Pack your bags, grab your fishing gear and head to a West Virginia state park or forest for the next great gold rush!
During the week of April 2-6, lakes at several parks and forests will run with gold during a special trout stocking, called West Virginia Gold Rush. During this week-long event, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will stock 40,000 golden rainbow trout at select waters around the state.
Imagine seeing water rushing with gold and shimmering like the sun. That’s what you and your family can expect to see during Gold Rush week. Unlike regular trout stockings that include a mixture of golden rainbow and regular rainbow trout, these stockings will include only golden rainbow trout.
That’s why Gold Rush is THE fishing event of the year
If you’re an avid angler or would like to try fishing at state parks, you don’t want to miss this event. You won’t get a better chance to catch a golden rainbow trout!
Several parks and forests are participating in the event. Many offer overnight accommodations and will have special programs to make your trip even more exciting. Participating parks and forests include:
- Babcock
- Blackwater Falls
- Cacapon
- Cedar Creek
- Chief Logan
- Coopers Rock
- Little Beaver
- North Bend
- Pipestem
- Stonewall
- Tomlinson Run
- Tygart Lake
- Watoga
So, pick your favorite park, or find the one closest to you. And don’t forget to bring the whole family. Catching their first fish is something any kid can get excited about. Catching a golden rainbow as their first fish – well, that’s unforgettable. This special event is set up for maximum family enjoyment and is scheduled during most spring breaks in West Virginia and surrounding states.
And remember, all anglers 15 and older need to have a West Virginia fishing license with a current trout stamp and a valid form of identification while fishing. If you don’t have one, you can buy one online at www.wvfish.com.
Start planning your trip today
The West Virginia Gold Rush is sure to be unlike any other fishing experience! So, what are you waiting for? Find a state park or forest below that is closest to you and make a lodge room or cabin reservation by clicking Book Now!