The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will stock more than 50,000 golden rainbow trout at 69 lakes and streams around the state starting March 30, marking the ninth year of the agency’s popular Gold Rush program.
Stockings run through April 11 at waters in or near 15 state parks and forests.
“As we celebrate the ninth anniversary of the Gold Rush, we look forward to seeing all of the ways this exciting event helps recruit the next generation of anglers and helps us keep West Virginia’s outdoor traditions alive and well for years to come,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion.
One hundred of the fish will carry a numbered yellow tag. Anglers who catch a tagged trout can enter the number online for a chance to win one of the following prizes:
- Free resident West Virginia Lifetime Fishing License (one winner)
- One-night West Virginia State Park Lodge Stay (five winners)
- $25 West Virginia State Parks Gift Card (five 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 also be eligible for a gift bag with Gold Rush merchandise. For stocking locations and more information, visit WVdnr.gov/goldrush.
West Virginia State Parks is offering a 15% discount on lodge rooms and cabins at select parks booked between now and April 30. The offer is valid on new stays with a 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.
All anglers 15 and older must have a West Virginia fishing license with a current trout stamp and a valid form of identification while fishing during Gold Rush. Licenses and stamps can be purchased at WVfish.com. Fishing regulations are available to download at WVdnr.gov/fishing-regulations.
