FISHING PENDLETON COUNTY

Home to some of the best fishing in the state, Pendleton County offers secluded fishing spots, lakes and rivers… take your pick! Many of our top spots are easily accessible for people of all skill sets – beginner or an experienced fishing pro. Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have a current license. Learn more about fishing in #PenCoWV

What you’ll find:

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Rainbow Trout

Easily distinguished from other West Virginia trout because of the numerous small dark spots on the dorsal and caudal fin as well as most of the upper portions of the body. The rainbow trout often has a conspicuous reddish stripe runningdown the side of the body.Rainbow trout, like all trout, are sight feeders. Colorful flashy baits will prove most effective in catching these fish.
Brook Trout

Light worm-like markings are visible on the back instead of black or brown spots. The first ray of the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fin is milky-white. Brook trout are very aggressive when feeding which makes them easier to catch than brown or rainbow trout.When fishing the native streams, the use of stealth will be necessary as brook trout are very wary and easily spooked.
Brown Trout

Brown to dark olive base colored fish, with large spots, some of which can be orange, with pale rings. The tale is squared-off rather than slightly forked as is the rainbow and brook trout.Brown trout obtain large sizes as they live longer than the other trout species. Once the brown trout becomes accustomed to its habitat it is one of the more difficult trout to catch.
Golden Rainbow Trout

Golden rainbow trout are a deep gold or yellow in body color, with pinkish lower fins, pink or red-tones on their cheeks and a reddish lateral stripe. The West Virginia Centennial golden trout was developed in West Virginia as a color mutation of rainbow trout in 1963. Representing about 5% of the total trout stocked, the angling of a golden rainbow trout can be a unique experience.
Bluegill

Bluegill are generally silver to greenish with sides that can be a deep orange or rusty color. Adult bluegill will have a black blotch near the end of the soft dorsal fin.They like weedy areas along the shoreline where they can hide and obtain food. Insects are their primary food source.
Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are bronze in color and sometimes have dark vertical bars. The upper jaw does not extend past the back of the eye when closed and the spiny dorsal fin is well connected to the soft dorsal fin.Smallmouth bass are often found near rocks and riffle areas in rivers and streams. Smallmouth are vigorous fighters and can provide excellent action when hooked.
Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass differ from smallmouth and spotted bass by having a larger mouth. The upper jaw or maxillary, when closed, extends beyond the back of the eye. Largemouth bass can be found near logs or stumps, large rocks, and in vegetation along shorelines. Largemouth bass prey on sunfish, gizzard shad, crayfish, and large insects.
Green Sunfish

The body of the green sunfish is an olive-green color with iridescent blue-green stripes across the side of its head often beneath the eye. They have short and rounded pectoral fins. Green sunfish freely crossbred with other sunfish, and these hybrids are moderately common in West Virginia waters. Green sunfish eat insects and small fish. Angling techniques are similar to those used for bluegill.
Black Crappie

Black crappie are pan-size fish which are silver and black. They have a large mouth and their spiny-rayed and soft-rayed dorsal fins are connected. Black crappie have 7 or 8 dorsal spines. They like brushy habitat including standing timber, fallen trees, and brush piles. Anglers use small minnows and small lures fished in brushy areas.
Channel Catfish

Channel catfish are grey white in color and are the only catfish in West Virginia that have a forked tail. Channel catfish have a slender body and may have small black spots. They have a small mouth and very long barbels.Channel catfish eat fish, insects, crayfish, and some plant matter. Fishing on or near the bottom with a variety of baits is the most common fishing technique.

News and Announcements

Seneca Creek Falls

May 14th,2022

Located in the Monongahelia National Forest on Spruce Knob, Seneca Creek Falls is one of Pendleton County’s secluded spots. Hidden at the base of the highest point in WV, this waterfall is a nature lover’s dream. Hike a little further up the creek to see smaller falls. The cool water and large rocks... Read More

16th Annual WV Trout Fest

May 04th,2022

The weekend’s activities begin on Friday evening with a Fish Dinner at the Pendleton Community Building featuring WV Metro News Outdoor, Chris Lawrence as the guest speaker. Advance tickets are $12 and tickets at the door are $15. The dinner is walk-in style from 3:30pm – 6:30pm. Chris... Read More

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Don’t overlook the Trout Stocking Schedule and Interactive Fishing Map provided by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources