Fish stocking schedule
West Virginia fish stocking schedule 2026.
- Year-Round
- West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
West Virginia's trout stocking program covers over 200 waters statewide, with the famous Golden Rainbow Trout — a strain stocked exclusively in West Virginia — released in selected streams as a unique destination draw.
Official source
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Stocking Report
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources publishes the authoritative West Virginia stocking schedule — Weekly updates in Posted list format. For this week's actual stocking locations, dates, and volumes, view the official report directly.
This page summarizes the West Virginia stocking program for planning purposes. The agency report is the authoritative source — verify before any trip.
Primary stocked species
In West Virginia.
Typical stocking pattern by species. Heavy fill marks primary stocking months; moderate fill marks possible stocking. Verify exact dates against the official report.
- Rainbow TroutOncorhynchus mykissTypical size: 9–12 inch catchable; some trophy fish 16+ inches
- Brown TroutSalmo truttaTypical size: 9–14 inch catchable; trophy fish 18–24 inches
- Brook TroutSalvelinus fontinalisTypical size: 8–11 inch catchable
- MuskellungeEsox masquinongyTypical size: 8–12 inch fingerling
- Channel CatfishIctalurus punctatusTypical size: 10–14 inch catchable; 1–3 inch fingerling
Notable West Virginia programs
- Catch and Release Areas
- Wild Trout Streams
- Golden Rainbow Trout (centennial program)
- Muskellunge Stocking
State hatchery system
West Virginia operates 7 state-run fish hatcheries supporting the stocking program.
West Virginia urban fishing program
West Virginia maintains a designated urban fishing program — typically frequent stockings of catfish, trout, and panfish in city ponds and lakes. These programs are designed to make fishing accessible to families and first-time anglers.
West Virginia urban fishing program details →Weekly stocking alerts for West Virginia.
Bield Fish reads West Virginia Division of Natural Resources's stocking reports and alerts you when your saved waters are stocked. Set your county once and you'll know the day fish hit your home river.
Start free trial →Hatch calendars for West Virginia trout rivers