West Virginia — Regulations — United States, Page 2

Smallmouth Bass — Bluestone Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 6 black bass per day (smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass in any combination) for smallmouth 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: Smallmouth Bass · Bluestone Lake

Smallmouth Bass — Burnsville Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Smallmouth Bass · Burnsville Lake

Smallmouth Bass — Cheat Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Smallmouth Bass · Cheat Lake

Smallmouth Bass — Elk River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

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

Smallmouth Bass — Gauley River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Smallmouth Bass · Gauley River

Smallmouth 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 smallmouth 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: Smallmouth 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

Smallmouth Bass — Kanawha River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Smallmouth Bass · Kanawha River

Smallmouth Bass — Monongahela River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Smallmouth Bass · Monongahela River

Smallmouth Bass — Mount Storm Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Smallmouth Bass · Mount Storm Lake

Smallmouth 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 smallmouth 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: Smallmouth 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

Smallmouth 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 smallmouth 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: Smallmouth 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

Smallmouth 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 smallmouth 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: Smallmouth 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

Smallmouth Bass — R.D. Bailey Lake

West Virginia, United States

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

Smallmouth 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 smallmouth 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: Smallmouth 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

Smallmouth Bass — Stonecoal Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Smallmouth Bass · Stonecoal Lake

Smallmouth 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 smallmouth 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: Smallmouth 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

Smallmouth Bass — Summersville Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Smallmouth Bass · Summersville Lake

Spotted Bass — Beech Fork Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 6 black bass per day (smallmouth, spotted and largemouth in any combination) for spotted 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: Spotted 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

Spotted Bass — Bluestone Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 6 black bass per day (smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass in any combination) for spotted 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: Spotted Bass · Bluestone Lake

Spotted Bass — Burnsville Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Spotted Bass · Burnsville Lake

Spotted Bass — Kanawha River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Spotted Bass · Kanawha River

Spotted Bass — Monongahela River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Spotted Bass · Monongahela River

Spotted 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 spotted 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: Spotted 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

Spotted 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 spotted 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: Spotted 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

Spotted 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 spotted 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: Spotted 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

Spotted Bass — R.D. Bailey Lake

West Virginia, United States

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

Spotted 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 spotted 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: Spotted 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

Spotted Bass — Summersville Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Spotted Bass · Summersville Lake

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 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: Striped Bass · Beech Fork Lake

Striped Bass — Bluestone Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Striped Bass · Bluestone Lake

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 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: 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

Striped Bass — Mount Storm Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Striped Bass · Mount Storm Lake

Striped Bass — R.D. Bailey Lake

West Virginia, United States

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

Walleye — Bluestone Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 8 walleye per day for walleye. Statewide walleye limit: daily creel 8, no statewide minimum size, possession limit 16 (2026 WVDNR Regulations Summary). Catch-and-release, minimum-size and slot-limit waters differ - see the Walleye 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: Walleye · Bluestone Lake

Walleye — Burnsville Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 8 walleye per day; all walleye under 15 inches long must be returned to the water at once for walleye. Minimum size 15 inches. Walleye minimum-size regulation on the Monongahela River, Tygart River (mouth to Valley Falls) and West Fork River (downstream of Stonewall Jackson Lake Dam), and on Burnsville, Stephens and Stonecoal lakes: release all walleye under 15 inches, daily creel 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: Walleye · Burnsville 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: 8 walleye per day; all walleye under 15 inches long must be returned to the water at once · Size limit: Minimum size 15 inches. · License required

Walleye — Cheat Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 8 walleye per day, only one of which may be over 30 inches long; all walleye from 20 to 30 inches long must be returned to the water at once for walleye. Protected slot: release all walleye 20 to 30 inches; only one over 30 inches. Walleye slot-limit regulation on Summersville Lake (Summersville Dam upstream to the mouth of Persinger Creek), Cheat Lake and the entire length of the Cheat River: release all walleye 20-30 inches, daily creel 8, only one over 30 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: Walleye · Cheat 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: 8 walleye per day, only one of which may be over 30 inches long; all walleye from 20 to 30 inches long must be returned to the water at once · Size limit: Protected slot: release all walleye 20 to 30 inches; only one over 30 inches. · License required

Walleye — Elk River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 2 walleye per day, only one of which may be over 30 inches long; all walleye from 20 to 30 inches long must be returned to the water at once - this slot regulation covers the entire river including all tributaries for walleye. Protected slot: release all walleye 20 to 30 inches; only one over 30 inches. Walleye slot-limit regulation on the Bluestone, Coal, Elk (including Sutton Lake), Greenbrier, Gauley (excluding Summersville Lake and the Summersville Dam section) and Kanawha (upstream of Winfield Locks and Dam) and New rivers, including all tributaries: release all walleye 20-30 inches, daily creel 2, only one over 30 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: Walleye · 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: 2 walleye per day, only one of which may be over 30 inches long; all walleye from 20 to 30 inches long must be returned to the water at once - this slot regulation covers the entire river including all tributaries · Size limit: Protected slot: release all walleye 20 to 30 inches; only one over 30 inches. · License required

