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Fishing in West Virginia

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Want trophy-size catches? These West Virginia spots deliver

About West Virginia fishing

West Virginia fishing includes trout streams, bass rivers, and catfish reservoirs. Mountain scenery enhances freshwater angling opportunities, appealing to both casual and serious anglers.

West Virginia fishing license

Fishing in West Virginia requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination permits, available online or at licensed agents.

In West Virginia, no fishing license is required for anglers under 15 or residents 65 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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Top fish species caught in West Virginia

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Biggest catches in West Virginia

Explore your local leaderboard—see the top catches in the app.

State records of caught fish in West Virginia

SpeciesWeightFlathead catfish70 lbsChannel catfish33.4 lbsLargemouth bass12.3 lbsRainbow trout11.7 lbsSmallmouth bass9.7 lbsBluegill2.7 lbs

Latest West Virginia fishing reports

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Channel catfish caught on Fishbrain
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Channel catfish

Castleman Run

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Channel catfish caught on Fishbrain
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Channel catfish

Schenk Lake

length · weight

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Largemouth bass caught on Fishbrain
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Largemouth bass

Middle Fork

length · weight

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Largemouth bass caught on Fishbrain
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Largemouth bass

Middle Fork

length · weight

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Largemouth bass caught on Fishbrain
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Largemouth bass

Middle Fork

length · weight

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Largemouth bass caught on Fishbrain
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Largemouth bass

Middle Fork

length · weight

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Fish caught on Fishbrain
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Elk River

length · weight

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Fish caught on Fishbrain
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Elk River

length · weight

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Wiper caught on Fishbrain
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Wiper

Ohio River (East Liverpool - Lawrenceburg)

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River chub caught on Fishbrain
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River chub

Huff Creek

9 in · 5 oz

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Fishing regulations in West Virginia

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in West Virginia can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Flathead catfish as of September 13th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.

Flathead catfish

Seasons

Open

Bag limit

30
Restrictions & requirements
Additional information
No size limit. Possession limit = 60 flathead catfish.SPECIAL AREA REGULATIONS:Kanawha River (Mouth of Kanawha River extending upstream to the confluence of the New and Gauley rivers): Daily creel limit of four flathead catfish, of which only one may be 35 inches or longer; possession limit of eight.Monongahela River (entire length of Monongahela River from the Pennsylvania state line to the confluence of the Tygart Valley and West Fork rivers): Daily creel limit of four flathead catfish, of which only one may be 35 inches or longer; possession limit of eight.Ohio River (entire length of Ohio River from the mouth of Mill Creek, Hancock County, downstream to the mouth of the Big Sandy River, Wayne County. This regulation applies to all waters included in the Ohio River Reciprocal Agreement with the state of Ohio.): Daily creel limit of four flathead catfish, of which only one may be 35 inches or longer; possession limit of eight.
Edibility
Very good
Synonyms

Pylodictis olivaris

Regulations for

38°20′58.2″N 81°37′59.9″W
Regulations in the map
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FAQ about West Virginia fishing

📜 What are the fishing regulations in West Virginia, United States?
Fishing regulations in West Virginia, United States vary by location, species, and season. Rules may include size limits, bag limits, licensing requirements, and protected areas. Because regulations are managed locally and can change throughout the year, it's important to check the latest official guidance before fishing.

To stay up to date and avoid guesswork, use the to explore local rules, discover popular waters, and see what other anglers are catching across United States.
🐟 What are the best fish species to catch in West Virginia, United States?
Some of the most popular species anglers target in West Virginia, United States include Flathead catfish, Channel catfish, and Bluegill. The best species often depend on season, water type, and location within the country.

For more detailed, real-time insights, the shows which species are being caught near you and what baits are working best across United States.
🌊 Where are the top fishing spots in West Virginia, United States?
Some of the most popular fishing spots in West Virginia, United States include Ohio River (East Liverpool - Lawrenceburg), Kanawha River, and Guyandotte River. Anglers across the country fish a wide range of waters, with opportunities varying by region and season.

With the , you can explore local hotspots anywhere in United States, see recent catches, and find out what's working near you.