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W.Va. Wildlife with Paul Bender
TROUT FISHING IN W.VA.
Paul Bender
January 21, 2004
Reporter: Paul Bender
Videographer: Brad Rice

Anglers excited to catch trout are in the right state. I'll show you how the W.Va. DNR is improving your fishing experience.



W.Va. Wildlife from Eyewitness News



The West Virginia Division of Natural Resource's Trout Management Program is built for and around you, the fisherman.

Mike Shingleton
W.Va. Division of Natural Resources Fish Biologist
"It's providing recreational angling opportunities on a state-wide basis. We want people to catch trout."

West Virginia is the place to be.

W.Va. Wildlife from Eyewitness News



Mike Shingleton
"It's probably one of the best on the states on the East Coast. The average size of the trout is bigger than surrounding states. You can fish 12 months in the year, some of the other states only have a season of a few months"

There are special fishing areas.

W.Va. Wildlife from Eyewitness News



Mike Shingleton
"Catch and release has become more popular than it used to be. We've added some catch and release areas and we have some fly fishing only areas."

And locations that are dedicated to children and the disabled.

W.Va. Wildlife from Eyewitness News



Mike Shingleton
"We have ten waters scattered across the state: Coonskin Park near Charleston, Miller's Fork in Wayne County and Lake Underwood in Huntington.

Kids and parents love it!

Mike Shingleton
"These are extremely popular areas. We have parents call in and thank us for their five year old catching their first fish."

The DNR is working hard with the Department of Environmental Protection to restore streams polluted with acid using liming techniques. That means even more fishing.

W.Va. Wildlife from Eyewitness News



Mike Shingleton
"The Middle Fork River, 24 miles used to be dead and now trout are being stocked in Otter State Park for the first time since the early 70s.

Funding for these programs comes from your purchase of a trout stamp, which you must have in addition to your fishing license.

The trout in our streams add up to big bucks, the DNR spends about 2 million dollars trout stocking, but the overall economic benefit is over one hundred million dollars.

Not to mention the benefit of seeing what's at the end of you line.

W.Va. Wildlife from Eyewitness News



Trout stamps and fishing licenses can be purchased over the internet at www.wvfish.com

The DNR also urges you to never fish alone and use caution when fishing in winter conditions.



Links to learn more

Purchase a W.Va. Fishing License and Trout Stamps Online:
WVFish.com

Daily Trout Stocking Report:
W.Va. DNR

Weekly Fishing Report:
Updated Every Wednesday

Fishing Regulations:
W.Va. DNR

All About W.Va. Fishing:
W.Va. DNR

Raising Trout in Ponds in West Virginia:
WVU Extension Service

Trout Tips & Handling How-To's:
US Trout Farmers Association



GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA'S WILDLIFE
Visit WV DNR



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