WEST VIRGINIA Fishing Regulations JANUARY - DECEMBER 2004 West Virginia Division of Natural Resources D I Investment in a Legacy --------------------------- S West Virginia’s anglers enjoy a rich sportfishing legacy and conservation ethic that is maintained T through their commitment to our state’s fishery 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 fish hatchery programs. Many anglers are C aware of the successful trout 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 Fish Hatchery was the state’s primary facility dedicated to the production of warmwater fish. Millions of walleye, muskellunge, channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, saugeye, tiger musky, and largemouth F and smallmouth bass 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 County. 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 Ohio River. 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 fisheries restoration projects in the state. The DNR looks forward to future fisheries management 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, North Bend State Park, 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 Creel and Possession Limit Creel and possession limit of zero for shovelnose sturgeon and lake sturgeon. (See page 2) Maryland 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 Jennings Randolph 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 East Lynn Lake. 12-inch minimum limit, daily creel N limit 5, and possession limit 10, in effect at Jennings Randolph Lake. 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) tributaries, designated warmwater streams (see below) and Edwards Run. 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 Middle Island Creek 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