The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) has released the 2026 Fishing Regulations Summary, which outlines updated creel limits, size restrictions, and special area rules for the state's waters ([WVDNR releases 2026 Fishing Regulations Summary - WOAY-TV](https://woay.com/wvdnr-releases-2026-fishing-regulations-summary)). Anglers are encouraged to review these official guidelines and renew their licenses to ensure compliance and help protect West Virginia's fisheries ([WVDNR releases 2026 fishing regulations for WV anglers | WV News | wvnews.com](https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/wvdnr-issues-2026-fishing-regulations-anglers-urged-to-review-rules-and-renew-licenses-early/article_f4bd0655-9572-4166-87c8-754651fe36e4.html)).
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West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Fishing Regulations
Current season guide
Species & Seasons
Black Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted)
Open year-round. The standard daily creel limit is 6 (in any combination) with no minimum size and a possession limit of 12 ([Creel and Possession Limits - West Virginia Fishing - eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/westvirginia/fishing/creel-and-possession-limits)). Special regulations apply to Elk Fork, North Bend, O’Brien, and Woodrum lakes, where only one bass may exceed 16 inches ([Fishing Regulations - West Virginia Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/westvirginia/fishing/fishing-regulations)).
Trout (Rainbow, Golden Rainbow, Brook, Tiger, Brown)
Open year-round, with active stocking occurring from February through May ([Trout stockings continue across West Virginia. Buy your ...](https://www.facebook.com/DNRpolice/posts/trout-stockings-continue-across-west-virginia-buy-your-2026-fishing-license-and-/1295633185933136)). The daily creel limit is 6 (in any combination) with no minimum size and a possession limit of 12 ([Creel and Possession Limits - West Virginia Fishing - eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/westvirginia/fishing/creel-and-possession-limits)).
Walleye
Open year-round. The daily creel limit is 8, with only one fish allowed to be over 30 inches long ([Fishing Regulations - West Virginia Fishing | eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/westvirginia/fishing/fishing-regulations)).
Crappie (Black and White)
Open year-round. The daily creel limit is 30 in aggregate with no minimum size, and a possession limit of 60 ([FISHING REGULATIONS SUMMARY 2026 WVDNR (.gov)](https://wvdnr.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pub_Regs_Fishing_2026_DNR_WILD_pp.pdf)).
Sunfish and Bluegill
Open year-round. The daily creel limit is 30 in aggregate with no minimum size, and a possession limit of 60 ([FISHING REGULATIONS SUMMARY 2026 WVDNR (.gov)](https://wvdnr.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pub_Regs_Fishing_2026_DNR_WILD_pp.pdf)).
Yellow Perch
Open year-round. The standard daily creel limit is 30 with no minimum size and a possession limit of 60, though special limits apply to Cheat Lake where the daily limit is 15 ([FISHING REGULATIONS SUMMARY 2026 WVDNR (.gov)](https://wvdnr.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pub_Regs_Fishing_2026_DNR_WILD_pp.pdf)).
Top Waters
New River
A world-class destination for trophy smallmouth bass and large channel catfish.
Summersville Lake
The state's largest reservoir, known for exceptionally clear water and excellent walleye fishing.
Cranberry River
A legendary wilderness trout stream offering some of the best fly fishing in the Eastern United States.
Stonewall Jackson Lake
Managed as a catch-and-release lake for largemouth bass, producing many citation-sized fish.
Ohio River
Provides diverse opportunities for hybrid striped bass, sauger, and giant flathead catfish.
Cheat Lake
Popular for yellow perch, walleye, and bass in the northern part of the state.
Greenbrier River
One of the longest free-flowing rivers in the East, ideal for smallmouth bass and float trips.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support West Virginia's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
New River Fly Fishing
Charter/GuideFayetteville, WV
Professional guided float trips for smallmouth bass and trout on the New and Greenbrier Rivers.
WV Experience
Charter/GuideFayetteville, WV
Offers specialized drift boat fishing trips for smallmouth bass, trout, and trophy muskellunge.
