FISHING AND
HUNTING IN
MOUNTAINEER COUNTRY, WV
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Calling all hunters and fishermen!
Escape to an outdoorsman’s paradise when you plan your next trip to Mountaineer Country. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources offers a variety of hunting and fishing options to residents and non-residents alike, including lifetime licenses that get you on the trail sooner! Explore options below and find everything you need to prepare for your next outdoor adventure in North Central West Virginia.
FISHING
Mountaineer Country is home to hundreds of lakes, rivers, and waterways—each alive with wild fish and regularly stocked by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Fishermen and anglers alike can expect to find a variety of bass, catfish, walleye and trout—including the highly sought-after golden rainbow trout, stocked regularly during the West Virginia Gold Rush.
Ready to cast out? Be sure your fishing license is up to date!
HOW TO BUY A FISHING LICENSE IN WEST VIRGINIA
Everyone ages 15 and older must have an active fishing license from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources before casting out onto the water. West Virginia residents and non-residents can purchase their license online, in-person at any of the state’s approved locations, or over the phone by calling (304) 558-6200.
Annual and lifetime licenses are available based on the type of fish, fishing activity, daily creel limits, and age of the license holder. A complete list of available license options and fishing fees can be found online here.
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PRO TIP: Purchasing a lifetime fishing license will ensure that nothing stops you from reeling in your next prize catch. And when you’re out on the water, be sure to have a form of identification with you at all times. To make sure you’re following all of the necessary rules, read a full outline of the West Virginia fishing regulations.
HUNTING & TRAPPING
Set up your hide where rolling hills meet Appalachian Mountains. Hunter and trappers visiting North Central West Virginia can find a variety of game across various terrain that is both easily accessible and away from it all.
Before you hit the woods, make sure your hunting license is good to go!
HOW TO BUY A HUNTING / TRAPPING LICENSE IN West Virginia
Visitors and residents can purchase or renew their hunting license online through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resource’s website, in-person at any of the state’s approved locations, or over the phone by calling the Hunting and Fishing Unit at (304) 558-2758.
West Virginia offers a range of hunting and trapping licenses based on game and hunter type, as well as special rates for children, seniors, veterans/POW, and people with disabilities. Find a complete list of hunting/trapping licenses by visiting online.
Looking to bring home a trophy? The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources asks that all hunters check their game after each trip, using their license ID. Hunters can check their game online with the WVDNR, in-person with a local state agent, or by calling 844-WVcheck (844-982-4325).
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PRO TIP: Know the rules before stepping into the woods. For a complete outline of all West Virginia hunting and trapping regulations, check out this resource from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
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Prepare for the elements
Forget something? Find everything you need for your next hunting or fishing trip at any of our local, family-owned and big brand sporting goods retailers. Whether you need cold gear for winter or new tackle for the summer, you’ll find it in Mountaineer Country.
Find Local Retailer Locations and Directions Below
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Hardcore Hunters: Located in Grafton, WV, Hardcore Hunters is a one-stop-shop for your hunting and fishing needs. Ask about Lakeside—their kayaking and watersports rental company.
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Pathfinder of WV: Located in Downtown Morgantown, WV, Pathfinder of WV is West Virginia’s largest independent outdoor retailer.
Plan YOUR NEXT HUNTING OR FISHING TRIP
Ready to reel in your next big catch or score a prized hunt? Start by planning your trip to North Central West Virginia, home to prime fishing spots, scenic waterways, and vast hunting grounds at Dream Mountain Ranch and other outdoor destinations. Build your own itinerary, use one of our special interest day-trips, or take a check-in challenge. You can also share your itinerary with friends. Save money during your visit with valuable discount coupons built into the app.
Plan your trip to Mountaineer Country today using the VMCCVB Trip Planner App, available for free in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Browse the area’s local hotels, gear shops, restaurants and scenic overlooks to create your perfect wilderness excursion.
And because we all know that every good trip has a story, we invite you to share your outdoor adventure story with us! Share pictures from your Mountaineer Country adventure with us by using #VisitMountaineerCountry and #MountaineerCountryYes on your social media posts!
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BOAT LAUNCHES IN
MOUNTAINEER COUNTRY
Grafton, WV
Enjoy a day on one of Grafton’s lakes or rivers. Lower your own boat at one of the boating ramp accesses or visit a marina for daily rentals. Bring the bait and tackle for fishing where catfish, bass, trout and bluegills are plentiful! Feeling adventurous? Check out one of the different types of rentals in the area, choose between kayaks, boats, paddle boards and more!
