THIS WEEKEND: Fish for free in West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s Free Fishing Weekend is again this Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12, 2022, Gov. Jim Justice introduced Friday.

In the course of the subsequent two days, residents and nonresidents can fish in West Virginia free of charge. The annual occasion offers novice and returning anglers the chance to fish and not using a license.

“A few of my favourite reminiscences rising up have been after I was within the water in West Virginia with a fishing pole in my hand, attempting to catch a terrific trophy fish,” Gov. Justice mentioned. “Our Free Fishing Weekend is a good alternative for extra folks from throughout to offer fishing a attempt to to take pleasure in the entire pure surprise West Virginia has to supply. Now we have so many nice rivers and streams with loads of trout and different fish prepared so that you can catch.

“I hope you’ll use this weekend to see simply how a lot enjoyable it’s to get exterior and forged a line in our pristine waters,” Gov. Justice continued. “Should you strive it as soon as, I do know you’ll take pleasure in it, and also you’ll notice you should get your personal fishing license to maintain having fun with our world-class fishing alternatives all summer season lengthy.”

Below Justice’s route, the West Virginia Division of Pure Sources (WVDNR) applied a brand new technique for stocking fish, geared toward growing the variety of fish and areas being stocked whereas concurrently spreading out the fish over bigger areas, to supply extra alternatives for anglers to land a terrific catch, regardless of the place they forged their line, in keeping with a state information launch.

The state’s lakes and streams proceed to supply each trophy-sized recreation fish and document catches. Since 2020, West Virginia has seen over 10 new state document fish caught, together with three up to now two months alone.

“We’ve had so many fish caught this spring which have damaged all-time state data, it’s really unbelievable,” Gov. Justice mentioned. “It wouldn’t shock me one bit if we see one other document catch throughout our Free Fishing Weekend. Who is aware of? It may very well be you!”

For 2021, searching and fishing license income was the very best it’s been in additional than 20 years, state officers mentioned, attributing the rise to initiatives like Free Fishing Days, the Governor’s Lifetime Searching & Fishing License Giveaway and Gold Rush.

“Should you haven’t fished shortly or are concerned about getting began, now is an efficient time to offer fishing a strive free of charge,” mentioned WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “Free Fishing Days is a good way to benefit from the open air with household and associates and an ideal alternative for anglers to take their children or grandkids to their favourite fishing spot.”

Listed below are some ideas from the DNR for taking children fishing.

Anglers who take pleasure in Free Fishing Days and need to proceed fishing after this weekend can buy a brand new fishing license or to resume an present one on-line.

It’s also possible to discover extra basic details about fishing alternatives in West Virginia right here.