WVDNR STOCKS 44 WATERS WITH MONSTER, TROPHY-SIZE TROUT

ANGLERS WHO CATCH A TAGGED MONSTER TROUT CAN WIN A PRIZE

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced today that 44 lakes and streams were stocked with trout during the weeks of Oct. 21 and Oct. 28 as part of the state’s third annual Monster Trout Contest.

During these two weeks, the WVDNR stocked 35,000 pounds of trophy-size trout and 6,500 pounds of monster trout, 100 of which received a pink tag. Anglers who catch a tagged monster trout, submit a photo with the tag number online and meet eligibility requirements can win a prize. One winner will receive a weekend cabin stay at a West Virginia State Park, and four other winners will receive a Cabela’s prize package. In addition, one monster trout was tagged by West Virginia’s first youth Master Angler. Whoever catches it and meets eligibility requirements can win a free lifetime fishing license.

To be eligible to win, Monster Trout Contest entries must be submitted by Friday, November 22, 2024. To learn more about the Monster Trout Contest, visit WVdnr.gov/fall-monster-trout-stockings.

Fall Trout Stocking Locations

The following waters received a stocking during the weeks of Oct. 21 and Oct. 28:

Anthony Creek
Big Clear Creek
Blackwater River
Brandywine Lake
Buckhannon River
Buffalo Fork Lake
Cacapon Park Lakes
Coopers Rock Lake
Cranberry River
Elk River (Randolph, Tucker)
Evitts Run
Glade Creek Of New River (Raleigh)
Knapps Creek
Lost River
New Creek Dam No. 14
North Branch Potomac River (Jennings Randolph Tailwaters)
North Fork South Branch
Opequon Creek
Pendleton Lake
Pinnacle Creek
Pipestem Lake
Pond Fork
R.D. Bailey Tailwaters
Rock Cliff Lake
Seneca Lake
Shavers Fork (Bemis)
Shavers Fork (Lower Section)
Shavers Fork (Upper Section)
South Branch (Franklin)
South Branch (Smoke Hole)
Spruce Knob Lake
Summersville Tailwaters
Summit Lake
Sutton Tailwaters
Teter Creek Lake
Tygart Lake Tailwaters
Tygart Valley River Headwaters
Upper Guyandotte River (Mullens)
Watoga Lake
West Fork Greenbrier River
Wheeling Creek
Williams River
Wheeling Creek
Williams River

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. In inclement weather, missed stockings are made up by either additional stocking runs or additional fish added to upcoming stocking events. For more information about trout stocking locations, anglers should check pages 14-15 in the 2024 Fishing Regulations Summary, available to download at WVdnr.gov/fishing-regulations.

All anglers 15 years and older are required to have a West Virginia fishing license, trout stamp and a valid form of identification while fishing for trout. Licenses and stamps can be purchased at 175 retail locations across the state or online at WVfish.com.