Governor Justice announces a pilot program to stock trout in the Elk River in Webster County
Charleston, West Virginia – Governor Jim Justice Additional trout stockings will be coming to the Elk River in Webster County in November and December as part of a recently announced pilot program to evaluate the economic impact of trout stockings on the region, it announced today.
Starting this week, the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources will stock the Elk River and Back Fork catch-and-release trout of the Elk River once in November and once in December.
“These additional trout stockings are a testament to our world-class spawning program, which has made West Virginia one of the premier trout fishing destinations in the world,” said Gov. Justice. “There’s never been a better time to cast a line at Almost Heaven. Not only will you experience the thrill of fishing for trout in our crystal clear streams, but you’ll also be supporting the local economy in Webster County as well. So, grab your gear and plan a fishing trip with friends and loved ones, Especially with the additional fishing options during the fall and winter months.”
The WVDNR currently manages and operates seven cold-water hatcheries where rainbow trout, golden rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, and tiger trout are raised. To provide an opportunity for anglers to catch more than one species of trout, WVDNR will stock multiple species of trout in catch-and-release sections of the Elk River in Webster County.
Close to Webster Springs, the Elk River and the Back Fork of Elk River Catch and Release Department, it’s just a short drive from lodging, restaurants, shops and other outdoor adventure destinations, like Holly River State Park and Big Ditch Lake Wildlife Management Area. and Monongahela National Forest. For more information about area attractions, visit wvtourism.com.
For more information about trout stocking in the Elk River in Webster County, anglers are encouraged to review the 2023 West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary. WVDNR also posts trout stocking updates online at WVdnr.gov/fish-stocking.
All anglers 15 years of age and older are required to have a West Virginia fishing license, a trout stamp, and a valid form of identification while fishing for trout. Licenses and stamps can be purchased at 175 retail locations throughout the state or online at WVfish.com.
To learn more about fishing opportunities and trout stockings in West Virginia, visit WVdnr.gov/fishing.
