Tiger Trout
Tiger trout in West Virginia are artificially created hybrids resulting from crossbreeding female brown trout with male brook trout.
These distinctive fish display tiger-like vermiculated markings across their bodies - dark worm-like patterns extending from their backs down their sides, combining the beautiful markings of brown trout with the distinctive red spots and light-colored belly characteristics of brook trout.
Most tiger trout are sterile and cannot reproduce naturally.
- These distinctive fish display tiger-like vermiculated markings across their bodies - dark worm-like patterns extending from their backs down their sides, combining the beautiful markings of brown trout with the distinctive red spots and light-colored belly characteristics of brook trout.
- Their aggressive nature makes them effective predators and they grow faster than either parent species, typically ranging 12-14 inches with some reaching 20 inches and weights up to 5 pounds.
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
- In West Virginia, tiger trout are stocked by the WVDNR in most state waters during trout stocking seasons, except waters containing endangered candy darter or Guyandotte River crayfish.
- They're found in cold, clear waters.
Key Locations
- Prime locations like Spruce Knob Lake, Williams River, Shavers Fork of the Cheat River, Seneca Creek, South Branch of the Potomac River, North Fork of the South Branch Potomac River, Laurel Fork, Cranberry River, Mason Lake, Cooper's Rock Trout Pond, and Westover Park Lake.
- The current West Virginia weight record is 12.55 pounds, caught at Mannington Lake in 2025.
Specific Spots
- Target them in current edges, behind boulders and structures, undercut banks, and around overhanging trees and bushes.
Tiger Trout FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Tiger Trout in West Virginia?
Small spinners, casting spoons, small jigs, and minnow-imitating crankbaits. For bait fishing where permitted, minnows and nightcrawlers are top choices.
What flies work for Tiger Trout in West Virginia?
Effective fly patterns include woolly buggers, leech patterns, sculpin streamers, and nymphs like beadhead nymphs, Copper Johns, and Prince Nymphs. For dry fly fishing, use fluffy attractor patterns like Stimulators and Elk Hair Caddis when fish are feeding at the surface.
When is the best time to fish for Tiger Trout in West Virginia?
Tiger trout fishing in West Virginia is productive year-round, with prime seasons during spring (April-May) and fall (October) when water temperatures are optimal and fish are most active. The WVDNR conducts major stockings in April-May and again during fall monster trout stockings in mid to late October.
How do you catch Tiger Trout in West Virginia?
Target them in current edges, behind boulders and structures, undercut banks, and around overhanging trees and bushes. In lakes, try trolling with casting spoons and light tackle.
What do Tiger Trout eat?
Tiger trout are aggressive piscivores known for their voracious appetite. Young tigers feed on aquatic insects, invertebrates, and larvae, while mature fish become primarily fish-eaters, targeting smaller baitfish.
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