The WVDNR will stock trophy-size and monster trout at 40 lakes and streams during the weeks of Oct. 21 and Oct. 28

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced the return of fall trout stockings and the state’s third annual Monster Trout Contest.

During the weeks of Oct. 21 and Oct. 28, the WVDNR will stock 35,000 pounds of trout weighing 1-2 pounds and 6,500 pounds of monster trout weighing 3-6 pounds at 40 lakes and streams around the state.

“Whether you’re reeling in one of our trophy-size trout or going after a monster trout for a chance to win big, there’s no better way to enjoy West Virginia’s world-class fishing than spending time at one of our lakes or streams,” Gov. Justice said. “As we get close to these stockings, I want to encourage everyone to buy a fishing license and make plans to enjoy a fishing trip with their family.”

To learn more about fall trout stockings and the Monster Trout Contest, visit WVdnr.gov/fall-monster-trout-stockings.

For this year’s Monster Trout Contest, the WVDNR will tag 100 monster trout with a bright pink tag. Anglers who catch one of these fish and submit a photo with the tag number online will be eligible to win a prize. One lucky angler will win a weekend cabin stay at a West Virginia State Park and four other winners will win a Cabela’s prize package. In addition, Gov. Justice will specially tag one monster trout. The angler who catches it and meets eligibility requirements could win a free lifetime fishing license. Entries must be submitted by Friday, November 22 to be eligible to win.

“Our fall trout stockings are designed to support West Virginia’s fisheries and offer exceptional recreational fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels,” WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said. “The Monster Trout Contest adds an extra level of excitement and encourages people to get outside and experience our state’s natural beauty while enjoying top-notch sport fishing.”

Special Elk River Fall Trout Stockings
Gov. Justice also announced that the WVDNR will stock the Elk River in Webster County with trout in November and December for the second year. These stockings, which are part of a program to evaluate the economic impact of trout stocking, will occur at usual stocking locations. The WVDNR will stock 750 rainbow trout each month for a total of 1,500 additional trout stocked in the Elk River. To learn more about these stockings, visit WVdnr.gov/elk-river-trout-stockings.

WVDNR Announces Trout Tagging Study
During fall trout stockings, the WVDNR will also conduct a trout-tagging study and is asking anglers who catch a tagged trout to report their catch using information printed on the tag. Trout study tags are yellow and include a four-digit number and an WVDNR email address.

Anglers who catch a tagged fish should clip off the tag and email the number to the provided address along with the date of their catch and whether they harvested or released the trout. Information collected in this study will be used by WVDNR biologists to understand fish movement, estimate angler catch rates and determine how long stocked fish remain in streams so they can better manage stocked trout waters.

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 for trout. Licenses and stamps can be purchased at 160 retail locations across the state or online at WVfish.com.