Brown Trout
Brown Trout are a non-native European species first introduced to West Virginia waters in 1961, obtained from the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service White Sulphur Springs Fish Hatchery.
These predatory fish have established wild populations in 92 streams covering approximately 600 miles across the state.
Scientific Name: Salmo trutta
- Brown Trout in West Virginia typically range from brownish to golden-yellow coloration with distinctive black spots along their sides, often surrounded by pale halos, plus prominent red or orange spots along the lateral line.
- Most wild browns average 9-16 inches, though 20+ inch trophy fish are present, with the state record being a 16-pound, 32-inch fish caught in 1968.
Fishing in West Virginia
Gauley River
New River
Kanawha River
Elk River
Cranberry River
Little Kanawha River
Greenbrier River
Tygart Valley River
West Fork River
Sutton Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Brown Trout prefer deeper, darker waters with substantial cover like undercut banks, large pools, and woody debris.
Key Locations
- Prime brown trout waters in West Virginia include the Elk River system in Pocahontas, Randolph, and Webster counties, sections of the Cranberry River, Williams River, Shavers Fork, Cherry River, and Seneca Creek.
Specific Spots
- Brown Trout often hold in faster current than other trout species.
Brown Trout FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Brown Trout in West Virginia?
Live bait including worms, minnows (where permitted), and nightcrawlers work well, especially for stocked fish.
What flies work for Brown Trout in West Virginia?
Effective fly patterns include streamers like Woolly Buggers, Muddler Minnows, and sculpin patterns for larger fish, plus nymphs such as Prince Nymphs, Copper Johns, and Pheasant Tail Nymphs. During surface activity, try Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, or terrestrial patterns like grasshopper and ant imitations.
When is the best time to fish for Brown Trout in West Virginia?
Fall and spring offer the best opportunities, with regular trout stockings occurring January through May and again in October.
How do you catch Brown Trout in West Virginia?
Fish current lines and moving water. Target deep pools, undercut banks on outside bends, areas behind large boulders, woody debris, and current breaks where browns ambush prey.
What do Brown Trout eat?
These opportunistic predators shift their diet as they mature - younger fish consume aquatic insects, terrestrials, and small crustaceans, while larger browns become increasingly piscivorous, feeding primarily on minnows, crayfish, and other fish including smaller trout.
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