The Elk River in Webster County is one of the best places for a trout fishing adventure and one of the most exciting places to cast your line.

And it’s about to get even better!

This November and December, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will stock 1,500 trout in the Elk River and Back Fork of the Elk River (C&R) to promote fishing in the area and across the state.

Under the leadership of Gov. Jim Justice and in partnership with Webster County tourism and economic development officials, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is stocking the Elk River and Back Fork of Elk River as part of an exciting pilot program to not only enhance the fishing experience for anglers but also to evaluate the economic impact trout stockings on Webster County’s charming towns.

WVDNR hatchery staff will stock the Elk River and Back Fork of Elk River catch and release section once in November and again in December.

Each stocking will include a generous supply of at least 750 rainbow trout, for a total of 1,500 additional stocked trout. For up to date information on trout stockings, visit the stocking page at WVdnr.gov/fish-stocking. You can also by check the stocking schedule on pages 14–15 in the 2023 West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary.

These additional stockings are made possible by recent upgrades to West Virginia’s trout hatcheries, which has improved capacity and efficiency and allowed the WVDNR to stock more fish and bigger fish than ever before.

Thanks to these investments in hatchery infrastructure and ongoing support from Gov. Jim Justice, West Virginia’s hatcheries continue to be a big part of why West Virginia is a premier destination for trout fishing.

If you want to reel in a trout, you’ll need a few things before you can cast your line. First, you need to make sure that you have a valid 2023 West Virginia fishing license and trout stamp, which you can purchase online at WVfish.com or at verified license agents around the state. When fishing, you also need to have a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license.

If you need additional guidance on trout fishing in the fall, check out our Fall Trout Fishing Guide for tips, best fishing spots and helpful reminders to get you ready for fishing adventures in Almost Heaven, West Virginia.