Trout Stocking And Fishing Suspended At Bear Rock Lakes WMA

Bear Rocks Lakes water levels lowered until summer due to mining activity.

VALLEY GROVE, W.Va. — Due to lowered water levels during mining operations under Bear Rock Lakes Wildlife Management Area, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has suspended trout stocking and fishing at the WMA. Trout designated for stocking at Bear Rock Lakes WMA will be added to nearby stockings at Castleman Run Lake in Brooke County and Middle Wheeling Lake in Ohio County.

Tunnel Ridge, LLC began mining operations under Bear Lake in spring 2022 and the lake was lowered for mining safety purposes. WVDNR expects the water level to remain lowered until at least late summer 2023.

For the safety of anglers, hunters and other members of the public who enjoy Bear Rock Lakes WMA, the WVDNR will do a safety assessment of the lakes and surrounding area once mining is completed. For additional information, contact the WVDNR District 1 Office in Farmington at 304-825-6787.