West Virginia — Fishing Regulations — United States

Black Crappie — Beech Fork Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 30 crappie per day (black and white crappie in aggregate) for black crappie. Statewide "All Other Game Fish" limit: daily creel 30 for black and white crappie in aggregate, no minimum size, possession limit 60 (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Black Crappie · Beech Fork Lake

Black Crappie — Bluestone Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Black Crappie · Bluestone Lake

Black Crappie — Burnsville Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Black Crappie · Burnsville Lake

Black Crappie — Cheat Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Black Crappie · Cheat Lake

Black Crappie — North Bend Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Black Crappie · North Bend Lake

Black Crappie — R.D. Bailey Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Black Crappie · R.D. Bailey Lake

Black Crappie — Stonecoal Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Black Crappie · Stonecoal Lake

Black Crappie — Stonewall Jackson Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Black Crappie · Stonewall Jackson Lake

Black Crappie — Summersville Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Black Crappie · Summersville Lake

Blue Catfish — Kanawha River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 4 blue catfish per day with a 25-inch minimum size on the Kanawha and Ohio rivers, of which only one may exceed 35 inches for blue catfish. Minimum size 25 inches; only one may exceed 35 inches. Blue catfish special regulation on the entire length of the Kanawha and Ohio rivers: daily creel 4 with a 25-inch minimum, only one over 35 inches; possession limit 8, only two of which may exceed 35 inches. Statewide blue catfish limits (2 daily, 25-inch minimum) apply elsewhere (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Blue Catfish · Kanawha River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: 4 blue catfish per day with a 25-inch minimum size on the Kanawha and Ohio rivers, of which only one may exceed 35 inches · Size limit: Minimum size 25 inches; only one may exceed 35 inches. · License required

Blue Catfish — Ohio River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Blue Catfish · Ohio River (West Virginia)

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: 4 blue catfish per day with a 25-inch minimum size on the Kanawha and Ohio rivers, of which only one may exceed 35 inches · Size limit: Minimum size 25 inches; only one may exceed 35 inches. · License required

Bluegill — Beech Fork Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 30 sunfish per day (bluegill and all other sunfish species in aggregate) for bluegill. Statewide "All Other Game Fish" limit: daily creel 30 for bluegill and all other sunfish in aggregate, no minimum size, possession limit 60 (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Mason Lake and Teter Creek Lake carry a special 10-fish sunfish regulation. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Bluegill · Beech Fork Lake

Bluegill — Burnsville Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Bluegill · Burnsville Lake

Bluegill — Cheat Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Bluegill · Cheat Lake

Bluegill — Mount Storm Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Bluegill · Mount Storm Lake

Bluegill — North Bend Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Bluegill · North Bend Lake

Bluegill — R.D. Bailey Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Bluegill · R.D. Bailey Lake

Bluegill — Stonecoal Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Bluegill · Stonecoal Lake

Bluegill — Stonewall Jackson Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Bluegill · Stonewall Jackson Lake

Bluegill — Summersville Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Bluegill · Summersville Lake

Brook Trout — Blackwater River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Blackwater River except in the 3.5-mile catch-and-release section from the county Route 29/1 bridge in Blackwater Falls State Park downstream to the mouth of the North Fork, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once for brook trout. Blackwater River catch-and-release trout section (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary): daylight hours only, artificial flies and lures only, barbless multiple-hook lures, no trout in possession on the section. Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere. A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Brook Trout · Blackwater River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Blackwater River except in the 3.5-mile catch-and-release section from the county Route 29/1 bridge in Blackwater Falls State Park downstream to the mouth of the North Fork, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once · License required

Brook Trout — Cranberry River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Cranberry River except in the 4.3-mile catch-and-release section from the junction of the North and South forks downstream to the low water bridge at Dogway Fork, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once for brook trout. Cranberry River catch-and-release trout section (access by foot on National Forest Route 76 from the Cranberry Glades parking area): daylight hours only, artificial flies and lures only, barbless multiple-hook lures, no trout in possession on the section. Dogway Fork of the Cranberry (main stream and all tributaries) is fly-fishing-only, catch-and-release. Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Brook Trout · Cranberry River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Cranberry River except in the 4.3-mile catch-and-release section from the junction of the North and South forks downstream to the low water bridge at Dogway Fork, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once · License required

