CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice announced today that, at his request, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will stock 30,000 trout over the next week in streams around the state so anglers and their families can enjoy fishing opportunities during the holiday season.
“As a lifelong fisherman myself, I’m very proud of all we’re doing to bring this incredible pastime to more and more West Virginians of all ages,” Gov. Justice said. “I’ve probably been in just about every stream in this state, and I can tell you there’s almost nothing more peaceful and enjoyable than a day spent fishing in Almost Heaven West Virginia. This holiday trout stocking is a wonderful opportunity for our families to make some new memories during this special time of year. I urge everyone who loves the outdoors to get out and catch some great fish.”
This special stocking includes over 15,000 pounds of trout at 15 streams across the state. WVDNR Director Stephen McDaniel said the special stockings follow a great production year that resulted in an abundance of trout at the state’s hatcheries.
“Stocking these fish is not only a gift to anglers in West Virginia, but it will give us more space at our hatcheries to raise even bigger fish for the spring 2021 stocking season,” Dir. McDaniel said. “I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to our hatchery staff for giving up holiday time off to make this special stocking possible. I’d also like to thank Gov. Justice for his continued support of our stocking program and for all the improvements he’s pushed through over the last few years. He has been a true champion for fishing in West Virginia.”
Holiday Trout Stocking Locations:
Blackwater River
Cranberry River
Elk River
Elk River (Catch and Release)
Lower Shavers Fork
North Fork of South Branch
North Fork of South Branch (Catch and Release)
Opequeon Creek
Paint Creek (Catch and Release)
RD Bailey Tailwaters
South Branch Smokehole
South Branch Smokehole (Catch and Release)
Upper Shavers Fork
Williams River
Williams River (Catch and Release)
Last April, Gov. Justice directed the WVDNR to improve its trout stocking methods by spreading out over longer sections of streams, allowing fish to be available to anglers at many new and exciting locations.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Justice provided free fishing opportunities to West Virginia residents by dropping the requirement to possess a fishing license for several months. Gov. Justice also directed the WVDNR to implement additional improvements to its fall trout stocking method and add more lakes and streams to the stocking schedule.
Most recently, Gov. Justice announced a lifetime license giveaway promotion for West Virginians who purchase their 2021 hunting and fishing licenses in December. And now, West Virginians can enjoy trout fishing opportunities during the holiday season.
Anglers are encouraged to maintain a safe physical distance from stocking personnel, other anglers, and park guests. In addition to stocking locations, nearby West Virginia state parks, forests, and public lands provide socially distanced places for outdoor activities.
All anglers age 15 and older are required to have a fishing license, trout stamp, and valid form of identification while fishing for trout. To learn more about West Virginia’s fishing regulations, visit wvdnr.gov. To purchase a fishing license and trout stamp, visit wvfish.com.
