Explore West Virginia’s most popular lakes and streams during Gold Rush
Get ready for a reel adventure! The West Virginia Gold Rush is returning for its ninth year on March 30 – April 11. This exciting annual event offers anglers of all ages the chance to catch golden rainbow trout, win prizes and explore some of the state’s most picturesque lakes and streams. Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to fishing, the Gold Rush promises unforgettable moments and a perfect excuse to enjoy West Virginia’s natural beauty. Use this guide to plan your Gold Rush adventure and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Discover 69 Gold Rush Stocking Locations
With 69 lakes and streams stocked for the Gold Rush, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to reel in a golden rainbow trout. Whether you stick to your favorite spot or explore a new location, every cast could lead to a prize-winning catch.
Week 1 Gold Rush Stocking Locations (March 30-April 4)
- Anawalt Lake
- Barboursville Lake
- Bear Rocks Lake
- Berwind Lake
- Blackwater River
- Boley Lake (Babcock State Park)
- Brandywine Lake
- Buffalo Fork Lake
- Cacapon Lake (State Park)
- Cedar Creek Lake (State Park)
- Conway Run Lake
- Cranberry River
- Curtisville Lake
- Deegan Lake
- Dog Run Lake
- East Lynn Tailwaters
- Edward Run Pond
- Fort Ashby Reservoir
- Greenbrier River (At Durbin)
- Hinkle Lake
- Kimsey Run Lake
- Larenim Park Lakes
- Longbranch Lake (Pipestem Resort State Park)
- Mill Creek Reservoir
- New Creek Lake
- North Fork of South Branch
- North River
- Ridenour Lake
- Rockhouse Lake
- Seneca Lake (State Forest)
- South Branch (Smoke Hole)
- Teter Creek Lake
- Tomlinson Run Lake (State Park)
- Tygart Tailwaters (State Park)
- Wallback Lake
- Watoga Lake (State Park)
- Wheeling Creek
- Williams River
Week 2 Gold Rush Stocking Locations (April 6-11)
- Burnsville Tailwaters
- Castlemans Run Lake
- Chief Logan Pond (State Park)
- Coopers Rocks Lake (State Forest)
- Elk River
- French Creek Pond
- Greenbrier River (Cass Scenic Railroad State Park)
- Hurricane Reservoir
- Laurel Fork Lake
- Little Beaver Lake (State Park)
- Mason Lake
- Middle Wheeling Creek Lake
- Mountwood
- North Bend Lake Tailwaters (State Park)
- Opequon Creek
- Pendleton Lake (Blackwater Falls State Park)
- Poorhouse Pond
- R.D. Bailey Tailwaters
- Rock Cliff Lake
- Rollins Lake
- Shavers Fork (Lower)
- Shavers Fork (Upper)
- South Branch (Franklin)
- South Mill Creek Lake
- Spruce Knob Lake
- Stonewall Jackson Tailwaters (State Park)
- Summit Lake
- Sutton Tailwaters
- Thomas Park Lake
- Tuckahoe Lake
- Warden Lake
Gold Rush is also a great excuse to venture out to multiple stocking locations and immerse yourself in the beauty of West Virginia’s landscapes. Plus, more fishing spots mean more chances to catch one of the tagged golden trout and win exclusive prizes.
Catch a Golden Rainbow Trout
Speaking of catching golden rainbow trout, the trick to reeling in one of these incredible fish is patience. Because golden rainbows lack normal pigmentation in their scales, they tend to seek shady water and are sometimes less active. While golden rainbows are reluctant to bite, catching one takes the same skill and bait required to catch any other rainbow trout. Just remember that the joy of catching a golden rainbow trout and the chance to win a prize makes the challenge all the more exciting.
New to fishing? Check out our Guide to Fishing for the First Time in Almost Heaven.
Win a Gold Rush Prize
Out of the 50,000 golden rainbow trout that will be stocked during the event, only 100 will receive a numbered tag. If you catch one, be sure to enter the tag number at WVdnr.gov/gold-rush-giveaway for a chance to win one of the following prizes:
- (1) Free Resident West Virginia Lifetime Fishing License (1 Winner)
- (1) One-Night West Virginia State Park Lodge Stay (5 Winners)
- (1) $25 West Virginia State Parks Gift Card (5 Winners)
Prizes will be awarded by random drawing. All anglers with a valid fishing license and trout stamp who report a verified tag during the event will be eligible to receive a gift bag with Gold Rush merchandise.
Save 15% at Select State Parks During Gold Rush
No matter what kind of trip you plan for Gold Rush 2026, make sure you visit a state park or forest. Out of the 69 stockings, 15 are in or near state parks and forests, which are some of the best fishing spots in the state.
West Virginia State Parks is offering a 15% discount on lodge rooms and cabins at select parks booked between now and April 30. Offer is valid only on new stays (two-night minimum) at Blackwater Falls, Cacapon Resort, Cass, North Bend, Pipestem Resort, Tygart Lake and Watoga state parks. To receive the discount, book online at WVstateparks.com and use the offer code GOLD at checkout.
Reel in Memories with Family and Friends
Gather your loved ones and get ready for an unforgettable angling adventure because the West Virginia Gold Rush is all about sharing experiences with friends and family. Catching a golden trout is a plus!
Whether you’re teaching your kids how to cast a line, enjoying a peaceful day on the water with your spouse or bonding with friends over shared adventures, the Gold Rush provides the perfect backdrop for quality time on the water. So, pack your gear, round up your favorite fishing buddies and get ready to reel in the fun together.
Try New Fishing Techniques and Perfect Your Skills
The West Virginia Gold Rush is the perfect time to experiment with different fishing techniques. If you’ve always stuck to spin fishing at lakes, try your hand at fly fishing in a stream. If you’ve never fished with a fly rod, consider asking someone who’s familiar with the technique to teach you. Already a fly-fishing pro? Introduce a newcomer to the technique and share the joy of catching a golden rainbow trout. No matter your skill level, Gold Rush invites you to expand your horizons and discover what makes fishing in West Virginia so special.
Share Pictures of Your Gold Rush Fishing Adventures
One of the best parts of the West Virginia Gold Rush is sharing the experience with other anglers. Snap photos of your catches and post them on social media with the hashtag #GoldRushWV to show off your golden trout and fishing memories. Your adventures might even inspire others to join the fun!
Buy Your License and Trout Stamp to Get Ready for Gold Rush
As you plan your West Virginia Gold Rush adventures, remember to purchase your fishing license. All anglers 15 years and older are required to have a West Virginia fishing license, and anglers fishing for trout are required to buy a trout stamp. Both can be purchased online at WVfish.com.