Brook Trout — Elk River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Elk River except in the designated catch-and-release sections - the 2-mile Randolph County section from Elk Springs Campground downstream to the Rose Run bridge and the 4.6-mile Slatyfork section from the junction of Big Spring and Old Field forks downstream to the mouth of Dry Branch (including Props Run and Big Run) - where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once for brook trout. Elk River catch-and-release trout sections: daylight hours only; only artificial flies and lures made of metal, wood, feathers, hair or synthetic material may be used or possessed; multiple-hook lures must be barbless; no trout may be in the angler's possession on catch-and-release sections. Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere on the river (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Brook Trout · Elk River (West Virginia)

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Elk River except in the designated catch-and-release sections - the 2-mile Randolph County section from Elk Springs Campground downstream to the Rose Run bridge and the 4.6-mile Slatyfork section from the junction of Big Spring and Old Field forks downstream to the mouth of Dry Branch (including Props Run and Big Run) - where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once · License required

Brook Trout — Shavers Fork of Cheat River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on Shavers Fork except in the 5.5-mile Randolph County delayed-harvest section from the mouth of Whitmeadow Run downstream to the mouth of McGee Run, where catch-and-release regulations apply November 1 - May 15 and general regulations apply May 16 - October 31 for brook trout. Shavers Fork delayed-harvest trout section (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere on the river. A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Brook Trout · Shavers Fork of Cheat River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on Shavers Fork except in the 5.5-mile Randolph County delayed-harvest section from the mouth of Whitmeadow Run downstream to the mouth of McGee Run, where catch-and-release regulations apply November 1 - May 15 and general regulations apply May 16 - October 31 · License required

Brook Trout — Williams River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Williams River except in the 2-mile delayed-harvest section beginning at a signed location approximately 2 miles downstream of Tea Creek and extending 2 miles downstream, where catch-and-release regulations apply November 1 - May 15 and general regulations apply May 16 - October 31 for brook trout. Williams River delayed-harvest trout section (access by National Forest Route 86); Tea Creek and its tributaries upstream of Tea Creek Campground are catch-and-release. Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere on the river (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Brook Trout · Williams River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Williams River except in the 2-mile delayed-harvest section beginning at a signed location approximately 2 miles downstream of Tea Creek and extending 2 miles downstream, where catch-and-release regulations apply November 1 - May 15 and general regulations apply May 16 - October 31 · License required

Brown Trout — Blackwater River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Blackwater River except in the 3.5-mile catch-and-release section from the county Route 29/1 bridge in Blackwater Falls State Park downstream to the mouth of the North Fork, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once for brown trout. Blackwater River catch-and-release trout section (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary): daylight hours only, artificial flies and lures only, barbless multiple-hook lures, no trout in possession on the section. Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere. A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Brown Trout · Blackwater River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Blackwater River except in the 3.5-mile catch-and-release section from the county Route 29/1 bridge in Blackwater Falls State Park downstream to the mouth of the North Fork, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once · License required

Brown Trout — Cranberry River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Cranberry River except in the 4.3-mile catch-and-release section from the junction of the North and South forks downstream to the low water bridge at Dogway Fork, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once for brown trout. Cranberry River catch-and-release trout section (access by foot on National Forest Route 76 from the Cranberry Glades parking area): daylight hours only, artificial flies and lures only, barbless multiple-hook lures, no trout in possession on the section. Dogway Fork of the Cranberry (main stream and all tributaries) is fly-fishing-only, catch-and-release. Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Brown Trout · Cranberry River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Cranberry River except in the 4.3-mile catch-and-release section from the junction of the North and South forks downstream to the low water bridge at Dogway Fork, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once · License required

Brown Trout — Elk River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Elk River except in the designated catch-and-release sections - the 2-mile Randolph County section from Elk Springs Campground downstream to the Rose Run bridge and the 4.6-mile Slatyfork section from the junction of Big Spring and Old Field forks downstream to the mouth of Dry Branch (including Props Run and Big Run) - where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once for brown trout. Elk River catch-and-release trout sections: daylight hours only; only artificial flies and lures made of metal, wood, feathers, hair or synthetic material may be used or possessed; multiple-hook lures must be barbless; no trout may be in the angler's possession on catch-and-release sections. Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere on the river (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Brown Trout · Elk River (West Virginia)

