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Home , Bluestone Lake, Bob Wise, Cacapon River, Dillons Run, East Lynn Lake, Edwards Run

WEST Regulations JANUARY - DECEMBER 2004

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources D I Investment in a Legacy ------S ’s anglers enjoy a rich sportfishing legacy and conservation ethic that is maintained T through their commitment to our state’s resources. Recognizing this commitment, the R Division of Natural Resources endeavors to provide a variety of quality fishing opportunities to meet I increasing demands, while also conserving and protecting the state’s valuable aquatic resources. One way that DNR fulfills this part of its mission is through its hatchery programs. Many anglers are C aware of the successful stocking program and the seven coldwater hatcheries that support this T important fishery in West Virginia. The warmwater hatchery program, although a little less well known, is still very significant to West Virginia anglers.

O West Virginia’s warmwater hatchery program has been instrumental in providing fishing opportunities F to anglers for more than 60 years. For most of that time, the Palestine State was the state’s primary facility dedicated to the production of warmwater fish. Millions of walleye, , channel , hybrid striped bass, saugeye, tiger musky, and largemouth F and have been raised over the years at Palestine and stocked into streams, rivers, and lakes across the state. I A recent addition to the DNR’s warmwater hatchery program is the Apple Grove State Fish Hatchery in Mason . Construction of the C hatchery was completed in 2003. It was a joint project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the DNR as part of a mitigation agreement E for the modernization of the Robert C. Byrd Locks and Dam on the . This new facility, along with existing production at Palestine, enhances the DNR’s warmwater fish production capabilities. Anglers will benefit from continued stocking of important sportfish, and DNR S will have opportunities to expand and develop restoration projects in the state.

The DNR looks forward to future challenges and the opportunity to invest in the sportfishing legacy of West Virginia’s anglers. So, do your part and spend some time fishing this year with family and friends.

I think you will agree that it is a wise investment in our future.

Ed Hamrick, Director Division of Natural Resources

District Offices

Main Office - Charleston, WV 25305 State Capitol Complex, Building 3 Warmwater Management - Bret Preston (304) 558-2771 Law Enforcement - Lt. Col. Bill Daniel (304) 558-2784 District I - Fairmont, WV 26554 1304 Goose Run Road (304) 367-2720 Fisheries Management - Frank Jernejcic District V McClintic WMA Law Enforcement - Capt. Kaven Ransom Rt. 1, Box 484 • Pt. Pleasant, WV 25550 District II - Romney, WV 26757 Fisheries Management - Zack Brown (304) 675-0871 1 Depot Street (304) 822-3551 696 Winfield Road • St. Albans, WV 25177 Fisheries Management - Gerald Lewis Law Enforcement - Capt. Steve Stewart (304) 759-0703 Law Enforcement - Capt. B.K. Chambers District VI - Parkersburg, WV 26101 District III 2311 Ohio Avenue (304) 420-4550 WV State Wildlife Center Fisheries Management - Scott Morrison P.O. Box 38 • French Creek, WV 26218 Law Enforcement - Capt. Tom Wasmer Fisheries Management - Kevin Yokum (304) 924-6211 Law Enforcement - Capt. Mike Pizzino (304) 637-0245 Operations Center - Elkins, WV 26241 Ward Road, P.O. Box 67 P.O. Box 67 • Elkins, WV 26241 Coldwater Management - Mike Shingleton (304) 637-0245 District IV - Beckley, WV 25801 2006 Robert C. Byrd Drive (304) 256-6947 Visit for more information on Fisheries Management - Jim Reed www.wvdnr.gov Law Enforcement - Capt. Daniel Farley Fishing • Hunting • Trapping • DNR activities Other wildlife-associated recreation Table of Contents ------T Regulations Summary ...... 2 A Other Methods of Fishing ...... 3 B L Trophy Fish Citation Program ...... 4 E State Fish Records ...... 5 Special Area Regulations ...... 6 O F Trout Stream Stocking Schedule ...... 9 Bob Wise, Governor Public Fishing Lakes and Ponds ...... 10 C State of West Virginia O Fishing Favorites ...... 11 Ed Hamrick, Director N Division of Natural Resources Waters and Streams ...... 11 T Curtis I. Taylor, Chief Float Trips ...... 11 E Wildlife Resources Guide to Your Health ...... 12 N James D. Fields, Chief License Information ...... 13 T Law Enforcement Section S Fish Identification Chart ...... 14 Commissioners Jeffrey S. Bowers - Sugar Grove Regulations Meeting Schedule------Carl E. Gainer - Richwood March 22, 2004: Charleston, , Summersville Charles R. Hooten - Charleston Twila S. Metheney - Morgantown March 23, 2004: Elkins, Franklin, Glen Dale, Huntington, David M. Milne - Bruceton Mills Pipestem Resort State Park, Spencer James C. Smith - Elkview March 24, 2004: Fairmont, Lewisburg, Martinsburg, Parkersburg Ken Wilson - Chapmanville March 25, 2004: Logan, Moorefield, Twin Falls Resort State Park

New for 2004 and Possession Limit Creel and possession limit of zero for shovelnose sturgeon and lake sturgeon. (See page 2) Regulation Changes Anglers are reminded to check Maryland’s 2004 fishing regulations for changes applying to the North Branch of the Potomac and Potomac rivers, and Lake. Trophy Citation Changes Anglers are reminded that changes have been made to the Trophy Citation program. (See page 6)

Release Of Fish Into Public Waters (See page 4) Anglers should be aware of new requirements in state law governing the release or movement of fish into public waters. Burches Run Lake The lake level has been lowered because of concerns over the safety of the dam. Trout will not be stocked, but it is open to public fishing.

Landowner - Sportsmen Relations West Virginia anglers are indebted to local landowners throughout the state. Without their consent and generosity, fishing would be restricted to state and federal lands. The opportunity for continued use of private porperty is largely dependent upon angler’s attitudes and conduct. Most stream closures are the result of disrespect for private property. Statement of Policy Relative to Public Use of Facilities It is the policy of the Division of Natural Resources to provide its facilities, accommodations, services and programs to all persons. Complaints should be mailed to: Director, Division of Natural Resources, State Capitol Complex, Charleston, WV 25305, or to the Office of Human Resources, U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, MA 01035-9589. The Division of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. R E Regulations Summary

G This pamphlet is a summary of the applicable laws and regulations governing sport fishing in West Virginia. The West Virginia Code and the West Virginia Code of State Rules contain the details of these laws and regulations. Both publications are available for review in the Director’s Office and Division of Natural Resources District U Offices. Copies of the official regulations may be obtained from the West Virginia Secretary of State. Year-round fishing is in effect unless otherwise noted. L A Daily Creel Minimum Possession Species Limit Size Limit *Special Regulations T Black Bass 6* None* 12* 12-inch minimum size limit measured from tip of snout to end of tail in effect at I (in aggregate) (in aggregate) Barboursville, Beech Fork, Chief Logan, Conaway Run, and South Mill Creek lakes O Smallmouth, Largemouth and Spotted and in Wheeling Creek. 12- to 16-inch slot limit (all 12- to 16-inch black bass must be released immediately) at . 12-inch minimum limit, daily creel N limit 5, and possession limit 10, in effect at . Catch-and- Release Fishing (creel limit 0--all bass must be released immediately) at Dunkard S Fork, Elk Fork, Kimsey Run, Millers Fork Pond, North Bend, O’Brien, Rockhouse, Stonewall Jackson, Tuckahoe, Upper Mud and Woodrum lakes. See Special S Area Regulations for additional river restrictions. Trout 6 or 4* None 12* Only 4 of 6 may be taken from impoundments stocked with trout and their U (in aggregate) (in aggregate) , designated warmwater streams (see below) and . 6 may M be taken from Stephens, Stonecoal, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes. Rainbow, Golden, Brook and Brown Daily creel limit 5, possession limit 5 at Jennings Randolph Lake. See Special M Area Regulations for additional stream, lake, and tackle restrictions.

A Muskellunge 2* 30 in. 4* Catch-and-Release Fishing (creel limit 0: all muskellunge must be released immediately) on one area of and one area of the Buckhannon R Tiger Musky 2* 28 in. 4* River. 36-inch minimum size limit, daily creel limit 1, and possession limit 1 for Y muskellunge in aggregate with Tiger Musky in Jennings Randolph Lake. See Special Area Regulations for additional stream and river restrictions.

