News

2025 Fishing Regulations Announced

New fishing regulations for 2025 have been announced by Division of Natural Resources.
“Reviewing the updated fishing regulations summary each year is an important step for anglers to stay informed about the rules that preserve the quality of our state’s world-class fisheries,” said DNR director Brett McMillion. “As we approach the new year, I encourage everyone to renew their licenses early, so they’re ready to cast their lines come Jan. 1.”
West Virginia’s updated fishing regulations will go into effect on Jan. 1. Anglers are encouraged to review the full updated summary and make note of new regulations, which include:
The daily creel limit on Elk Fork, North Bend, O’Brien and Woodrum lakes is six for black bass (smallmouth, spotted and largemouth). Only one fish may exceed 16 inches.
Fish caught on commercial pay lakes are not eligible for state record, fish citation or Master Angler programs.
The DNR also announced a correction to the print edition of the regulations summary. In the special regulations section for black bass on page 2, Elk Fork, North Bend, O’Brien and Woodrum lakes should have been removed from the lakes section under catch-and-release.
Those lakes are now under the minimum size limit section also on page 2.
Copies of the 2025 Fishing Regulations Summary will be available at DNR district offices and authorized license agents around the state in January.