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Elk River except in the designated catch-and-release sections - the 2-mile Randolph County section from Elk Springs Campground downstream to the Rose Run bridge and the 4.6-mile Slatyfork section from the junction of Big Spring and Old Field forks downstream to the mouth of Dry Branch (including Props Run and Big Run) - where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once · License required

Brown Trout — Shavers Fork of Cheat River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on Shavers Fork except in the 5.5-mile Randolph County delayed-harvest section from the mouth of Whitmeadow Run downstream to the mouth of McGee Run, where catch-and-release regulations apply November 1 - May 15 and general regulations apply May 16 - October 31 for brown trout. Shavers Fork delayed-harvest trout section (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere on the river. A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Brown Trout · Shavers Fork of Cheat River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on Shavers Fork except in the 5.5-mile Randolph County delayed-harvest section from the mouth of Whitmeadow Run downstream to the mouth of McGee Run, where catch-and-release regulations apply November 1 - May 15 and general regulations apply May 16 - October 31 · License required

Brown Trout — South Branch Potomac River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the South Branch except in the 1-mile Pendleton County catch-and-release section beginning 2 miles below U.S. Route 220 at Eagle Rock and extending downstream, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once for brown trout. South Branch of the Potomac River catch-and-release trout section (Pendleton County): daylight hours only, artificial flies and lures only, barbless multiple-hook lures, no trout in possession on the section. Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Brown Trout · South Branch Potomac River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the South Branch except in the 1-mile Pendleton County catch-and-release section beginning 2 miles below U.S. Route 220 at Eagle Rock and extending downstream, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once · License required

Brown Trout — Williams River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Williams River except in the 2-mile delayed-harvest section beginning at a signed location approximately 2 miles downstream of Tea Creek and extending 2 miles downstream, where catch-and-release regulations apply November 1 - May 15 and general regulations apply May 16 - October 31 for brown trout. Williams River delayed-harvest trout section (access by National Forest Route 86); Tea Creek and its tributaries upstream of Tea Creek Campground are catch-and-release. Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere on the river (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Brown Trout · Williams River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Williams River except in the 2-mile delayed-harvest section beginning at a signed location approximately 2 miles downstream of Tea Creek and extending 2 miles downstream, where catch-and-release regulations apply November 1 - May 15 and general regulations apply May 16 - October 31 · License required

Channel Catfish — Beech Fork Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 30 channel catfish per day for channel catfish. Channel catfish special rule: on Mt. Storm, Stonecoal, Cheat and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes (and all rivers and streams) the daily limit is 30 and the possession limit is 60 (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Channel Catfish · Beech Fork Lake

Channel Catfish — Bluestone Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Channel Catfish · Bluestone Lake

Channel Catfish — Burnsville Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Channel Catfish · Burnsville Lake

Channel Catfish — Cheat Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Channel Catfish · Cheat Lake

Channel Catfish — Elk River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 30 channel catfish per day on rivers and streams for channel catfish. Channel catfish on all rivers and streams (and on Mt. Storm, Stonecoal, Cheat and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes): daily creel 30, possession limit 60. In state-managed impoundments the daily limit is 4 and possession limit 8 (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Channel Catfish · Elk River (West Virginia)

Channel Catfish — Gauley River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Channel Catfish · Gauley River

Channel Catfish — Greenbrier River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Channel Catfish · Greenbrier River

Channel Catfish — Kanawha River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Channel Catfish · Kanawha River

Channel Catfish — Monongahela River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Channel Catfish · Monongahela River

Channel Catfish — Mount Storm Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Channel Catfish · Mount Storm Lake

Channel Catfish — New River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Channel Catfish · New River (West Virginia)

Channel Catfish — North Bend Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 4 channel catfish per day in state-managed impoundments for channel catfish. Channel catfish in state-managed impoundments: daily creel 4, possession limit 8. On Mt. Storm, Stonecoal, Cheat and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes and all rivers and streams the daily limit is 30 and possession limit is 60 (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Channel Catfish · North Bend Lake

Channel Catfish — Ohio River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Channel Catfish · Ohio River (West Virginia)

Channel Catfish — R.D. Bailey Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Channel Catfish · R.D. Bailey Lake

Channel Catfish — South Branch Potomac River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Channel Catfish · South Branch Potomac River

Channel Catfish — Stonecoal Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Channel Catfish · Stonecoal Lake

Channel Catfish — Stonewall Jackson Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Channel Catfish · Stonewall Jackson Lake