Kingwood, WV
Enjoy a day on one of Kingwood’s lakes or rivers. Lower your own boat at one of five different boating ramp accesses or visit a marina for daily rentals. Bring the bait and tackle for fishing where catfish, bass, trout and bluegills are plentiful!
Morgantown, WV
Enjoy a day on one of Morgantown’s lakes or rivers. Lower your own boat at one of the boating ramp accesses or visit a marina for daily rentals. Bring the bait and tackle for fishing where catfish, bass, trout and bluegills are plentiful! Feeling adventurous? Check out one of the different types of rentals in the area, choose between kayaks, boats, paddle boards and more!
PLAN YOUR CATCH –
FISHING IN MOUNTAINEER COUNTRY
The Top Fishing Spots in Monongalia, Preston, and Taylor County, WV
Are you in Mountaineer Country for the weekend and want to spend some time with your hook and reel? Or, are you a seasoned fisherman just wanting to test new waters? Either way, Mountaineer Country offers a variety of fishing opportunities and experiences for anglers at any stage.
There is no shortage of public fishing lakes, creeks, and streams in the Monongalia, Preston, and Taylor County area. With more than 150 species, angling enthusiasts gear up year round to catch the state’s best!
PLAN YOUR CATCH (.PDF)
FISHING AREAS IN
MONONGALIA COUNTY
Monongalia County takes its name from the Monongahela River that runs through the area. The county has a population of over 100,000 people with a majority of them residing in the city of Morgantown. In the county’s 366 square miles, there are seven public fishing areas.
Cheat River
Boat access and angler fishing are welcome at Cheat River, where smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and channel catfish reside.
Mason Lake
Stocked once in both February and May, Mason Lake is filled with trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and muskellunge. It also allows boat access.
Dixon Lake
Popular among anglers, Dixon Lake is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and sunfish.
Cheat Lake
Home to largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, and northern pike, Cheat Lake allows boat access and has camping areas available.
Whiteday Creek
Stocked once in February and once every two weeks, March through May, Whiteday Creek is home to trout.
Monongahela River
Boat access and angler fishing are allowed at Monongahela River, where smallmouth trout and channel catfish reside.
Westover Park Pond
Coopers Rock Pond
Stocked once in February, once every two weeks, March through May, and twice in October, Coopers Rock Pond is home to largemouth bass, bluegill, and trout. There are also campgrounds and picnic areas available.
FISHING AREAS IN
PRESTON COUNTY
Preston County is located next to Monongalia County. It contains part of the Monongahela National Forest as well as Cathedral State Park to go along with its creeks and lakes.
Wolf Creek
Stocked each month, February through May, Wolf Creek is home to trout.
Cheat River
Boat access and angler fishing are welcome at Cheat River, where smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and channel catfish reside.
Rhine Creek
Stocked once each month, February through May, Rhine Creek is where trout reside.
Newburg Lake
Stocked once each month, February through May, Newburg Lake is filled with trout.
Big Sandy Creek
Stocked once in February and once every two weeks, March through May, Big Sandy Creek holds trout.
Upper Deckers Creek
Angler fishing is allowed at Upper Deckers Creek, where bluegills reside, and boat access is welcomed.
FISHING AREAS IN
TAYLOR COUNTY
Taylor County is located south of Monongalia County and west of Preston County and is home to Tygart Lake State Park. Tygart Lake is man-made, built originally as an overflow reservoir along with Tygart Dam in 1934. Three rivers flow into Tygart Lake, making it the perfect fishing location.
Tygart Lake State Park
The 1,750-acre lake is stocked once a month between February and May, and then twice during October. Tygart Lake State Park is filled with trout, walleye, catfish, bluegill, bass, and crappie. Boat access and shore-casting welcome.
Tygart Valley River
Stocked once in February, and then bi-weekly between March and May and twice in October. Tygart Valley River is great for trout, bass, northern pike, walleye, catfish, and crappie fishing.
DNR Monster Trout Stocking
Fall trout stockings happen annually and are better than ever before. In October, the governor announced the launch of a new stocking program to coincide with fall trout stockings.
During this time, the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources will stock 40 lakes and streams with 30,000 trout, making it the perfect time for you to explore Almost Heaven’s waters and reel in a prized catch.
Check out all of the rules and how to participate on the Department of Natural Resources website!
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PRO TIP: Purchasing a lifetime fishing license will ensure that nothing stops you from reeling in your next prize catch. And when you’re out on the water, be sure to have a form of identification with you at all times. Happy fishing!
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