Study will provide valuable insights into trout harvest rates and movement
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that the agency is continuing its trout harvest rate study through the fall trout stocking season to better understand how long trout stay in stocked streams, how they move over time and whether they survive through the summer.
As part of the effort, WVDNR hatchery staff will release rainbow and golden rainbow trout marked with unique numbered blue tags into waters during fall stockings, scheduled for the weeks of Oct. 20 and Oct. 27. Anglers who catch a tagged trout are asked to clip off the tag and report it using the contact information printed thereon. Tag reports can be submitted by email to dnrfishtags@wv.gov or by calling 304-637-0245. Those who participate in the study will receive a gift card up to $100.
“We appreciate our anglers and their cooperation in this important research,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “Anglers who report tagged trout contribute to the science that helps us improve how we manage and stock trout across West Virginia.”
Anglers may keep or release the fish after removing the tag. If a fish has more than one tag, all tags should be removed and reported. To assist with data collection, the WVDNR asks anglers to provide the following information when reporting a tagged trout:
- Tag number
- Location and date of catch
- Whether the fish was harvested or released
- Contact information for sending the reward
All anglers 15 and older must have a valid West Virginia fishing license and a form of identification while fishing. Those fishing for trout are also required to have a trout stamp. Fishing licenses and stamps can be purchased online at WVfish.com, where anglers can also upgrade their annual license with a collectible license card.