Channel Catfish — Summersville Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Channel Catfish · Summersville Lake

Flathead Catfish — Bluestone Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 30 flathead catfish per day for flathead catfish. Statewide flathead catfish limit: daily creel 30, possession limit 60 (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). The Kanawha, Monongahela and Ohio rivers carry a special 4-fish flathead regulation - see the Catfish special regulations page. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Flathead Catfish · Bluestone Lake

Flathead Catfish — Kanawha River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 4 flathead catfish per day, of which only one may be 35 inches or longer for flathead catfish. Only one flathead catfish 35 inches or longer. Catfish special regulation: daily creel limit of four flathead catfish, of which only one may be 35 inches or longer. Applies on the entire length of this river as listed by WVDNR (Kanawha River from its mouth upstream to the confluence of the New and Gauley rivers; entire length of the Ohio River from the mouth of Mill Creek, Hancock County, downstream to the mouth of the Big Sandy River; Monongahela River from the Pennsylvania state line to the confluence of the Tygart Valley and West Fork rivers). Statewide flathead limits (30 daily) apply elsewhere in West Virginia (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Flathead Catfish · Kanawha River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: 4 flathead catfish per day, of which only one may be 35 inches or longer · Size limit: Only one flathead catfish 35 inches or longer. · License required

Flathead Catfish — Monongahela River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 4 flathead catfish per day, of which only one may be 35 inches or longer for flathead catfish. Only one flathead catfish 35 inches or longer. Catfish special regulation on the entire length of the Monongahela River (flathead catfish only) 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 (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Flathead Catfish · Monongahela River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: 4 flathead catfish per day, of which only one may be 35 inches or longer · Size limit: Only one flathead catfish 35 inches or longer. · License required

Flathead Catfish — New River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Flathead Catfish · New River (West Virginia)

Flathead Catfish — Ohio River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Flathead Catfish · Ohio River (West Virginia)

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: 4 flathead catfish per day, of which only one may be 35 inches or longer · Size limit: Only one flathead catfish 35 inches or longer. · License required

Hybrid Striped Bass — Beech Fork Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 4 fish per day (hybrid striped bass, striped bass and white bass in combination) for hybrid striped bass. Minimum size 15 inches. True bass special regulation on Beech Fork, Bluestone, Mt. Storm and R.D. Bailey lakes and the Kanawha River (from the confluence of the New and Gauley rivers downstream to the Buffalo Bridge): daily creel 4, minimum size 15 inches, possession limit 4 (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Hybrid Striped Bass · Beech Fork Lake

Hybrid Striped Bass — Bluestone Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Hybrid Striped Bass · Bluestone Lake

Hybrid Striped Bass — Kanawha River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Segment-dependent true bass limits, all segments listed: from the confluence of the New and Gauley rivers downstream to the Buffalo Bridge - 4 fish per day (hybrid striped bass, striped bass and white bass in combination) with a 15-inch minimum size and a possession limit of 4; elsewhere on the river (downstream of the Buffalo Bridge to the mouth) the statewide true bass limit applies - 30 in combination per day, of which no more than four fish may be greater than 15 inches for hybrid striped bass. Confluence of the New and Gauley rivers to the Buffalo Bridge: minimum size 15 inches. Statewide limits elsewhere (no more than four fish greater than 15 inches in the daily creel). Kanawha River true bass special regulation by segment: the 4-fish, 15-inch-minimum rule applies from the confluence of the New and Gauley rivers downstream to the Buffalo Bridge; the statewide true bass limits apply elsewhere on the river (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Hybrid Striped Bass · Kanawha River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Segment-dependent true bass limits, all segments listed: from the confluence of the New and Gauley rivers downstream to the Buffalo Bridge - 4 fish per day (hybrid striped bass, striped bass and white bass in combination) with a 15-inch minimum size and a possession limit of 4; elsewhere on the river (downstream of the Buffalo Bridge to the mouth) the statewide true bass limit applies - 30 in combination per day, of which no more than four fish may be greater than 15 inches · Size limit: Confluence of the New and Gauley rivers to the Buffalo Bridge: minimum size 15 inches. Statewide limits elsewhere (no more than four fish greater than 15 inches in the daily creel). · License required

Hybrid Striped Bass — Mount Storm Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Hybrid Striped Bass · Mount Storm Lake