Pro River Outfitters
Charter/GuideHico, WV
Professional guides specializing in trophy smallmouth bass fishing on the New and Gauley Rivers.
Mountain State Outfitters
Charter/GuideCharleston, WV
Guided fishing and outdoor adventures with a focus on West Virginia's diverse river systems.
Three Rivers Guiding
Charter/GuideHinton, WV
Expert guides for the New, Greenbrier, and Bluestone rivers specializing in smallmouth bass.
Greenbrier River Fly Fishing
Charter/GuideCass, WV
Offers specialized fly fishing trips on the scenic upper reaches of the Greenbrier River.
Middle Mountain Sporting Goods
Bait & Tackle ShopElkins, WV
A local landmark offering a massive selection of live bait and tackle for trout and mountain stream fishing.
Cardinal State Outdoors
Bait & Tackle ShopBeckley, WV
A dedicated local shop providing fresh live bait and a wide array of lures for southern WV waters.
C & S Bait and Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopSt. Albans, WV
Locally owned shop catering to Kanawha and Coal River anglers with live bait and custom tackle.
PC Bait and Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopHinton, WV
Supplying New River and Bluestone Lake anglers with essential live bait and river tackle.
Water Ways
Bait & Tackle ShopJulian, WV
A regional leader in kayak fishing sales, accessories, and local river knowledge.
Cook's Bait and Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopBeckley, WV
A long-standing local favorite for live bait, tackle, and expert advice on southern WV lakes.
Summersville Lake Marina
MarinaMount Nebo, WV
The primary hub for boating on West Virginia's largest lake, offering rentals and fishing supplies.
Sutton Lake Marina
MarinaSutton, WV
Full-service marina offering pontoon and fishing boat rentals in the heart of West Virginia.
Cheat Lake Marina
MarinaMorgantown, WV
Offers boat slips, fuel, and rental services for anglers visiting the popular Cheat Lake.
Stonewall Resort Marina
MarinaRoanoke, WV
A resort marina on Stonewall Jackson Lake offering bass boat rentals and easy access to trophy waters.
Burnsville Lake Marina
MarinaBurnsville, WV
Located on one of West Virginia's best musky lakes, offering rentals and a fully stocked ship store.
Tygart Lake Marina
MarinaGrafton, WV
The main access point for deep-water fishing and boating on the scenic Tygart Lake.
Elk River Guiding Company
Fly ShopSlatyfork, WV
A premier fly shop and guide service located at the headwaters of the legendary Elk River.
McFly Outdoors
Fly ShopBridgeport, WV
A full-service outdoor retailer specializing in fly fishing gear, fly tying materials, and expert advice.
Serenity Now Outfitters
Fly ShopLewisburg, WV
Providing high-quality fly fishing gear and guided expeditions in the scenic Greenbrier Valley.
Angler's Xchange
Fly ShopHedgesville, WV
A full-service fly shop and guide service serving the Eastern Panhandle and Potomac River.
Glade Springs Fly Shop
Fly ShopDaniels, WV
Resort-based fly shop offering high-end gear and guided excursions to local trout streams.
Valley Marine
Boat DealerSt. Albans, WV
An authorized dealer for top fishing boat brands like Tracker, Nitro, and Sun Tracker.
Wright's Marine
Boat DealerSt. Marys, WV
A family-owned marine dealership specializing in fishing boat sales and outboard motor service.
Roy's RV & Marine
Boat DealerElkins, WV
A major regional dealer for fishing boats and outdoor recreational vehicles in the Potomac Highlands.
Point Pleasant Marine
Boat DealerPoint Pleasant, WV
Specializing in river fishing boats and marine maintenance along the Ohio and Kanawha rivers.
River City Rods
Rod BuilderParkersburg, WV
Crafting high-performance custom fishing rods tailored for bass, musky, and catfish.
Appalachian Rod Works
Rod BuilderCharleston, WV
Specializing in custom-built rods and professional rod repair for West Virginia's serious anglers.
Mountain State Custom Rods
Rod BuilderMorgantown, WV
Handcrafted fishing rods built to handle the unique demands of West Virginia's rugged waters.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.