Nothern Pike 2 28 in. 4 30-inch minimum size limit, daily creel limit 2, and possession limit 2 in Jennings Randolph Lake.

Hybrid Striped Bass 4* 15 in.* 8* In and all rivers, the daily creel limit of 4 and possession limit of 8 applies to fish 15 inches or larger in aggregate with striped bass and white bass. No restrictions for these fish under 15 inches. *Mount Storm, Beech Fork, East Lynn and R.D. Bailey lakes have a 15-inch minimum size limit.

Striped Bass 4* None* 8* In Bluestone Lake and all rivers, the daily creel limit of 4 and possession limit of 8 applies to fish 15 inches or larger in aggregate with hybrid striped bass and white bass. No restrictions for these fish under 15 inches.

White Bass 4* None* 8* In Bluestone Lake and all rivers, the daily creel limit of 4 and possession limit of 8 applies to fish 15 inches or larger in aggregate with striped bass and hybrid striped bass. No restrictions for these fish under 15 inches.

Paddlefish 0 0 All fish must be returned to the water immediately.

Shovelnose Sturgeon 0 0 All fish must be returned to the water immediately.

Lake Sturgeon 0 0 All fish must be returned to the water immediately.

Sauger, Saugeye Lakes - 8 None Lakes - 16 15-inch minimum size limit, daily creel limit 5, and possession limit 5 for walleye in and Walleye Rivers - 10 None Rivers - 20 Jennings Randolph Lake. (in aggregate) (in aggregate)

Channel Catfish None* None None* In State managed impoundments--Daily creel limit 4, possession limit 16. Does not apply to Mt. Storm, Stonecoal and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes. (See Public Fishing Lakes and Ponds chart.)

All Others None None None 14-inch minimum size limit, daily creel limit 5, and possession limit 5 for in Jennings Randolph Lake.

Frogs 10 None 20 Season--9 p.m. DST, June 12 to midnight July 31. Big Sandy and Tug Fork rivers bordering Kentucky--Season: Noon, May 21 through midnight, October 31.

Please check the 2004 Maryland Fishing Regulations for special regulations on the North Branch of the Potomac and Potomac Rivers.