Hybrid Striped Bass — Ohio River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 30 true bass per day (hybrid striped bass, striped bass and white bass in any combination), of which no more than four fish may be greater than 15 inches for hybrid striped bass. No more than four fish greater than 15 inches in the daily creel. Statewide true bass limit (hybrid striped bass, striped bass, white bass): daily creel 30 in any combination with no more than four fish greater than 15 inches, possession limit 30. Applies statewide except in designated special regulations waters (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Hybrid Striped Bass · Ohio River (West Virginia)

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: 30 true bass per day (hybrid striped bass, striped bass and white bass in any combination), of which no more than four fish may be greater than 15 inches · Size limit: No more than four fish greater than 15 inches in the daily creel. · License required

Hybrid Striped Bass — R.D. Bailey Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Hybrid Striped Bass · R.D. Bailey Lake

Largemouth Bass — Beech Fork Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 6 black bass per day (smallmouth, spotted and largemouth in any combination) for largemouth bass. All black bass under 12 inches long must be returned to the water at once. Beech Fork Lake black bass minimum-size regulation (also on Barboursville, Chief Logan and Conaway Run lakes): release all black bass under 12 inches (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · Beech Fork Lake

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: 6 black bass per day (smallmouth, spotted and largemouth in any combination) · Size limit: All black bass under 12 inches long must be returned to the water at once. · License required

Largemouth Bass — Bluestone Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 6 black bass per day (smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass in any combination) for largemouth bass. Statewide black bass limit: daily creel 6 in any combination, no statewide minimum size, possession limit 12 in any combination (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Special regulation waters (catch-and-release, minimum-size and slot-limit areas) differ - see the Black Bass special regulations page. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · Bluestone Lake

Largemouth Bass — Burnsville Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · Burnsville Lake

Largemouth Bass — Cheat Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · Cheat Lake

Largemouth Bass — Elk River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · Elk River (West Virginia)

Largemouth Bass — Greenbrier River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — In the 6-mile Greenbrier County section from the U.S. Route 60 bridge near Caldwell downstream to the U.S. Route 219 bridge at Ronceverte: 6 black bass per day with only one over 20 inches, and all black bass from 12 to 20 inches long must be returned to the water at once (black bass under 12 inches may be harvested); statewide black bass limits (6 daily, no size limit) apply elsewhere on the river for largemouth bass. Caldwell-Ronceverte section: release all black bass 12 to 20 inches; only one over 20 inches. No size limit elsewhere. Greenbrier River black bass slot-limit section (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · Greenbrier River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: In the 6-mile Greenbrier County section from the U.S. Route 60 bridge near Caldwell downstream to the U.S. Route 219 bridge at Ronceverte: 6 black bass per day with only one over 20 inches, and all black bass from 12 to 20 inches long must be returned to the water at once (black bass under 12 inches may be harvested); statewide black bass limits (6 daily, no size limit) apply elsewhere on the river · Size limit: Caldwell-Ronceverte section: release all black bass 12 to 20 inches; only one over 20 inches. No size limit elsewhere. · License required

Largemouth Bass — Kanawha River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · Kanawha River

Largemouth Bass — Mount Storm Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · Mount Storm Lake

Largemouth Bass — New River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Segment-dependent black bass limits, all segments listed: from the confluence of the New and Gauley rivers upstream to the West Virginia/Virginia state line - 6 black bass per day with only one over 22 inches, and all black bass from 14 to 22 inches long must be returned to the water at once - EXCEPT in Bluestone Lake (from the dam upstream to the mouth of Indian Creek), where statewide limits apply, and in the 12-mile catch-and-release section from the NPS Grandview Sandbar access near Quinnimont upstream to the I-64 bridge at Sandstone (Fayette, Raleigh and Summers counties), where all black bass caught must be returned to the water at once (creel 0) for largemouth bass. Slot segments: release all black bass 14 to 22 inches; only one over 22 inches. Catch-and-release section: no black bass may be possessed. New River black bass special regulations by segment - slot limit plus the 12-mile Sandstone-to-Grandview catch-and-release section (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · New River (West Virginia)