Walleye — Gauley River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Segment-dependent walleye limits, all segments listed: on the Gauley River generally (including tributaries) - 2 walleye per day, only one over 30 inches, and all walleye from 20 to 30 inches long must be returned to the water at once; on the section from Summersville Dam upstream to the mouth of Persinger Creek (with Summersville Lake and Cheat Lake/Cheat River) - 8 walleye per day, only one over 30 inches, with the same 20-30 inch protected slot for walleye. Release all walleye 20 to 30 inches on both segments; only one over 30 inches. Gauley River walleye slot regulations by segment (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: Walleye · Gauley 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 walleye limits, all segments listed: on the Gauley River generally (including tributaries) - 2 walleye per day, only one over 30 inches, and all walleye from 20 to 30 inches long must be returned to the water at once; on the section from Summersville Dam upstream to the mouth of Persinger Creek (with Summersville Lake and Cheat Lake/Cheat River) - 8 walleye per day, only one over 30 inches, with the same 20-30 inch protected slot · Size limit: Release all walleye 20 to 30 inches on both segments; only one over 30 inches. · License required

Walleye — Greenbrier River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Walleye · 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: 2 walleye per day, only one of which may be over 30 inches long; all walleye from 20 to 30 inches long must be returned to the water at once - this slot regulation covers the entire river including all tributaries · Size limit: Protected slot: release all walleye 20 to 30 inches; only one over 30 inches. · License required

Walleye — Kanawha River

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Segment-dependent walleye limits, all segments listed: from the mouth upstream to the Winfield Lock and Dam - 2 walleye per day, all walleye under 18 inches long must be returned to the water at once; upstream of Winfield Locks and Dam (including all tributaries) - 2 walleye per day, only one over 30 inches, and all walleye from 20 to 30 inches long must be returned to the water at once for walleye. Mouth to Winfield Lock and Dam: minimum size 18 inches. Upstream of Winfield Locks and Dam: release all walleye 20 to 30 inches, only one over 30 inches. Kanawha River walleye special regulations by segment (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: Walleye · 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 walleye limits, all segments listed: from the mouth upstream to the Winfield Lock and Dam - 2 walleye per day, all walleye under 18 inches long must be returned to the water at once; upstream of Winfield Locks and Dam (including all tributaries) - 2 walleye per day, only one over 30 inches, and all walleye from 20 to 30 inches long must be returned to the water at once · Size limit: Mouth to Winfield Lock and Dam: minimum size 18 inches. Upstream of Winfield Locks and Dam: release all walleye 20 to 30 inches, only one over 30 inches. · License required

Walleye — Monongahela River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Walleye · 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: 8 walleye per day; all walleye under 15 inches long must be returned to the water at once · Size limit: Minimum size 15 inches. · License required

Walleye — Mount Storm Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Walleye · Mount Storm Lake

Walleye — New River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — Segment-dependent walleye limits, all segments listed: in the 5-mile catch-and-release section from the Meadow Creek public access site upstream to the base of Sandstone Falls (Raleigh and Summers counties), all walleye caught must be returned to the water at once; elsewhere on the New River (including all tributaries), 2 walleye per day, only one over 30 inches, and all walleye from 20 to 30 inches long must be returned to the water at once for walleye. Catch-and-release section: no harvest. Elsewhere: release all walleye 20 to 30 inches; only one over 30 inches. New River walleye special regulations - catch-and-release near Sandstone Falls plus the river-wide 20-30 inch protected slot (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: Walleye · 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 walleye limits, all segments listed: in the 5-mile catch-and-release section from the Meadow Creek public access site upstream to the base of Sandstone Falls (Raleigh and Summers counties), all walleye caught must be returned to the water at once; elsewhere on the New River (including all tributaries), 2 walleye per day, only one over 30 inches, and all walleye from 20 to 30 inches long must be returned to the water at once · Size limit: Catch-and-release section: no harvest. Elsewhere: release all walleye 20 to 30 inches; only one over 30 inches. · License required

Walleye — 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 fish can be walleye and they must be a minimum of 18 inches for walleye. Walleye minimum size 18 inches; all walleye under 18 inches must be returned to the water at once. 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: Walleye · 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 fish can be walleye and they must be a minimum of 18 inches · Size limit: Walleye minimum size 18 inches; all walleye under 18 inches must be returned to the water at once. · License required

Walleye — Stonecoal Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Walleye · Stonecoal 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: 8 walleye per day; all walleye under 15 inches long must be returned to the water at once · Size limit: Minimum size 15 inches. · License required

Walleye — Summersville Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: Walleye · Summersville 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: 8 walleye per day, only one of which may be over 30 inches long; all walleye from 20 to 30 inches long must be returned to the water at once · Size limit: Protected slot: release all walleye 20 to 30 inches; only one over 30 inches. · License required

White 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 white 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: White Bass · Beech Fork Lake

White Bass — Bluestone Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: White Bass · Bluestone Lake

White Bass — Cheat Lake

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 white 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: White Bass · Cheat 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: 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

White 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 white 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: White 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

White Bass — Monongahela River

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: White Bass · 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: 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

White Bass — Mount Storm Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: White Bass · Mount Storm Lake

White Bass — Ohio River (West Virginia)

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: White 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

White Bass — R.D. Bailey Lake

West Virginia, United States

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

White Crappie — Burnsville Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 30 crappie per day (black and white crappie in aggregate) for white 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: White Crappie · Burnsville Lake

White Crappie — Stonewall Jackson Lake

West Virginia, United States

Applies to: White Crappie · Stonewall Jackson Lake

Yellow Perch — Cheat Lake

West Virginia, United States

West Virginia limits — 15 yellow perch per day for yellow perch. Cheat Lake special regulation: yellow perch daily creel limit 15 (statewide limit is 30) (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: Yellow Perch · Cheat Lake