Designated Warmwater Streams: Big Sandy Creek, Preston County; Buffalo Creek, Brooke County; Clear Fork of Tug Fork, McDowell County; Clear Fork of Guyandotte, Wyoming County; East Lynn (), Wayne County; Hopkins Fork, Boone County; Indian Creek, Summers County; Kings Creek, Hancock County; Laurel Creek., Clay County; North Fork Dam and South Fork Fishing Creek, Wetzel County; Paint Creek, Fayette and Kanawha counties; Panther Creek, McDowell County; Paw Paw Creek, Marion County; Pond Fork and Spruce Laurel Fork, Boone County; 2 Tomlinson Run, Hancock County; West Fork Twelvepole, Wayne County; Wheeling Creek, Marshall and Ohio counties. O Other Methods of Fishing T Except as authorized below, it is illegal to take fish by any means H other than by rod, line and hooks. E R It is illegal to: Hatchery Fish Removal ------M • use a firearm, , dynamite or any like explosive, It is illegal to take fish, frogs, aquatic turtles, or other E or a poisonous mixture placed in the water for the aquatic life from a state fish hatchery. purpose of killing or taking fish, frogs, aquatic turtles or T other forms of aquatic life. ------H • fish with more than two (2) lines or poles in an O Holes cut for ice fishing must be no larger than 10 inches impoundment stocked with trout by the DNR from D January 1 - May 31. in diameter. This applies to public waters where ice fishing is allowed. S Bow Fishing ------Seining for / O may be taken by bow year-round; other nongame fish F may be taken by bow during all months of the year except Traps ------May and June. Residents must have a valid fishing license may not be seined or trapped. A seine may be F and nonresidents must have a valid hunting license in order used to obtain minnows for use as bait provided the seine to fish using a bow. All persons using a bow to fish must I is not longer than six (6) feet nor deeper than four (4) feet. observe all applicable fishing regulations. A thrownet may be used provided the diameter is no S It is illegal to: larger than six (6) feet and size no larger than three- H eighths (3/8) inch. Minnow traps may be used provided I • use an having an explosive head or shaft or an the openings are not larger than one (1) inch in diameter. arrow dipped in or smeared with poison or other A person may have in his possession no more than 50 N chemicals. minnows nor more than a total of 100 aquatic life G unless obtained from a licensed dealer and a bill of sale is Dipping ------provided. Possession of mussels or any parts thereof is prohibited. A valid WV fishing license is needed to collect Dipping for nongame fish is legal from February 1 to minnows and other aquatic life. midnight April 30 with a valid WV fishing license. A dip net may not exceed 36 square feet in overall area, and its mesh may not be smaller than one-fourth (1/4) inch. and ------Trotlines and droplines must be attached to the bank or a tree , and Snaring thereon, must bear an identification tag that is legible and waterproof, and must be attended every 24 hours. Wire or Suckers, carp, fallfish and creek chubs may be taken by cable lines and hooks with more than one point are prohibited. snaring year-round. Other nongame fish, turtles and eels may be taken by gigging, snagging, or snaring from It is illegal to: January 1 - May 15 and from July 15 - December 31, • fish with trotlines and droplines in state-managed except that snagging and gigging shall be prohibited impoundments except Stonecoal, Hawks Nest, Mt. within 100 feet of all U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Locks Storm and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes. (See and Dams and their appurtenances. Snagging of game chart on page 10 for state-managed lakes.) fish is prohibited. • attach a to public piers and docks or within 50 feet of dam appurtenances. Open Sponsors • use droplines on the , Hughes River, Little , Middle Island Creek, and South Fork A permit is required from the Division of Natural of Hughes River. Resources to hold a tournament that is open to the public or awards cash or prizes. Club tournaments, • jug fish. which are restricted to members competing for points, do not require a permit. Tournament permit Report Fish and Game Law Violations: requests should be made to West Virginia Division of Toll-free: 1-800-638-4263 (1-800-NET GAME) Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Section, 1900 Kanawha Blvd., E., Bldg. 3, Charleston, WV 25305. Report Stream Pollution or Fish Kills: Call (304) 558-2771 for information. Toll-free: 1-800-642-3074 3 M Methods of Fishing continued . . . E and Diving ------T The West Virginia Trophy H 1. Nongame fish may be taken by spearfishing from July 1 - September 30 during daylight hours only. O Fish Citation Program ...... 2. Spearfishing is prohibited on the following: The trophy fish citation program was initiated to D a. Elk River, from Sutton Dam downstream to the U.S. recognize outstanding fishing achievement. The color S Route 19 bridge at Sutton; b. New River, from Bluestone Dam downstream to the prints of fish portrayed on the citations are reproductions O lower bridge at Hinton. of original paintings by artist Duane Raver. Persons interested in registering their trophy fish can obtain an 3. may be discharged only beneath the F application from any license agent or Wildlife Resources surface of the water. Section office or visit www.wvdnr.gov. A $5 fee must F 4. It is illegal to use a bolt having an explosive head or accompany the application. I shaft or a bolt dipped in or smeared with poison or other chemicals. Reporting Procedures S 5. A diver may not spearfish in such a manner as to • Fish must be caught on rod and reel in West Virginia. H interfere with other anglers. • Fish must meet or exceed the minimum I 6. A diver may not spearfish in heavily-traveled boat lanes, or length. marked swimming areas, or marked waterskiing areas. N • Fish certified by weight must be weighed on a scale G 7. “Diver down flag” shall be a red certified by the West Virginia Division of Labor or at field of not less than 10 inches x any office of the West Virginia Wildlife Resources 10 inches dimension with a white Section. Fish must be weighed in the presence of a diagonal stripe not less than 1 1/2 witness who must sign the application form. inches wide running upper left to lower right. The flag shall be • Fish certified by length must be measured in the displayed at all times and be presence of a witness who must sign the affixed to a separate flotation device. No such flag application form, or fish must be measured and a shall be attached to any navigational device or placed photograph must accompany the application. so as to obstruct boat traffic. Divers must come up • Measure total length of fish to nearest 1/8 inch within 100 feet of flag. All powerboats will remain a minimum distance of 100 feet away from the marker from tip of snout to end of tail. Lay the fish on top flag. The top of the flag shall be at least 3 feet above of a ruler on a flat surface. Close the mouth of the the surface of the water. fish and squeeze the tail fin lobes together. Do not measure along the curvature of the fish’s body. 8. Fish taken by spearfishing may not be returned to the water or left on the bank. • A clear side view photograph of the fish is desirable. • Nonresidents and residents are eligible for trophy citations. Anglers Alert • Applications must be submitted within 60 days of Anglers are reminded that West Virginia law prohibits the the date of catch. release of fish or other aquatic organisms into public waters, unless a stocking permit is issued by the Director of the Division • $5 fee must accompany each application. Make checks of Natural Resources. Stocking permits are not required for or money orders payable to the West Virginia DNR. trout and black bass stocking provided that disease-free certifications are obtained prior to stocking, or if trout originate Minimum Sizes from a source within the state. A permit is not required for stocking native or established fish into privately owned ponds. Trout Catfish Brook ...... 1.5 lbs ... 15 in Bullhead ...... 2 lbs ... 16 in Moving live fish or other aquatic and plants from one body of water to another can cause long-term damage to the Brown ...... 4 lbs ... 21 in Channel ...... 6 lbs ... 25 in ecological stability of lakes and streams and can threaten Rainbow ...... 4 lbs ... 21 in Flathead ...... 10 lbs ... 29 in . Please take these precautions to Golden ...... 