Looking for the best trout streams in WV? You’ve come to the right spot!
The Mountain State is home to a plethora of Appalachia’s most popular fly-fishing destinations, with streams brimming with trout and many other types of fish. Each stream listed below has its own unique features, surprises, and types of trout to be caught. Anglers of all skill levels will have no problem enjoying a day of fishing at one of these streams!
Explore West Virginia’s best trout streams below.
Elk River
Elk RiverWhere: Northeastern West Virginia
Dubbed “The Lady” by locals, the Elk River is a fly-fishing haven, with tons of spots to catch large rainbow, brown, and brook trout. The Elk River is a popular fly-fishing destination for all skill levels and is a can’t miss for any angler. The stream has several deep pools, shallow runs, and riffles with the highest portion of the river offering some of the best fly fishing in the state.
Dry Fork
Where: Parsons, WV
This 40-mile tributary of the Black Fork and Cheat River is located near the Monongahela National Forest in northeastern West Virginia. Dry Fork is stocked with trout once in February and every two weeks March through May. The river is home to brown, yellow, and rainbow trout. Regardless, the river is one of the top destinations for fly fishing in West Virginia.
Seneca Creek
Seneca CreekWhere: Seneca Rocks, WV
Seneca Creek is a well-known stream populated with native brook trout and wild rainbow trout. The river flows for nearly 10 miles, dotted with pools, waterfalls, and riffles making for an immensely beautiful area for fly fishing. Seneca Creek has several accessible fly-fishing spots, including some of the best spots that take more of a hike to get to. The river is near the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, so there are restrooms nearby.
Cranberry River
Where: Central West Virginia
The Cranberry River stretches 41 miles in central West Virginia within the Monongahela National Forest. Types of trout include brown, brook, rainbow, and golden. Anglers will find two sections along the river: the backcountry and the lower section. The lower section is easily accessible with roads that run alongside this portion of the river. The backcountry is a 16-mile remote section that does not allow vehicle access—if you plan on fishing the backcountry section of the Cranberry River, there are several overnight shelters available to stay in.
North Fork of the Cherry River
North Fork of the Cherry RiverWhere: Richwood, WV
Stocked with rainbow, browns, native brook trout, and gold rainbow trout, the North Fork of the Cherry River is a popular spot for fishing. Beginning in southeastern Pocohantas County, the North Fork of the Cherry River has a 1.8-mile catch-and-release section where fly fishing is at its best. Here, anglers will find rainbow, brown, and golden rainbow trout. The stream runs through the Monongahela National Forest in Richwood and has plenty of spots with deep pools and riffles. The stream is stocked once in February and every two weeks March through May.
Second Creek
Where: Lewisburg, WV
Located in Lewisburg, WV, Second Creek features a 1.5-mile long catch-and-release, fly-fish only trout stream that is stocked once in April of each year. The stream is typically shallow with a gravel bottom and reaches its lowest levels during the summer months. However, there are plenty of spots that feature deeper sections. The stream is located on private property and is a popular spot for local anglers.
North Fork of the South Branch Potomac River
North Fork of the South Branch Potomac RiverWhere: Northeastern West Virginia
The river is quite peaceful, making it a great spot for all ages and skill levels. The North Fork portion of the area is easily accessible with plenty of parking along the river. The water is perfect for wading and has several large pools, riffles, and fast runs.
Anglers can also enjoy a serene fly fishing experience along the private, two-mile portion of the North Fork when booked through Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins. This two-mile stretch is home to beautiful trout year-round, including golden, brown, and brook trout.
Learn more about trout fishing at Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins.