The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is planning to conduct a trout harvest rate study during the 2025 spring and fall trout stocking seasons. The study will help biologists better understand how long trout stay in stocked streams, how they move over time, and whether they survive through the summer.
As part of this effort, WVDNR hatchery staff will be releasing rainbow and golden rainbow trout marked with unique numbered blue tags into waters around the state. Anglers who catch a tagged trout are asked to clip off the tag and report it using the contact information printed on it. Those who participate in the study will receive a gift card up to $100.
“West Virginia’s anglers are incredibly responsive and supportive and we appreciate their cooperation in this important research effort,” said Brett McMillion, WVDNR director. “By reporting tagged trout, anglers are directly contributing to the science that helps us improve trout stocking and management across West Virginia.”
Anglers may keep or release the fish after removing the tag. If a fish has more than one tag, all tags should be removed and reported. To assist with data collection, WVDNR asks anglers to provide the following information when reporting a tagged trout: tag number, location and date of catch, whether the fish was harvested or released and contact information for sending the reward.
Tag reports can be submitted via email to dnrfishtags@wv.gov or by calling 304-637-0245.
As a reminder, all anglers 15 and older must have a valid West Virginia fishing license and a form of identification while fishing. Those fishing for trout are also required to have a trout stamp. Fishing licenses and stamps can be purchased online at WVfish.com, where anglers can also upgrade their annual license with a collectible license card.
For more information on West Virginia’s trout stocking program, visit WVdnr.gov/fishing.