4 lbs ... 21 in Crappie ...... 1.5 lbs ... 15 in prevent problems. Bass Sunfish ...... 1 lbs ... 10 in Largemouth ...... 5 lbs ... 21 in Please: Chain Pickerel .. 2 lbs ... 20 in Smallmouth ...... 4 lbs ... 20 in • do not move fish from one body of water to another .... 8 lbs ... 32 in • drain live wells thoroughly before leaving an access area Spotted ...... 1.5 lbs ... 14 in Walleye ...... 5 lbs ... 25 in • do not release live baitfish or aquarium fish into Rock ...... 1 lbs ... 11 in West Virginia’s waters Striped ...... 7 lbs ... 25 in Sauger ...... 1.5 lbs ... 17 in • remove all visible plants and animals from your boat, Hybrid Striped .. 7 lbs ... 24 in Yellow Perch ...... 1 lbs ... 13 in motor, trailer and nets before leaving an access area White ...... 2 lbs ... 15 in Freshwater Drum ... 10 lbs ... 27 in By following these simple steps, anglers can help ensure Muskellunge ... 15 lbs ... 40 in Fallfish ...... 2 lbs ... 18 in West Virginia’s good fishing for future generations. 4 Tiger Musky .... 15 lbs ... 40 in Carp ...... 15 lbs ... 31 in S State Fish Records T Species Year Length Weight Location Angler Reporting Procedures A Bass T A record of the largest fish of each Largemouth 2001 25.75 in. 9.62 lb. Dog Run Lake Eli Gain species taken by rod and reel in 1994 24.8 in. 12.28 lb. Pond (Grant Co.) David W. Heeter E West Virginia waters is maintained by Smallmouth 1976 25.5 in. 7.5 lb. New River Franklin J. Elliott 1971 24.25 in. 9.75 lb. South Branch David Lindsay F the Division of Natural Resources. Rock 1964 13.8 in. 1.75 lb. Big Sandy Creek Warren Ryan Certificates of accomplishment are Spotted 2000 19.0 in. 4.77 lb. R.D. Bailey Lake Kevin Dameron I awarded for each record holder. 1988 19.0 in. 3.82 lb. R.D. Bailey Lake Leonard Blankenship Striped 2000 37.68 in. 29.56 lb. Bluestone Lake Terry Watkins S Anglers landing a potential state record Hybrid Striped 2000 32.1 in. 14.0 lb. Kanawha River Frankie Harris H fish should report the catch as soon as 1985 31.5 in. 16.75 lb. Kanawha River Robert Honaker possible to the district fisheries White 1985 20.0 in. 4.56 lb. New River Louis Puskas R biologist in the closest DNR district 1986 11.7 in. 2.75 lb. Pond (Randolph Co.) Mark Allan Lewis office. Please follow these guidelines to 1964 13.75 in. 2.25 lb. Pond (Fayette Co.) Dennis Criss E ensure accuracy of reporting. Bowfin 1994 32.25 in. 7.54 lb. Pond (Berkeley Co.) Donald E. Newcomb, III C 1994 29.38 in. 7.66 lb. Pond (Berkeley Co.) Carl A Jaegar, III 1. Name, address, and telephone O Buffalo 1976 41.0 in. 38.0 lb. Little Kanawha River Hobert Null number of angler. R Carp 2. Species of fish, where, when, and Common 1998 39.3 in. 47.0 lb. Pond (Preston Co.) Gary Johnson D how caught. 1988 41.0 in. 41.5 lb. Stonecoal Lake Charles J. Cook S Grass 2002 47.1 in. 52.5 lb. Pond (Mason Co.) Joseph R. Spencer, II 3. Total length of fish measured from tip of snout to end of tail. Lay fish Catfish Bullhead 1977 22.75 in. 6.1 lb. Tygart Lake Headwaters Gary R. Freeman on top of ruler on a flat surface. Channel 1994 38.5 in. 21.25 lb. Lee Creek Mike C. Mace Close the mouth of the fish and 1993 38.0 in. 33.38 lb. Johnny J. Weatherholtz, Jr. squeeze the tail fin lobes together. Flathead 1956 52.0 in. 70.0 lb. Little Kanawha River L.L. McClung Do not measure along the Chain Pickerel 2001 27.75 in. 6.19 lb. Tuckahoe Lake Steven Demma curvature of the fish’s body. Crappie 1971 19.75 in. 4.05 lb. Leonard Edgell 4. Fish must be weighed on a scale Eel 1983 44.25 in. 6.27 lb. Elk River Steve Woods certified by the West Virginia 1977 44.0 in. 7.25 lb. Bunker Hill Quarry Arlie R. Ruble Division of Labor. Fallfish 1970 21.25 in. 3.5 lb. North Fork of South Branch James Blackwell 5. Signatures and telephone numbers Freshwater 1989 35.5 in. 27.0 lb. South Fork of Hughes Charles Mickel Lott of two persons who witnessed the Drum 1954 37.0 in. 25.0 lb. Little Kanawha River Bill Dawkins length and weight measurements. Gar Longnose 2003 50.63 in. 16.75 lb. Fish Creek Brian Klug 1993 50.5 in. 19.08 lb. Kanawha River Michael Shan Casey 6. A DNR fisheries biologist must Goldeye 1983 18.5 in. 3.0 lb. Ohio River Delbert McWilliams verify the species, length, and Muskellunge 2003 52.7 in. 38.5 lb. Stonecoal Lake Glenn Boyd weight of the fish. 1997 50.37 in. 49.75 lb. Stonecoal Lake Anna Marsh 7. A photograph of the fish is desirable. Northern Pike 1989 42.6 in. 22.06 lb. Dog Run Lake Boyd O. Pratt, Sr. Sauger 1985 23.0 in. 4.75 lb. Ohio River Steve Powell Saugeye 2000 26.0 in. 7.25 lb. Ohio River Dru Beck 2000 27.1 in. 6.13 lb. East Lynn Lake Wendell Williamson 2002 18.4 in. 2.61 lb. Kanawha River Steve Skeens 1991 18.6 in. 2.38 lb. Ohio River Elmer Bullard Tiger Musky 1994 49.25 in. 36.5 lb. Mountwood Lake Clyde E. Beckett Trout Brook 1997 23.13 in. 7.19 lb. Little River Harmon Cozort 1981 23.5 in. 4.78 lb. Lost River Jack E. Foltz Brown 1968 32.0 in. 16.0 lb. South Branch Paul Barker Golden Rainbow 1998 26.4 in. 9.31 lb. Brushy Fork Lake Danny Crider Your purchase of 1987 27.5 in. 8.63 lb. Stonecoal Lake Gerald Estep Rainbow 1993 31.7 in. 11.74 lb. Stonecoal Lake John P. Arnett fishing equipment and Tiger 1986 26.0 in. 6.68 lb. John Duncan motorboat fuels supports Walleye 2003 32.0 in. 17.82 lb. Kanawha River Steve Skeens 1976 35.0 in. 15.0 lb. Kanawha Falls Fred Cline Sport Fish Restoration Yellow Perch 1985 14.5 in. 1.83 lb. Tygart Lake Charles Mayle and 1971 15.0 in. 1.75 lb. Pond (Monongalia Co.) Stanley Bloniarz, Jr. boating access facilities. 5 S P Special Area Regulations E Season is year-round unless otherwise noted. C I Catch-and-Release Streams ------A Trout Streams L 1. Fishing permitted during daylight hours only. North Branch of , Grant and Mineral counties A Check the 2004 Maryland Fishing Regulations for special regulations 2. Only artificial and lures made of metal, wood, on the North Branch of the Potomac and Potomac Rivers. R feathers, hair, or synthetic material may be used or possessed on “catch-and-release” trout streams North Fork of Cherry River, Nicholas County E 1.8-mile section extending upstream from Richwood’s water supply during the catch-and-release season. A dam to first state Route 39 bridge. Access by state Route 39. 3. Multiple hook lures must have barbless hooks. North Fork of Cranberry River, Pocahontas County R 4. Single hook lures may have barbed hooks. .25-mile section from the mouth upstream to the limestone treatment dam. Access by foot on National Forest Route 76. E 5. To release a deeply hooked or gill-hooked fish, the G leader should be cut 5 to 6 inches above the lure. North Fork of the South Branch, Pendleton County .75-mile section at the mouth of Seneca Creek near Seneca U 6. All trout caught must be returned to the water at once. Rocks Visitors Center. Access by county Route 28/3 at junction of state Route 28 and U.S. Route 33 at . L 7. No trout shall be in the angler’s possession while on A stream sections designated as catch-and-release streams. Paint Creek, Fayette County 2-mile section from mouth of Skitter Creek upstream to T *Powerbait is considered to be illegal under this section and mouth of Milburn Creek. Access is by county Route 15. may not be used or possessed on catch-and-release streams. I of , Randolph County O Back Fork of Elk River, Webster County 5.5-mile section in the Monongahela National Forest, north of 4-mile section beginning 2 miles upstream from Webster Springs U. S. Route 250, from the mouth of Whitmeadow Run and extending upstream. Access by county routes 24 and 24/3. N downstream to the mouth of McGee Run. Access by National S Blackwater River, Tucker County Forest Route 92, which intersects U.S. Route 250 four miles 3.5-mile section from the county Route 29/1 bridge in west of Cheat Bridge. Blackwater Falls State Park downstream to the mouth of the Slatyfork section of Elk River, Pocahontas County North Fork. 3.6-mile section from the junction of Big Spring and Old Field Clear Fork of the Guyandotte River, Wyoming County forks downstream to the railroad bridge. Access by foot from 1-mile section from the R.D. Bailey Wildlife Management county routes 219/2 on the north and 219/12 on the south. Area manager’s residence downstream to the state Route 6 South Branch of the Potomac River, Pendleton County bridge. Season: March 1 - May 31. General regulations 1-mile section beginning 2 miles below U.S. Route 220 at Eagle apply June 1 - February 28. Rock and extending downstream. Access by county Route 2.

