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New River

Boat Ramps
39
Access Points
47
Species
32

The New River flows northward through three states, spanning Alleghany and Ashe counties in North Carolina, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Wythe counties in Virginia, and Fayette, Raleigh, and Summers counties in West Virginia. Despite its name, this ancient waterway ranks among the oldest rivers on the North American continent, second only to the Nile worldwide. The river begins where the North and South Forks converge in North Carolina, then meanders approximately 160 miles through Virginia before entering West Virginia, where it eventually joins the Gauley River to form the Kanawha River. This diverse watershed offers exceptional fishing opportunities across its entire length, from moderate-sized stretches in North Carolina to deeper, more powerful sections in Virginia and the dramatic gorge in West Virginia.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on New 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.

Gauley Mountain Trail Access

Gauley Mountain Trail Access

Access Point
Gauley Mountain

Gauley Mountain

Access Point
Shanklins Ferry Campground Access

Shanklins Ferry Campground Access

Access Point
Hawk's Nest State Park Access

Hawk's Nest State Park Access

Access Point
Sandstone Falls Access

Sandstone Falls Access

Access Point
Bisset Park

Bisset Park

Access Point
Rt 16 Access

Rt 16 Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on New 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 New 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 New River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

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

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

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

NEW RIVER AT HINTON, WV

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