Trout are a strong, and hardy game fish that put up a good fight, are pretty to look at and taste great. They are found primarily in inland streams, lakes and ponds most of the year. The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources works hard to keep its proud fishing tradition alive and its water full of healthy trout for anglers to catch.
Licensing
Anyone over the age of 15 wielding a pole must have a fishing license with the appropriate trout stamp when fishing. There are variations on prices for different age groups: a license for young adults 15 though 17, and an annual adult license. There are also lifetime resident licenses, and combo licenses that include other types of wildlife hunting or trapping. If you are totally blind, a resident 65 or older, or on active duty in West Virginia, you do not need a license. You must, however, have a valid driver's license or military paperwork with you. Honorably discharged veterans with disabilities, developmentally challenged individuals with a DDFL card issued from the DNR and residents of mental hospitals with proper attendees and certification may fish without a license in West Virginia. Visitors may apply for a one-day license, but the trout stamp is the same fee for annual as it is for daily.
Locations
Some of the trout areas in West Virginia are nationally famous for their abundance of fish, beauty and serenity, such as the Cranberry River, Elk River and Shaver's Fork. Some southern sections of the Potomac around Franklin and the North Fork of the South Branch are popular fly fishing areas for trout. There are many other smaller, lesser-known streams, brooks and river spots. The DNR stocks all of the waters that make up the area with trout every year.
Species
West Virginia has the sought-after rainbow trout that is favored by both boating anglers and those who enjoy fly fishing. There are also steelhead trout, which are a large, sturdy, popular trout. The steelhead are rainbow trout that adapted to live in both fresh and open saltwater environments. That allows the steelhead to migrate to larger waters than other trout. The steelhead can go to the ocean and have lots of room to grow and eat, so they get larger. Brook trout in the cold streams and brown trout in the warmer streams and lakes feed on worms, minnows, and small crustaceans. Those bugs and small bait fish make excellent baits for the area trout.
State Records
The Brown trout holds the record for the biggest trout taken from West Virginia water at 16 lbs. The Brown is followed by the Rainbow at 11 lbs., 12 oz., and then the brook trout at 7 lbs., 6 oz. Catch-and-release is the preferred method of fishing in West Virginia to allow for better survival of the species. Trophy-sized fish are viable for keeping and must be weighed on a certified scale and measured in the presence of a witness who will also sign the application for trophy status. Submit your paperwork with the fee to receive a certificate from the West Virginia DNR. Minimum trophy size is 1.5 lbs. and 15 inches for brook trout,;4 lbs. and 21 inches for brown trout; 4 lbs. and 21 inches for rainbow trout; and 4 lbs. and 21 inches for golden trout.
Contaminants
Fish is a healthy food choice, and locally caught fish is an excellent dietary addition. However, health problems from eating fish contaminated by PCBs or other chemicals in the water are a concern. Make sure you cook any fish you catch in the wild completely. Fish like trout are less susceptible to such contaminants because their main diet consists of flies, and other aquatic life rather than plants and vegetation fed by the water of the system. Choose trout and other carnivores like bluegill, crappie and bass over bottom-feeders like catfish or microorganism eating carp. Throw away skin and fat from the filet fish. Chemicals build up in fatty tissue. Avoid eating fish whole.
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