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Blackwater River

Boat Ramps
5
Access Points
18
Species
9

The Blackwater River is a pristine 32-mile freestone river located entirely within Tucker County, West Virginia. Originating on Canaan Mountain, this picturesque waterway flows through some of West Virginia's most scenic areas, including Canaan Valley, Canaan Valley State Park, and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge before passing near Davis and through Blackwater Falls State Park. The river gets its distinctive dark coloration from tannins leached from the abundant Eastern Hemlock, Red Spruce, mountain laurel, and rhododendron that line its banks. After dropping 62 feet over Blackwater Falls (West Virginia's tallest waterfall), the river continues through an 8-mile stretch of class IV and V rapids before joining the Dry Fork at Hendricks. Known for its crystal-clear water despite the dark coloration, breathtaking scenery, and excellent trout fishing opportunities, the Blackwater River has become one of West Virginia's most treasured fishing destinations.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Blackwater River and what's needed to catch them.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Blackwater River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Blackwater River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

West Virginia licenses and regulations

West Virginia Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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West Virginia Fishing License

All anglers who are at the age of 15 and older are required to have a fishing license and a valid form of identification such as a State Issued ID or Driver's License while fishing.

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West Virginia Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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West Virginia Stream Access Laws

On navigable waters, the public may use the streambed up to the high water mark. On floatable waters, the public may float through private land but cannot legally use the streambed. Public rights on non-navigable waters are not well defined, but are likely none.

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Take Blackwater River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Blackwater River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Blackwater River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Blackwater River and check the forecast before you go.

BLACKWATER RIVER AT DAVIS, WV

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