Cranberry River, Webster and Pocahontas / Nicholas counties Williams River, Pocahontas County 1. 4.3-mile section from the junction of the North and South 2-mile section beginning 2 miles below Tea Creek and forks downstream to the low water bridge at Dogway extending downstream. Access by National Forest Route 86. Fork. Access by foot on National Forest Route 76 from the parking area. 2. Nicholas County - 1.2-mile section from the Woodbine Fishing Licenses available online Recreation Area downstream to Camp Splinter (Jakeman Run). Access by National Forest Route 76 from Richwood.

Elk River, Randolph County 2-mile section from the Elk Springs Campground downstream to the Rose Run bridge. Access by county Route 49 off state Route 15 about 4 miles west of Head.

Glade Creek of New River, Raleigh County 3-mile section from the mouth upstream to the foot bridge. Access by Glade Creek Road off state Route 41.

Middle Wheeling Creek, Ohio County Boating Education Requirement ... 1.2-mile section from just above the upper limits of Middle Anyone born after December 31, 1986, must successfully Wheeling Creek Lake upstream to mouth of Gillespie Run. complete a N.A.S.B.L.A.-approved Boating Education Access by county Route 39/6. Season: February 1 - May Course before operating a motorboat in the waters of 31. General regulations apply June 1 - January 31. West Virginia. Contact a Conservation Officer for an 6 available course near you. Special Area Regulations continued . . . S P Catch-and-Release Streams -fishing-Only Trout E continued------Streams------C Bass Streams 1. Fishing permitted during daylight hours only. I 1. All black bass (smallmouth, spotted and largemouth) 2. Only artificial flies and streamers may be used or in A caught must be returned to the water at once. possession on any of the fly-fishing-only streams. L 2. No black bass shall be in the angler’s possession while 3. Only conventional tackle may be used. Open- on the stream within designated catch-and- release areas. and closed-face spinning or spincast reels are prohibited. A R 3. To release a deeply hooked or gill-hooked fish, the line 4. All fish caught must be returned to water at once. should be cut 5 to 6 inches above the lure. E 5. No trout shall be in the angler’s possession while on New River, Fayette, Raleigh and Summers counties stream sections designated as fly-fishing-only streams. A 12-mile section from the I-64 bridge at Sandstone Buffalo Creek of New River, Fayette County downstream to NPS Grandview Sandbar access site near R Main stream and all tributaries of Buffalo Creek. Access by Quinnimont. Access by state Route 41 at Quinnimont and foot from county Route 25. E state Route 20 at Sandstone. Dogway Fork of the Cranberry, Webster, Pocahontas and G South Branch of Potomac River, Hardy and Hampshire counties Greenbrier counties Area 1 8-mile section in Hardy County from 3 miles east U Main stream and all tributaries of Dogway Fork. Access by of Petersburg at the routes 28, 55 and 220 bridge foot on National Forest Route 78. L (Petersburg Gap bridge) downstream to the county Route 13 bridge (Fisher bridge). Milligan Creek, Greenbrier County A Area 2 9.5-mile section in Hampshire County from the routes Marked area about 1 mile north of U.S. Route 60 from the T 28 and 50 bridge (Romney bridge) downstream to the county Route 60/15 bridge extending downstream about .33 I state Route 28 bridge (Blue Beach bridge). mile to a fence crossing. O Red Run of Dry Fork, Tucker County Muskellunge Streams Main stream and all tributaries of Red Run. Access by foot N 1. All muskellunge caught must be returned to the from state Route 72 and National Forest Route 13. S water at once. Second Creek, Greenbrier and Monroe counties 2. No muskellunge shall be in the angler’s possession Marked 1.5-mile section on the Monroe/Greenbrier county while on stream sections designated as line at Rodgers Mill. catch-and-release streams. Thorn Creek, Pendleton County Marked .5-mile section beginning approximately 3 miles Buckhannon River, Upshur County above the mouth. Access is by county Route 20. 6.5-mile section beginning at the City of Buckhannon’s water supply dam and continuing upstream to the first riffle. Included in this area is the section of French Creek from its Slot-Limit Bass Stream ------mouth to the first riffle. The entire stream section is commonly referred to as Buckhannon Pool. 1. All black bass (smallmouth, spotted and largemouth) from 12 to 20 inches must be returned to the water Middle Island Creek, Tyler County at once. 6-mile section beginning at the state Route 18 bridge near Centerville and continuing downstream to the low water bridge 2. Daily creel limit of one black bass over 20 inches near WMA. Included in this area are sections of Indian caught within the slot limit area. Black bass under 12 Creek and McElroy Creek from their mouth to their first riffle. inches may be harvested. All black bass harvested must Handling and Release Procedures be in accordance with the daily creel limit regulation. 3. To release a deeply hooked or gill-hooked fish, cut the When practicing catch-and-release fishing, survival of the line 5 to 6 inches above the lure. released fish can be greatly enhanced by following these simple guidelines. Greenbrier River, Greenbrier County 6-mile section beginning at the U.S. Route 60 bridge near 1. Time is important - play and release the fish as quickly Caldwell extending downstream to the U.S. Route 219 bridge as possible to reduce unnecessary stress. at Ronceverte. 2. Keep the fish in the water as much as possible and use a pair of forceps or needle-nosed pliers to remove the hook. 3. Handle the fish with bare, wet hands. Do not squeeze the fish, put your fingers in the eyes or gills, or cause scale loss. Free Fishing Days 4. When releasing the fish, hold it gently in the water June 12-13, 2004 until the fish is ready to swim off on its own. 7 S Special Area Regulations continued . . . P E Children and Class Q Reciprocal Fishing ------C Handicap Fishing Areas ------Ohio River I 1. Area is managed under special regulations March - May. Ohio residents who carry fishing licenses valid in Ohio may fish on the Ohio River and its embayments or from A 2. During this period fishing is restricted to children 10 the West Virginia banks of the Ohio River and L years of age or under and to handicapped individuals embayments without obtaining West Virginia license. holding a Class Q license. A West Virginia residents who carry fishing licenses valid in 3. Fishing permitted during daylight hours only. R West Virginia may fish on Ohio River embayments in 4. Creel limit is four (4) trout. Ohio or from the Ohio banks of the Ohio River and E embayments without obtaining an Ohio license. A 5. Another person(s) may assist with baiting hooks and removing fish. West Virginia fishing laws and regulations must be followed when fishing on the Ohio River mainstream and Coonskin Park Pond, Kanawha County R on embayments or tributaries that are within the 2.7-acre pond in Coonskin Park. Access by state Route 114 E and county Route 51/2. boundaries of West Virginia. G Handley Pond, Pocahontas County Ohio fishing laws and Ohio River fishing regulations for U 5-acre pond on the Handley WMA. Access by county routes the Eastern Unit, which cover the West Virginia / Ohio L 17 and 17/1 which intersect U.S. Route 219 at Edray north border, must be followed while fishing on embayments or of Marlinton. tributaries that are within the boundaries of Ohio. A Pond, Kanawha County The embayment and reciprocal boundaries for T 1-acre pond in Kanawha State Forest. Access by county each state are listed in the Waterfowl Hunting and Fishing I Route 42 off county Route 23. on the Ohio River brochure available from West Virginia O Logan County Airport Pond DNR offices. Ohio and West Virginia anglers may travel 1-acre pond. Access by county Route 119/8 off state Route 17. and fish embayments and tributaries to the landmark N locations listed in the brochure. These locations are also Millers Fork Pond, Wayne County defined by distance from the mouth of the tributary and S 5-acre pond on the Beech Fork Lake WMA. Access by county Route 22 off county Route 17. GPS coordinates for convenience. Raleigh County Airport Pond Potomac River 1-acre pond at the entrance to the Raleigh County Airport. West Virginia residents who possess valid West Virginia Access by county Route 9/9 off I-64 at Airport Exit 125-B. fishing licenses may fish by in the waters of the Underwood Lake, Cabell County Potomac River including the North Branch and Jennings 1-acre pond on Huntington YMCA property. Access by state Randolph Lake which are opposite both the West Virginia Route 2. and the Maryland shores, and they may fish from the Westover Park Pond, Monongalia County Maryland shore, without obtaining a Maryland fishing 1-acre pond located at the Westover Park just off U.S. Route license, subject, however, to all other Maryland laws, rules 19 approximately .5 mile east of I-79 Westover exit. and regulations applicable to fishing. Wood Pond, Ohio County Maryland residents who possess valid Maryland fishing .5-acre impoundment in the Bear Rocks Lake WMA. Access licenses may fish by angling in the waters of Jennings by county Route 41/6. Randolph Lake which are opposite both the Maryland and Woodbine Area of the Cranberry River, Nicholas County West Virginia shores, and they may fish from the West 300-yard section of the Cranberry River at the U.S. Forest Virginia shore of the Potomac River, including the North Service Woodbine Recreation Area. Access by National Branch and Jennings Randolph Lake without obtaining a Forest Route 76 from Richwood. West Virginia fishing license, subject, however, to all other West Virginia fishing laws, rules and regulations applicable to fishing. This agreement is limited to the Potomac River Handicap Accessible Fishing Areas including the North Branch and Jennings Randolph Lake and does not extend to any of their tributaries. For more information on developed sites contact: The State of Maryland has joint law enforcement West Virginia Division of Natural Resources jurisdiction on Jennings Randolph Lake. Wildlife Resources Section State Capitol Complex • Building 3, Room 808 Charleston, West Virginia 25305

8 (304) 558-2771 or www.wvdnr.gov T Trout Stream Stocking Schedule R Code No. Stockings Period Code No. Stockings Period Code No. Stockings Period O One ...... January BW One ...... February M One each month ...... Feb. - May U W Two ...... February One every two weeks .... March - May MJ One each month ...... Jan. - April One each week ...... March-May BA One ...... January Y One ...... April T One ...... March F One each week ...... Oct. 11 & 18