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Segment-dependent black bass limits, all segments listed: from the confluence of the New and Gauley rivers upstream to the West Virginia/Virginia state line - 6 black bass per day with only one over 22 inches, and all black bass from 14 to 22 inches long must be returned to the water at once - EXCEPT in Bluestone Lake (from the dam upstream to the mouth of Indian Creek), where statewide limits apply, and in the 12-mile catch-and-release section from the NPS Grandview Sandbar access near Quinnimont upstream to the I-64 bridge at Sandstone (Fayette, Raleigh and Summers counties), where all black bass caught must be returned to the water at once (creel 0) · Size limit: Slot segments: release all black bass 14 to 22 inches; only one over 22 inches. Catch-and-release section: no black bass may be possessed. · License required

Largemouth Bass — North Bend Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 6 black bass per day (smallmouth, spotted and largemouth); only one may exceed 16 inches for largemouth bass. Only one black bass may exceed 16 inches. North Bend Lake black bass regulation (also on Elk Fork, O'Brien and Woodrum lakes): daily creel limit of six black bass, only one of which may exceed 16 inches (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · North Bend Lake

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: 6 black bass per day (smallmouth, spotted and largemouth); only one may exceed 16 inches · Size limit: Only one black bass may exceed 16 inches. · License required

Largemouth Bass — Ohio River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 6 black bass per day (smallmouth, spotted and largemouth in any combination) for largemouth bass. All black bass under 12 inches long must be returned to the water at once. Black bass minimum-size regulation on the entire length of the Ohio River from the mouth of Mill Creek, Hancock County, downstream to the mouth of the Big Sandy River, Wayne County; applies to all waters included in the Ohio River Reciprocal Agreement with the State of Ohio (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · Ohio River (West Virginia)

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: 6 black bass per day (smallmouth, spotted and largemouth in any combination) · Size limit: All black bass under 12 inches long must be returned to the water at once. · License required

Largemouth Bass — R.D. Bailey Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · R.D. Bailey Lake

Largemouth Bass — South Branch Potomac River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide black bass limits (6 per day, no size limit) apply on the South Branch except in the two designated catch-and-release areas - Area 1, the 8-mile Hardy County section from the routes 28, 55 and 220 bridge (Petersburg Gap bridge) downstream to the county Route 13 bridge (Fisher bridge), and Area 2, the 9.5-mile Hampshire County section from the routes 28 and 50 bridge (Romney bridge) downstream to the state Route 28 bridge (Blue Beach bridge) - where all black bass caught must be returned to the water at once for largemouth bass. Catch-and-release areas: no black bass may be possessed. No statewide size limit elsewhere. South Branch of the Potomac River black bass catch-and-release areas (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · South Branch Potomac River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide black bass limits (6 per day, no size limit) apply on the South Branch except in the two designated catch-and-release areas - Area 1, the 8-mile Hardy County section from the routes 28, 55 and 220 bridge (Petersburg Gap bridge) downstream to the county Route 13 bridge (Fisher bridge), and Area 2, the 9.5-mile Hampshire County section from the routes 28 and 50 bridge (Romney bridge) downstream to the state Route 28 bridge (Blue Beach bridge) - where all black bass caught must be returned to the water at once · Size limit: Catch-and-release areas: no black bass may be possessed. No statewide size limit elsewhere. · License required

Largemouth Bass — Stonecoal Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · Stonecoal Lake

Largemouth Bass — Stonewall Jackson Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Daily creel limit of one black bass (smallmouth, spotted and largemouth) 18 inches or longer; black bass under 18 inches may be harvested within the statewide daily creel limit of 6 for largemouth bass. Only one black bass 18 inches or longer per day. Stonewall Jackson Lake black bass minimum-size regulation, printed verbatim: daily creel limit of one black bass 18 inches or longer; black bass under 18 inches may be harvested; all black bass harvested must be in accordance with the daily creel limit regulation. Registered bass tournament anglers participating in DNR-permitted tournaments only are excluded (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · Stonewall Jackson Lake

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Daily creel limit of one black bass (smallmouth, spotted and largemouth) 18 inches or longer; black bass under 18 inches may be harvested within the statewide daily creel limit of 6 · Size limit: Only one black bass 18 inches or longer per day. · License required

Largemouth Bass — Summersville Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Largemouth Bass · Summersville Lake

Muskellunge — Elk River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 1 muskellunge per day for muskellunge. Minimum size 30 inches. Statewide muskellunge/tiger musky limit: daily creel 1, minimum size 30 inches, possession limit 2 (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Catch-and-release and larger minimum-size waters differ - see the Muskellunge special regulations page. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Muskellunge · Elk River (West Virginia)

