Fly Fishing in West Virginia
Native brook trout in the high Allegheny streams, trout rivers like the Elk and Cranberry, and great smallmouth on the New and Greenbrier: West Virginia is a mountain state made for fly anglers.
- 275River guides
- 15Game fish
- Apr–JunPrime season
Flows right now in West Virginia
3 of 5 top rivers are flowing normal for today
- Elk River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 470 cfs Normal 25th–75th percentile updated 2 hours ago
- Shavers Fork(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 115 cfs Normal 25th–75th percentile updated 1 hour ago
- North Fork South Branch Potomac River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 270 cfs Above normal 76th–90th percentile updated 1 hour ago
- Cranberry River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 163 cfs Normal 25th–75th percentile updated 52 minutes ago
- West Fork Greenbrier River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 190 cfs Above normal 76th–90th percentile updated 52 minutes ago
USGS readings compared with each gage's daily flow percentiles (historical record for today's date).
Check the water before you go
Live flows, hatches and fishability ratings for every one of these rivers, in the free FlyFishFinder app.
When to go
How busy the hatches are each month across West Virginia, from the watershed hatch charts.
- Fewer to more hatches
- Prime season
- This month
Typical hatches in West Virginia in October
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Blue-Winged Olive PeakMayfly
Elk River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Shavers Fork(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), North Fork South Branch Potomac River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab)
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Autumn Sedge PeakCaddis
Elk River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), North Fork South Branch Potomac River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Cranberry River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab)
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Autumn Caddis PeakCaddis
Shavers Fork(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Laurel Fork, Middle Fork River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab)
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IsonychiaMayfly
Shavers Fork(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Laurel Fork, Middle Fork River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab)
Smaller streams often see lighter or later hatches; check local reports.
Fish in West Virginia
Tap a fish to see every West Virginia river that holds it.
Brook Trout
In 149 river guides
Brown Trout
In 57 river guides
Channel Catfish
In 6 river guides
7 more game fish
Fly fishing in West Virginia
Brook trout are in more West Virginia streams in our data than any other fish. They live in cold headwater runs across the Monongahela National Forest and the Allegheny highlands, and most are small, wild and colorful. Many of these streams flow through public forest land, so access is good.
The bigger trout streams include the upper Elk River, the Cranberry, the Williams, Shavers Fork and the North Branch of the Potomac below Jennings Randolph Lake, a tailwater with rainbow and brown trout. The state also stocks golden rainbow trout, a gold-colored variety of rainbow first developed in West Virginia.
When summer warms the trout water, the New, Greenbrier and South Branch of the Potomac are some of the best smallmouth rivers in the East, and they float well with poppers and streamers.
Tips for fishing West Virginia
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Explore the Monongahela
Pick a headwater stream in the national forest and fish upstream for wild brook trout. A short 2 to 4 weight rod is plenty.
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Fish the spring hatches
Blue-winged olives, Quill Gordons, Hendricksons and caddis are typical in spring, with sulphurs often following later. Overcast days can bring the best mayfly activity.
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Try the upper Elk
The upper Elk River has clear water and wary trout. Small nymphs, careful drifts and a long leader work well.
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Float for smallmouth
The New, Greenbrier and South Branch fish well from a raft or canoe. Use poppers early and late and crayfish streamers in the middle of the day, and know the rapids before you float the New.
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Go easy on brookies
In late summer heat and low water, give small brook trout streams a break, and release fish quickly when you do fish.
Find the right West Virginia river for today.
- Top Waters Today ranks the rivers near you on live conditions
- Every access point and parking area on one map
- Live flows from every USGS gauge in the state
West Virginia fly fishing FAQ
Where is the best trout fishing in West Virginia?
The Monongahela National Forest has the most wild brook trout water. The upper Elk, Cranberry, Williams, Shavers Fork and the North Branch of the Potomac tailwater are popular bigger streams.
What is a golden rainbow trout?
A gold-colored variety of rainbow trout first developed in West Virginia. The state stocks them in many waters, and they are easy to spot in clear water.
Do I need a trout stamp in West Virginia?
A West Virginia fishing license is required. License options and trout rules can change, so check the Division of Natural Resources' current regulations before you go.
Is West Virginia good for smallmouth on the fly?
Yes. The New, Greenbrier and South Branch of the Potomac are some of the best known smallmouth rivers in the East.
When is the best time to fly fish in West Virginia?
Spring for hatches and trout, summer for smallmouth, and fall for brook trout and cooler days on the rivers.
What flies work in West Virginia?
Small attractor dries and nymphs for brook trout, mayfly and caddis patterns during spring hatches, terrestrials in summer, and poppers and crayfish streamers for smallmouth.