Stream - County Frequency Stream - County Frequency S Anthony Creek - Greenbrier ...... W-F Middle Creek - Berkeley ...... W T Back Fork of Elk River - Webster ...... M Middle Fork - Randolph ...... M Back Fork of Elk River (C&R) - Webster ...... Y Mill Creek - Fayette ...... M R Beech Fork Lake (Tailwaters) - Wayne ...... M Mill Creek - Berkeley ...... W Big Bullskin Run - Jefferson ...... W Mill Creek - Hampshire ...... BW E Big Clear Creek - Greenbrier ...... BW-F Milligan Creek - Greenbrier ...... M Big Sandy Creek - Preston ...... BW Mill Run - Berkeley ...... M A Blackwater River - Tucker ...... W-F Mill Run - Hampshire ...... BW Blackwater River (C&R) - Tucker ...... Y Moores Run - Hardy ...... M M Blaney Hollow & Morgan Run - Monongalia ...... M - Mineral ...... W Buckhannon River - Upshur ...... BW-F North Branch of Potomac River - Mineral ...... M Buffalo Creek - Brooke ...... BW - Hardy ...... BW S Burnsville Lake (Tailwaters) - Braxton ...... BW North Fork of Anthony Creek - Greenbrier ...... BW T Camp Creek - Mercer ...... BW North Fork of Cherry River - Greenbrier, Nicholas ...... BW Cherry River - Nicholas ...... BW North Fork of Fishing Creek Dam - Wetzel ...... M O Clear Fork - McDowell ...... M North Fork of - Grant ...... BW Clear Fork - Wyoming ...... BW North Fork of Patterson Creek - Grant ...... W C Clear Fork (C&R) - Wyoming ...... Y North Fork of South Branch - Grant, Pendleton ...... W-F Clover Run - Tucker ...... M North Fork of South Branch (C&R) - Pendleton ...... Y K Cranberry River - Pocahontas, Webster, Nicholas ...... W-F - Berkeley, Jefferson ...... W-F Cranberry River (C&R) - Pocahontas ...... Y Paint Creek - Fayette ...... BW I - Nicholas ...... M Paint Creek - Kanawha ...... BW Deer Creek - Pocahontas ...... M Paint Creek (C&R) - Fayette ...... Y N Desert Fork - Webster ...... M Panther Creek - McDowell ...... M - Hampshire ...... BW Paw Paw Creek - Marion ...... BW G Dry Fork - McDowell ...... M Pinch Creek - Raleigh ...... Y Dry Fork - Randolph, Tucker ...... BW Pinnacle Creek - Wyoming ...... BW-F Dunloup Creek - Fayette ...... M Pond Fork - Boone ...... BW-F S East Fork of Greenbrier River - Pocahontas ...... W Potts Creek - Monroe ...... M C East Lynn Lake (Tailwaters) - Wayne ...... M R.D. Bailey Lake (Tailwaters) - Wyoming, Mingo ...... BW-F East River of New River - Mercer ...... BW Red Creek - Tucker ...... BW H Edwards Run & Pond - Hampshire ...... BW-F Rhine Creek - Preston ...... M Elk River - Webster, Randolph ...... W-F Right Fork of Buckhannon River - Upshur, Randolph ...... M E Elk River (C&R) - Randolph ...... Y Right Fork of Middle Fork - Upshur ...... M Elkwater Fork - Randolph ...... M Right Fork of Little Kanawha River - Webster, Upshur ...... M D Evitts Run - Jefferson ...... W-F Rocky Marsh Run - Jefferson ...... W Fall Run - Webster ...... M Second Creek (C&R) - Monroe, Greenbrier ...... Y U Gandy Creek - Randolph ...... W Shavers Fork (C&R) - Randolph ...... Y Glade Creek (Babcock) - Fayette ...... BW Shavers Fork (Lower Section) - Randolph ...... W-F L Glade Creek of New River - Raleigh ...... BW-F Shavers Fork (Upper Section) - Randolph, Pocahontas ...... W-F - Randolph ...... W South Branch (Franklin Section) - Pendleton ...... W-F E Greenbrier River - Pocahontas ...... BW South Branch (Smoke Hole Section) - Pendleton ...... W-F Hills Creek - Pocahontas ...... M South Branch (C&R) - Pendleton ...... Y Hopkins Fork - Boone ...... M South Fork of Cherry River - Greenbrier, Nicholas ...... BW Horseshoe Run - Tucker ...... BW South Fork of Cranberry River - Pocahontas ...... BW Indian Creek of New River - Summers ...... M South Fork of Fishing Creek - Wetzel ...... M Kings Creek - Hancock ...... M South Fork of Potts Creek - Monroe ...... M Knapps Creek - Pocahontas ...... W-F Spruce Laurel Fork - Boone ...... M Laurel Creek - Clay ...... M Stonewall Jackson Lake (Tailwaters) - Lewis ...... BW Laurel Creek - Fayette ...... M Sugar Creek - Webster ...... M Laurel Creek - Greenbrier, Nicholas ...... M Summersville Lake (Tailwaters) - Nicholas ...... BW-F Laurel Fork - Randolph ...... W Sutton Lake (Tailwaters) - Braxton ...... BW-F Laurel Fork - Webster ...... BW - Berkeley ...... BW Left Fork of Buckhannon River - Upshur ...... M Tomlinson Run - Hancock ...... M Left Fork of Holly River - Webster ...... BW Trout Run - Hardy ...... W Left Fork of Right Fork Buckhannon - Randolph, Upshur ...... BW Tuscarora Creek - Berkeley ...... BW Little Clear Creek - Greenbrier ...... BW (Wayne Dam) - Wayne ...... MJ Little Kanawha River (Headwaters) - Upshur, Lewis ...... M Tygart Lake (Tailwaters) - Taylor ...... M-F Little River (East Fork) - Pocahontas ...... W Tygart River (Headwaters) - Randolph ...... BW-F Little River (West Fork) - Pocahontas ...... W Waites Run - Hardy ...... W Long Marsh Run - Jefferson ...... M West Fork of Greenbrier River - Pocahontas ...... W-F Lost River - Hardy ...... W-F West Fork of Twelvepole Creek - Wayne ...... M Lower Cove Run - Hardy ...... M Wheeling Creek - Marshall, Ohio ...... BW Marsh Fork - Raleigh ...... M Whiteday Creek - Marion, Monongalia ...... BW Mash Fork - Mercer ...... M Williams River - Pocahontas, Webster ...... W-F Meadow Creek - Greenbrier ...... M Williams River (C&R) - Pocahontas ...... Y Meadow Creek - Summers ...... M Wolf Creek - Preston ...... M

Updated Daily during Trout Stocking Season: Hunting and Fishing Hotline (304) 558-3399 Trout Stocking Schedule Updated Daily: www.wvdnr.gov 9 P U Public Fishing: Lakes and Ponds

Lake - County Accessibility A USCG approved life B Boating * = National Forest Stamp required • = handicapped access available preserver is required for COE = U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake each occupant of ALL BOATS. L NM = no motor boats See West Virginia Boating # = under construction Use of Live Minnows E = electric motors only = live minnows (live fish) may be used as bait Regulations. All boats I • R = rental boats only propelled by machinery Trout Stocking U = unlimited h.p. must be licensed. C Night Fishing 5 = 5 h.p. maximum W = Weekly F = Fall P = permit required C = registered campers only 10 = 10 h.p. maximum (Larger motors must have props BW = Bi-weekly Y = Yearly removed or motor tilted to the maximum limit.) M = Monthly (Feb. - May) BA = Bi-annual Camping = contains no wake zones, speed zones and/or MJ = Monthly (Jan. - April) + = Tailwaters * F L = limited primitive P = permit required other restricted areas X = After April 1 or area is opened for public use. f = fee charged for private boats, May 30 - Labor Day I S Lake - County Acres Lake - County Acres Airport Pond - Raleigh • 1Y Little Beaver - Raleigh • 18 MJ P R H Anawalt - McDowell • 7M • Logan County Airport • 1Y I Anderson - Kanawha 7BA • Lumberport - Harrison 6 • E Barboursville - Cabell • 17 BA P McClintic Ponds - Mason • 61 • PE N Bear Rock Lakes - Ohio • 16 BW • E Middle Wheeling Creek - Ohio 30 BW •• E G Beech Fork - Wayne COE • 720 +M ••P 10* Miletree - Roane 10 BA • E Berwind - McDowell • 20 M • PEMill Creek - Barbour • 8M E Big Ditch - Webster • 55 • E Millers Fork - Wayne • 5Y : Big Run - Marion 7Y•• E Moncove - Monroe • 144 • P5 Bluestone - Summers COE • 2040 ••PU*Mount Storm - Grant 1200 •• U* L Boley - Fayette • 18 M C P E Mountain Valley - Summers 39 E Brandywine - Pendleton* • 6 BW-F • PEMountwood - Wood • 48 MJ • PE A Brushy Fork - Pendleton 18 BW • E Newburg Lake - Preston 5M K Buffalo Fork - Pocahontas* • 22 BW-F • E New Creek Dam 14 - Grant 40 BW-F • Burnsville - Braxton COE • 968 +BW ••PU*North Bend - Ritchie • 305 ••P10 E Cacapon - Morgan • 6W • NMf North Bend State Park - Ritchie 1.5 C P Cameron - Marshall 6 •• O’Brien - Jackson 217 •• 10 S Camp Run - Pendleton*8• E Pennsboro W. S. Res. - Ritchie 9BA • E Castleman Run - Brooke/Ohio • 22 BW •• E Pipestem - Summers • 16 M P R A Cedar Creek - Gilmer 8BA••P Plum Orchard - Fayette • 202 • PU* Charles Fork - Roane 70 • E Poorhouse Pond - Berkeley 5M N Cheat Lake - Monongalia 1730 ••LU*R.D. Bailey - Wyoming/Mingo COE 630 +BW-F ••PU* D Chief Cornstalk - Mason • 5BA • PERidenour - Kanawha • 27 BA • Chief Logan - Logan # • 7 • Rock Cliff - Hardy* • 17 XBW-F CPE Conaway Run - Tyler • 30 M • PERockhouse - Logan • 14 M E P Coonskin Park - Kanawha • 2.5 Y Rollins - Jackson • 41 MJ • E O Coopers Rock - Monongalia • 6 BW-F P E Salt Lick Pond 9 - Braxton 15 •• E Curtisville - Marion 30 MJ •• E Seneca - Pocahontas • 3 BW-F P E N Doe Run Sub-Impoundment - Taylor 11 ••PESherwood - Greenbrier* 165 P • E Dog Run - Harrison 15 M • E Silcott Fork - Roane 23 • D Dunkard Fork - Marshall • 49 M •• E - Berkeley • 205 ••PE S East Lynn - Wayne COE • 1005 +M ••PU*South Mill Creek - Grant • 48 BW • E Edwards Run - Hampshire • 2 BW-F • L Spruce Knob - Randolph* • 23 W-F • PE Elk Fork - Jackson • 278 •• 10 Stephens - Raleigh • 300 • PPU* Elk Two Mile (Site 12) - Kanawha 2 Stonecoal - Upshur/Lewis • 550 •• 10* Elk Two Mile (Site 13) - Kanawha 3.5 Stonewall Jackson - Lewis COE • 2650 +BW ••PU* Elk Two Mile (Site 14) - Kanawha 4 Summersville - Nicholas COE • 2700 +BW-F ••PU* Fitzpatrick - Raleigh 2.5 MJ • P Summit - Greenbrier* • 43 W-F • PE Flat Run - Marion 6 •• E Sutton - Braxton COE • 1500 +BW-F ••PU* Ft. Ashby - Mineral 12 BW •• Teter Creek - Barbour • 3 5 BW-F • PE French Creek - Upshur 2BW Thomas Park - Tucker 8M••LE Frozencamp Left Fork - Jackson 20 • E Tomlinson Run - Hancock 30 MJ • PE Frozencamp Right Fork - Jackson 20 • E Tracy - Ritchie 11 BA • LE Handley Pond - Pocahontas • 5Y • PETrout Pond - Hardy 2 • P Hawks Nest - Fayette 250 •• U Tuckahoe - Greenbrier • 40 M • E Horse Creek - Wyoming • 12 M • E Turkey Run - Jackson • 15 BA •• E Huey Run - Marion 8BA•• E Turkey Run - Marshall 15 •• E Hurricane W.S. Res. - Putnam • 12 BA • Tygart - Taylor COE 1750 +M-F ••PU* James P. Bailey - Mercer • 28 BA Tygart River Backwaters - Randolph 31 •• E Jennings Randolph - Mineral COE 952 +M ••PU*Underwood Lake - Cabell • 1Y Jimmy Lewis - Mercer • 15 M • E Upper Cove Run - Hardy 6.5 • E Kanawha State Forest - Kanawha • 1Y P Upper Mud - Lincoln • 307 •• 10 Kee Res. - Mercer 70 • E Warden - Hardy • 44 BW • E Kimsey Run - Hardy • 60 BW • PEWatoga - Pocahontas • 11 W P E Krodel - Mason • 22 BA • PEWestover Park - Monongalia • 1.5 Y Larenim - Mineral • 10 BA • NM Whetstone - Marion 6 •• E Laurel - Mingo • 29 MJ • PEWolf Run - Marshall 23 • E 10 Lick Creek - Wayne 5MJ•• Woodrum - Jackson • 240 •• 10 F Fishing Favorites I S Waters and Streams ------Float Trips ------H Smallmouth bass waters Many of West Virginia’s streams offer excellent float trip I fishing when water conditions are suitable. Some popular Summersville and Tygart Lakes; New, Shenandoah, N Greenbrier, Cacapon, South Branch of the Potomac, trips are listed below. mainstream Potomac, Ohio, Elk, and Little Kanawha rivers. South Branch G Favorite tackle and baits: Spinning tackle of medium light and ultra light weight using spinners and other artificial lures From To Miles F resembling minnows, night crawlers, hellgrammites, crayfish, Mouth of North Fork Petersburg Bridge 4.5 crankbaits, jigs, and numerous soft plastic and topwater baits. A Petersburg Bridge Vernon Welton Park 3.0 Trout streams Vernon Welton Park Fisher Bridge South 5.5 V Cranberry, Williams, South Branch of the Potomac near Fisher Bridge South Fisher Bridge 2.5 O Franklin, North Fork of the South Branch, Shavers Fork of Fisher Bridge Old Fields Bridge 4.5 R Cheat, and Elk River above Webster Springs. Old Fields Bridge Trough Entrance (McNeill) 5.0 Trough Entrance (McNeill) Harmisons 7.0 I Musky waters Harmisons 1.5 T Little Kanawha, Hughes, Elk (downstream of Sutton), Stony Run Romney Bridge 8.75 E Buckhannon, West Fork, Mud, New, Gauley, and Monongahela Romney Bridge Hanging Rock 5.0 S rivers; Middle Island, Dunkard, Mill and Sandy creeks; East Hanging Rock Blues Beach Bridge 4.5 Lynn, Stonecoal, Stonewall Jackson and Burnsville lakes. Blues Beach Bridge Millesons Mill 7.5 Favorite tackle and baits: Bait reels using lures Millesons Mill Millesons Mill Bridge 2.0 imitating minnows; large spinners. Live creek chubs, suckers, or large minnows are excellent bait. Millesons Mill Bridge Blue Ford 4.75 Blue Ford Indian Rock 4.0 Crappie waters Indian Rock Mouth 4.5 Bluestone, Burnsville, East Lynn, R.D. Bailey, Stonewall Jackson, Sutton, Summersville, and Tygart lakes; Ohio River backwaters From To Miles Favorite baits: Minnows, jigs, and minnow-imitating lures. Wardensville Capon Lake 8.5 Walleye waters Capon Lake Hooks Mill Road Ford 8.0 Hooks Mill Road Ford Cold Stream 11.0 Elk and lower Gauley rivers; Kanawha, Monongahela, and Cold Stream Rt. 127 Bridge 7.0 Ohio river dam tailwaters; Summersville, Tygart, Rt. 127 Bridge Cacapon Crossings 9.0 Stonecoal, Jennings Randolph and R.D. Bailey lakes. Cacapon Crossings Largent South 6.7 Best baits: Live minnows, night crawlers, jigs, minnow-imitating crankbaits and spinners. Largent South Fisher Ford Bridge 11.0 Fisher Ford Bridge Power Plant 9.0 White bass waters Power Plant Route 9 Bridge 1.75 Ohio, Monongahela and Kanawha rivers; Tygart Lake. Best baits: Jigs, crankbaits, spinners, streamers, and live minnows. Greenbrier River From To Miles Hybrid striped bass waters Renick Anthony Bridge 10.0 Ohio and Kanawha rivers; Beech Fork, Bluestone, East Anthony Bridge Caldwell 12.7 Lynn, and R.D. Bailey lakes. Caldwell Ronceverte 6.0 Best baits: White jigs, silver spoons, shad imitation lures, and Ronceverte Fort Spring 8.5 live minnows. Fort Spring* Alderson 6.0 waters Alderson Pence Springs 8.5 Burnsville, Beech Fork, Cheat, East Lynn, Bluestone, Sutton, Pence Springs Talcott Bridge 4.5 R.D. Bailey, and Stonewall Jackson lakes; Ohio River; most Talcott Bridge** Barger Springs 4.5 farm ponds and state managed lakes. Barger Springs Willow Wood Bridge 6.0 Best baits: minnows, nightcrawlers, crayfish, crankbaits, * Contains rapids for experienced canoeists only. , jigs, soft plastic and most topwater lures. **Contains two falls to be portaged. Channel catfish waters New River Bluestone, East Lynn, Burnsville, Stonecoal, Tygart, and From To Miles Stonewall Jackson lakes; South Branch of the Potomac, Shanklins Ferry Mouth of Indian Creek 6.0 Kanawha, New, and Ohio rivers. Most warmwater Below Sandstone Falls Prince 12.0 streams and state managed impoundments. Prince Thurmond 12.0 Best baits: minnows, nightcrawlers, chicken livers, and Only experienced canoeists should attempt to float the 11 natural baits. New River. Portaging some areas will be necessary. A A Guide to Your Health G U Health Benefits of Eating Fish Eating West Virginia Game Fish I Fish are nutritious and good to eat. When properly The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) D prepared, fish provide numerous health benefits, advises anglers and consumers to follow a national advisory notification warning pregnant women, women E especially for the heart. The American Heart Association recommends eating two to three fish meals each week. of child-bearing age, nursing mothers and children about the health concerns of consuming fish that may be T The benefits of eating fish include: contaminated with mercury. These groups should follow O • Fish offer high-quality protein with fewer calories than EPA’s recommendation