State Park offers other outdoor activities and a variety of lodging options, including cabins and lodge rooms.
Go For Gold, Save 15 Percent
To celebrate Gold Rush, West Virginia’s state parks and forests that receive a Gold Rush stocking are also offering a 15 percent discount on lodge rooms and cabin stays. State Park accommodations are incredibly popular and book up fast, so this is a great opportunity to book a trip before the vacation season gets busy this summer.
All you have to do to get the 15 percent lodge room or cabin discount is book a trip to a state park or forest between March 23 and April 30, 2023. Use code GOLD when you checkout online at WVstateparks.com. Some exclusions apply.
Get ready for the West Virginia Gold Rush!
The West Virginia Gold Rush will be here before you know it. All anglers 15 years and older are required to have a West Virginia fishing license, trout stamp and a valid form of identification while fishing during Gold Rush. Get your license and stamps today at WVfish.com.