Gov. Jim Justice announced that the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will begin fall trout stockings during the weeks of Oct. 21 and Oct. 28. The third annual Monster Trout Contest will also return at the same time.
During these two weeks, the WVDNR will stock 35,000 pounds of trout weighing 1-2 pounds and 6,500 pounds of monster trout weighing 3-6 pounds at 40 lakes and streams around the state.
“This is absolutely one of my favorite times of the year,” Justice said. “Our trout program keeps getting bigger and better, and this year will be no exception. It’s a great opportunity for folks to enjoy our beautiful waters and try their luck at catching trophy-sized or even monster trout for some amazing prizes. West Virginia is truly a world-class fishing destination, so get out there and make some memories.”
The WVDNR will tag 100 monster trout with a bright pink tag. Anglers who catch one of these fish and submit a photo with the tag number online will be eligible to win a prize, five of whom will be selected to win a grand prize, such as a weekend cabin stay at a West Virginia State Park or a Cabela’s prize package. Entries must be submitted by Nov. 22.
“Our fall trout stockings are designed to support West Virginia’s fisheries and offer exceptional recreational fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels,” Brett McMillion, WVDNR director, said. “The Monster Trout Contest adds an extra level of excitement and encourages people to get outside and experience our state’s natural beauty while enjoying top-notch sport fishing.”
During fall trout stockings, the WVDNR will also conduct a trout-tagging study and is asking anglers who catch a tagged trout to report their catch using information printed on the tag. Trout study tags are yellow and include a four-digit number and an WVDNR email address.
Anglers who catch a tagged fish should clip off the tag and email the number to the provided address along with the date of their catch and whether they harvested or released the trout. Information collected in this study will be used by WVDNR biologists to understand fish movement, estimate angler catch rates and determine how long stocked fish remain in streams so they can better manage stocked trout waters.
All anglers 15 years and older are required to have a West Virginia fishing license, trout stamp and a valid form of identification while fishing for trout. Licenses and stamps can be purchased at 160 retail locations across the state or online at WVfish.com.