limiting fish consumption to a similar-sized portion of meat. one meal per week. Meal size is 1/2 pound. Y Example, both catfish and ground beef are about 18% protein. But, for an 8-ounce meal, the catfish will have Ohio River O only about 232 calories, while the regular ground beef will Species Meal Restriction U have about 640 calories. Walleye less than 17”, largemouth One a week R • Fish are low in sodium and are good sources of and smallmouth bass, sauger (52 a year) potassium, vitamins, and other minerals. H Walleye more than 17”, white and One a month • Fish are generally low in cholesterol and saturated hybrid striped bass, freshwater drum (12 a year) E fats, which have been associated with high blood Channel catfish less than 17 inches Six a year A pressure and heart disease. Flathead catfish (one every two months) L • While the benefits of fish on nutrition are still being Channel catfish more than 17 inches DO NOT EAT Carp T studied, much of the current research is focused on various kinds of beneficial fats in fish, particularly a H kind called omega-3 fatty acids which are in some fish “Do Not Eat” Advisories and fish oils. Some studies have indicated that these Area Species fatty acids have favorable effects on health conditions such as hardening of the arteries, high levels of Flat Fork Creek (entire length) Carp, Channel catfish, Suckers cholesterol and high blood pressure. North Branch of the All nongame fish Potomac River (Luke, MD to mouth) Contaminants in Fish Potomac River All nongame fish Some fish take in contaminants (chlordane and PCBs, for (mouth of South Branch of Potomac example) from the water they live in and the food they eat. River to mouth of Cacapon River) These contaminants build up in the fish over time. Eating contaminated fish can result in a buildup of these Other Consumption Advisories chemicals in your body, so it is important to keep your Area Do Not Eat 1 Meal a Month exposure as low as possible. Health problems which may result from contaminants found in fish range from small Kanawha River Carp (from I-64 in Dunbar changes in health that are hard to detect, to birth defects, downstream to the Ohio River) Catfish liver damage and cancer. This meal advisory is intended Pocatalico River to protect children from potential developmental (lower two miles) Suckers All other Fish problems. Adults are less likely to have health problems Armour, Manila, and Hybrid striped at the same low levels of exposure that affect children. Heizer creeks bass Other backwater areas This advisory helps you plan which sport fish to keep as well as how often and how much to eat. It is not intended Carp, Channel (entire length in West Virginia) catfish, Suckers to discourage you from eating fish, but should be used as a guide to eating fish low in contaminants. You reduce your risks by eating fish less likely to contain 2. Fillet fish and throw away the fat, skin and internal contaminants, and cleaning and cooking them properly. organs (where pollutants are most likely to accumulate) before you cook them. Fat is 1. , such as bluegill, trout and crappie, eat concentrated on the belly, the middle of the back, the and other aquatic life and are less likely to contain high line along the sides, and under the skin. levels of harmful pollutants. If you eat walleye, bass and other predatory fish, eat the smaller, younger fish which 3. Cooking does not destroy the contaminants, but heat are less likely to contain contaminants. Eat fewer fish from cooking melts some of the fat in fish and allows like carp and catfish, which feed on the bottom of lakes some of the contaminated fat to drain away. Broil, 12 and rivers and are more likely to contain contaminants. grill, or bake the trimmed, skinned fish on a rack so the fat drips away. L Licenses and Fees for 2004 I Resident Licenses ------Fishing License Not Required for---- C E Conservation Stamp (Class CS) Required for all a. Residents who are totally blind. A physician’s statement licensed anglers except holders of Class X, XJ, or certificate must be carried while fishing. N BL, B-L-I, AB-L, and AB-L-I licenses ...... $3 Hunting & Trapping (Class A) ...... $11 b. Residents 65 years of age or older. Such persons shall S Fishing (Class B) ...... $11 carry a WV driver’s license or photo ID card issued by the E Sportsman Hunting/Fishing/Trapping (Class X) WV Division of Motor Vehicles while fishing. for ages 18 through 64 ...... $25 S Junior Sportsman Hunting/Fishing/Trapping c. Nonresidents or residents under 15 years of age. (Class XJ) for ages 15 through 17 ...... $15 d. Residents on active duty in the U. S. armed forces while A Nonresident Licenses ------on military leave. Leave papers shall be carried while fishing. N Conservation Stamp (Class CS) Required for all e. Resident landowners or their resident children, resident D licensed anglers ...... $5 parents, or bonafide resident tenants of such land may fish Law Enforcement Stamp (Class LE) Required for all on their own land during open seasons in accordance with licensed anglers ...... $5 the laws and regulations applying to such fishing. F Statewide Fishing (Class F) ...... $30 E Statewide Bow or Gun Hunting (Class E) ...... $100 f. Residents permanently disabled in lower extremities. Statewide Tourist Fishing (Class K) A Class Q (free) license must be carried while fishing. E Three consecutive days ...... $5 g. Residents honorably discharged from the U. S. armed S Resident and Nonresident Licenses -- forces receiving total permanent service-connected disability benefits or former prisoners of war as Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) Required in F determined by the Veterans Administration or resident addition to a Class B, AB-L, AB-L-I, B-L, B-L-I, O F, G, K, Q, X, or XJ licenses disabled veterans who qualify under West Virginia Code Resident ...... $7.50 17A-10-8 and are exempted from payment of any motor R Nonresident ...... $10 vehicle registration fee by the Commissioner of Motor National Forest Hunting/Trapping/Fishing (Class I) Vehicles. Such persons must carry a card issued by the DNR. 2 Required on National Forests in addition to a Class B, F, E, Q, or K ...... $2 h. Residents or in-patients of any state mental hospital, health 0 or benevolent institution. Such persons must be under proper License Issuing Fee (in addition to licenses) 0 License agents ...... $1 supervision and carry a written statement or certificate County Clerks ...... $0.75 signed by the superintendent of the institution or facility. 4 Only one issuing fee will be charged for licenses and/or i. Developmentally disabled residents. A DDFL card issued stamps purchased at the same time in one name. Purchase by the DNR must be carried while fishing. of additional licenses will again be subject to an issuing fee. Definition of Resident Lifetime Licenses ------A U.S. citizen who has been a domiciled resident Combination Hunting, Trapping and Fishing continuously in West Virginia for 30 consecutive days or (Class AB-L)* ...... $570 more immediately prior to the date of application for a Combination Hunting, Trapping and Fishing - Infant license or permit. This includes members of the U.S. armed (Class AB-L-I)* ...... $285 forces stationed outside the state who were WV residents at Fishing (Class B-L)* ...... $325 the time of entry into the service and any full-time student of Fishing - Infant (Class B-L-I)* ...... $163 a college or university of this state. Trout Fishing (Class O-L)** ...... $150 Trout Fishing - Infant (Class O-L-I)** ...... $75 Purchasing a License ------* Class I, U, V, W licenses and Conservation Stamp not required. ** Valid only when accompanied by a Class B, AB-L, AB-L-I, B-L, Licenses may be obtained as follows: B-L-I, X, or XJ license. 1. At over 400 retail agent locations throughout the state. ($1.00 issuing fee) Point System for Violations ------2. At all county clerks offices statewide. ($0.75 issuing fee) 3. Over the Internet at . Persons making false application for a license will have www.wvfish.com their license privileges suspended for one (1) year. (Official DNR website - No issuing fee.) Points assigned for other hunting & fishing violations: 4. Directly from the Hunting and Fishing License Unit by phoning (304) 558-2758. (No issuing fee.) - 10 points for use of explosives or poison material in taking fish For additional information please contact the - 6 points for illegal possession or sale of wildlife Hunting and Fishing License Unit: - 4 points for all other violations West Virginia Division of Natural Resources When a violator accumulates 10 points, his / her license(s) will State Capitol Complex, Building 3, Room 624 be revoked for a period of two (2) years. Points will be removed Charleston, West Virginia 25305 on their second anniversary or upon restoration of the license(s). 13 (304) 558-2758 • [email protected] W Paintings by Duane Raver E West Virginia Sport Fish S T

V I Largemouth Bass Striped Bass Rock Bass R G I N I Smallmouth Bass Hybrid Striped Bass Spotted Bass A

S P O R White Bass White Crappie Black Crappie T

F I

S Brook Trout Rainbow Trout H

Golden Rainbow Trout Muskellunge Tiger Musky

Bullhead Catfish Channel Catfish Flathead Catfish

Yellow Perch Bluegill Freshwater Drum

Walleye Sauger Carp

Chain Pickerel Northern Pike Fallfish

Game Fish Defined: The following are game fish: brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, golden rainbow trout, black bass (largemouth, small mouth, spotted), striped bass, chain pickerel, muskellunge, northern pike, sauger, walleye, white 14 bass, rock bass, crappie, bluegill, other sunfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish and all gamefish hybrids.