The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) recently announced that the agency will stock trout to select lakes and streams for the 2026 fishing season.
“Trout stockings are part of the WVDNR’s ongoing efforts to support recreational fishing and encourage residents and visitors alike to enjoy West Virginia’s lakes and streams all year long,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “Stockings not only provide anglers additional opportunities to cast their lines but also give sportsmen and sportswomen a chance to stay engaged in the outdoors as they wait for hunting seasons later in the year.”
While daily trout stockings are not announced in advance, the WVDNR publishes a list of recently stocked waters at WVdnr.gov/fish-stocking. Anglers may also find out what waters have been stocked by calling the stocking hotline at 304-558-3399.
For more information about trout stocking locations, anglers should check pages 6-7 in the Fishing Regulations Summary, at WVdnr.gov/fishing-regulations.
All anglers 15 years and older are required to have a valid West Virginia fishing license and a form of identification while fishing in the state. A trout stamp is required when fishing for trout.
As an optional upgrade, anglers may also purchase a collectible license card. This year’s designs feature bass and musky. Licenses and stamps are available to purchase online at WVfish.com.
West Virginia Monster Trout Program
A popular component of West Virginia’s trout stocking program is its Monster Trout Contest. In December 2025, WVDNR announced the winners of the fourth annual Monster Trout Contest.
Five anglers each caught a tagged monster trout which were stocked in October 2025. The 2025 grand prize winner and recipient of a West Virginia State Park cabin stay was Michael Waugh of Clarksburg, W.Va.
Other winners include Bonny Davis of Mount Jackson, Va., Cameron Irizarry of Parkersburg, W.Va., Cory Rexrode of Bartow, W.Va., and William Biyce of Fenwick, W.Va., all of whom will receive a Bass Pro Shops prize package.
During the fall 2025 trout stocking season, West Virginia stocked 40,000 pounds of trophy-size trout and 6,500 pounds of monster trout, 100 of which received a pink tag. Anglers who caught a tagged monster trout had until November 21 to submit a photo of their catch with the tag number to win a prize.
source: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
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