Muskellunge — Gauley River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Muskellunge · Gauley River

Muskellunge — Greenbrier River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Muskellunge · Greenbrier River

Muskellunge — Kanawha River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Muskellunge · Kanawha River

Muskellunge — New River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Muskellunge · New River (West Virginia)

Muskellunge — North Bend Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 1 muskellunge per day; all muskellunge under 40 inches long must be returned to the water at once for muskellunge. Minimum size 40 inches. North Bend Lake muskellunge minimum-size regulation: release all muskellunge under 40 inches, daily creel 1. The same rule applies to the 1.3-mile North Fork Hughes River section from North Bend Lake Dam downstream to the CR 809 bridge (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Muskellunge · North Bend Lake

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: 1 muskellunge per day; all muskellunge under 40 inches long must be returned to the water at once · Size limit: Minimum size 40 inches. · License required

Muskellunge — Stonecoal Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Muskellunge · Stonecoal Lake

Muskellunge — Stonewall Jackson Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 1 muskellunge per day; all muskellunge under 52 inches long must be returned to the water at once for muskellunge. Minimum size 52 inches. Stonewall Jackson Lake muskellunge trophy regulation (including the entire drainage upstream of the lake): release all muskellunge under 52 inches, daily creel 1 (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Muskellunge · Stonewall Jackson Lake

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: 1 muskellunge per day; all muskellunge under 52 inches long must be returned to the water at once · Size limit: Minimum size 52 inches. · License required

Rainbow Trout — Blackwater River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Blackwater River except in the 3.5-mile catch-and-release section from the county Route 29/1 bridge in Blackwater Falls State Park downstream to the mouth of the North Fork, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once for rainbow trout. Blackwater River catch-and-release trout section (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary): daylight hours only, artificial flies and lures only, barbless multiple-hook lures, no trout in possession on the section. Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere. A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Rainbow Trout · Blackwater River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Blackwater River except in the 3.5-mile catch-and-release section from the county Route 29/1 bridge in Blackwater Falls State Park downstream to the mouth of the North Fork, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once · License required

Rainbow Trout — Cranberry River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Cranberry River except in the 4.3-mile catch-and-release section from the junction of the North and South forks downstream to the low water bridge at Dogway Fork, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once for rainbow trout. Cranberry River catch-and-release trout section (access by foot on National Forest Route 76 from the Cranberry Glades parking area): daylight hours only, artificial flies and lures only, barbless multiple-hook lures, no trout in possession on the section. Dogway Fork of the Cranberry (main stream and all tributaries) is fly-fishing-only, catch-and-release. Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Rainbow Trout · Cranberry River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Cranberry River except in the 4.3-mile catch-and-release section from the junction of the North and South forks downstream to the low water bridge at Dogway Fork, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once · License required

Rainbow Trout — Elk River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Elk River except in the designated catch-and-release sections - the 2-mile Randolph County section from Elk Springs Campground downstream to the Rose Run bridge and the 4.6-mile Slatyfork section from the junction of Big Spring and Old Field forks downstream to the mouth of Dry Branch (including Props Run and Big Run) - where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once for rainbow trout. Elk River catch-and-release trout sections: daylight hours only; only artificial flies and lures made of metal, wood, feathers, hair or synthetic material may be used or possessed; multiple-hook lures must be barbless; no trout may be in the angler's possession on catch-and-release sections. Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere on the river (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Rainbow Trout · Elk River (West Virginia)

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Elk River except in the designated catch-and-release sections - the 2-mile Randolph County section from Elk Springs Campground downstream to the Rose Run bridge and the 4.6-mile Slatyfork section from the junction of Big Spring and Old Field forks downstream to the mouth of Dry Branch (including Props Run and Big Run) - where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once · License required

Rainbow Trout — Gauley River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 6 trout per day (rainbow, golden rainbow, brook, tiger and brown trout in any combination) for rainbow trout. Statewide trout limit: daily creel 6 in any combination, no minimum size, possession limit 12 in any combination. Golden rainbow trout are a hatchery color form of rainbow trout and count in the same aggregate (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Rainbow Trout · Gauley River

