Fishing

There is a wealth of great fishing opportunities here in Ohio County.  In the late winter and early spring, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources conducts an aggressive stocking program of Trout species in our local streams and lakes.  These trout are “cold water fish” and thrive best in water temperatures below sixty degrees.  Trout are stocked in Big Wheeling Creek, Middle Wheeling Creek and many several of the lakes in Ohio and surrounding counties the area including Bear Rocks, Castleman Run, Middle Wheeling Creek Lake, and Dunkard Fork Lake lakes.  This stocking program is usually bi-weekly and runs through the end of May when the waters begin to warm above ideal temperatures for trout. Baker Lake on the Bear Rocks Wildlife Management Area is only open to children age 10 and under, and handicapped individuals holding a Class Q license, from March 1 to May 31.

Warm water species live and thrive in streams, lakes, and the Ohio River year round and provide great opportunities for anglers to catch Bass, including Rock Bass,  Smallmouth, Largemouth, Kentucky Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, Saugers, Walleye, and White Bass.  The Ohio River drainage also supports abundant populations of Catfish including the most popular Channel Cat and Flathead Catfish.  There are multiple species of Sunfish such as Bluegill as well.  Many authorities agree that the Ohio River supports more variety of fish species than any other body of water in the United States.

Wheeling has become a popular destination for tournament anglers who compete in Bass and Catfish tournaments on the Ohio River usually launched from and ending at the Wheeling Island Boat Launch.

Complete fishing regulations can be found  at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources web site at www.wvdnr.gov. or printed copies can be obtained at local licensing agencies.