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Why limit yourself to public land when there are millions of acres of private land to explore.
Fishing in West Virginia
West Virginia Fishing at a Glance
With over 50 species of fish, including bass, trout, catfish, and panfish, the Mountain State offers some of the best trout fishing in the nation.
From world-renowned streams to placid lakes and creeks, West Virginia makes it easy to get into fishing with over 1000 licensing agents available throughout the state. Before heading out on your adventure, make sure you have a valid fishing license. Prices vary depending on residency and the length of time you want to spend angling.
Once everything is squared away, why not try casting a line at one of West Virginia’s best spots for fishing – Lake Sherwood, Cheat Lake or New River.
West Virginia ranks #17 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has a good number of local fishing enhtusiasts with over 13.62% of the population having fishing licenses.
Key Insights
- West Virginia offers some of the best trout fishing in the nation with over 50 species of fish available including bass, trout, catfish, and panfish.
- There are over 1000 licensing agents throughout the state to make it easy to get into fishing, but a valid fishing license is required before heading out.
- Some of the best fishing spots in West Virginia include Lake Sherwood, Cheat Lake, and New River.
- West Virginia ranks #17 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has a good number of local fishing enthusiasts with over 13.62% of the population having fishing licenses.
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 1,793,716 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 244,350 |
| Fishing License % | 13.62% |
| Hunters Rank | 17 |
The state of West Virginia is mostly private land with just 9.92% of acres considered public land -ranking #24 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 15,415,700 | ||
| Public | 1,530,000 | 9.92% | 24 |
| Private | 13,885,700 | 90.08% | 25 |
| Tribal | 0 | 0.00% | no tribal land |
West Virginia Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the West Virginia DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
West Virginia DNR
324 Fourth Ave
South Charleston, WV 25303
- (304) 558-2754
Lurking beneath the calm surface of these waters lies an array of captivating fish, each with their own distinctive traits that make fishing for them a thrilling exercise. Smallmouth bass are renowned for their aggressive nature and hiding largemouth bass often seek refuge in the depths of weeds and other cover. Channel catfish like to burrow themselves away, concealing themselves in holes or crevices while flathead catfish typically stick close to sunken logs or other sediment on the lake-bed. Rainbow trout are admired for their vivid color palettes and delicate taste, while brown trout continue to challenge even seasoned fishermen due to their unwavering stamina.
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Fishing private land in West Virginia
Fishing on private land in West Virginia has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in West Virginia or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Cheat Lake
2. Ohio River
3. Summersville Lake
4. West Virginia State Parks
5. Monongahela National Forest
Fishing private land in West Virginia
Fishing on private land in West Virginia has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in West Virginia or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.