Rainbow Trout — Shavers Fork of Cheat River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on Shavers Fork except in the 5.5-mile Randolph County delayed-harvest section from the mouth of Whitmeadow Run downstream to the mouth of McGee Run, where catch-and-release regulations apply November 1 - May 15 and general regulations apply May 16 - October 31 for rainbow trout. Shavers Fork delayed-harvest trout section (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere on the river. A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Rainbow Trout · Shavers Fork of Cheat River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on Shavers Fork except in the 5.5-mile Randolph County delayed-harvest section from the mouth of Whitmeadow Run downstream to the mouth of McGee Run, where catch-and-release regulations apply November 1 - May 15 and general regulations apply May 16 - October 31 · License required

Rainbow Trout — South Branch Potomac River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the South Branch except in the 1-mile Pendleton County catch-and-release section beginning 2 miles below U.S. Route 220 at Eagle Rock and extending downstream, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once for rainbow trout. South Branch of the Potomac River catch-and-release trout section (Pendleton County): daylight hours only, artificial flies and lures only, barbless multiple-hook lures, no trout in possession on the section. Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Rainbow Trout · South Branch Potomac River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the South Branch except in the 1-mile Pendleton County catch-and-release section beginning 2 miles below U.S. Route 220 at Eagle Rock and extending downstream, where all trout caught must be returned to the water at once · License required

Rainbow Trout — Williams River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Williams River except in the 2-mile delayed-harvest section beginning at a signed location approximately 2 miles downstream of Tea Creek and extending 2 miles downstream, where catch-and-release regulations apply November 1 - May 15 and general regulations apply May 16 - October 31 for rainbow trout. Williams River delayed-harvest trout section (access by National Forest Route 86); Tea Creek and its tributaries upstream of Tea Creek Campground are catch-and-release. Statewide trout limits apply elsewhere on the river (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). A Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) is required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Rainbow Trout · Williams River

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: Statewide trout limits (6 per day in combination) apply on the Williams River except in the 2-mile delayed-harvest section beginning at a signed location approximately 2 miles downstream of Tea Creek and extending 2 miles downstream, where catch-and-release regulations apply November 1 - May 15 and general regulations apply May 16 - October 31 · License required

Rock Bass — Elk River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 30 rock bass per day for rock bass. Statewide "All Other Game Fish" limit (any game fish not listed separately): daily creel 30, no minimum size, possession limit 60 (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Rock Bass · Elk River (West Virginia)

Rock Bass — Gauley River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Rock Bass · Gauley River

Rock Bass — Greenbrier River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Rock Bass · Greenbrier River

Rock Bass — New River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Rock Bass · New River (West Virginia)

Rock Bass — South Branch Potomac River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Rock Bass · South Branch Potomac River

Sauger — Kanawha River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 8 sauger per day for sauger. Statewide sauger/saugeye limit: daily creel 8, no minimum size, possession limit 16 (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Sauger · Kanawha River

Sauger — Monongahela River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Sauger · Monongahela River

Sauger — Ohio River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 6 fish daily creel in aggregate for walleye, sauger and saugeye on the entire length of the Ohio River; only 2 of the 6 may be walleye for sauger. Ohio River special regulation on the entire length of the river: 6-fish daily creel in aggregate for walleye, sauger and saugeye. Only 2 of the 6 fish can be walleye and they must be a minimum of 18 inches in length (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Sauger · Ohio River (West Virginia)

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: 6 fish daily creel in aggregate for walleye, sauger and saugeye on the entire length of the Ohio River; only 2 of the 6 may be walleye · License required

Smallmouth Bass — Beech Fork Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 6 black bass per day (smallmouth, spotted and largemouth in any combination) for smallmouth bass. All black bass under 12 inches long must be returned to the water at once. Beech Fork Lake black bass minimum-size regulation (also on Barboursville, Chief Logan and Conaway Run lakes): release all black bass under 12 inches (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Source: West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR, wvdnr.gov, fetched August 2026). Daily creel limits are per person per day; possession limits are as printed in the 2026 summary. Fishing regulations on the Potomac and North Branch of the Potomac rivers (including Jennings Randolph Lake) correspond with Maryland's regulations. This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document - consult the current WVDNR regulations before you fish.

Applies to: Smallmouth Bass · Beech Fork Lake

Season: Open all year - West Virginia has no closed statewide fishing season; special regulation areas may restrict hours or harvest (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). · Daily limit: 6 black bass per day (smallmouth, spotted and largemouth in any combination) · Size limit: All black bass under 12 inches long must be returned to the water at once. · License required