DNR Trout Harvest Study

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will conduct a trout harvest rate study during the 2025 spring and fall trout stocking seasons.
The study will help biologists better understand how long trout stay in stocked streams, how they move over time, and whether they survive through the summer.
As part of that effort, DNR hatchery staff will release rainbow and golden rainbow trout marked with unique numbered blue tags into waters around the state.
Anglers who catch a tagged trout are asked to clip off the tag and report it using the contact information printed on it.
Those who participate in the study will receive a gift card up to $100.
“West Virginia’s anglers are incredibly responsive and supportive and we appreciate their cooperation in this important research effort,” said DNR director Brett McMillion. “By reporting tagged trout, anglers are directly contributing to the science that helps us improve trout stocking and management across West Virginia.”
Anglers may keep or release the fish after removing the tag. If a fish has more than one tag, all tags should be removed and reported.
To assist with data collection, the DNR asks anglers to provide the following information when reporting a tagged trout:
*Tag number.
*Location and date of catch.
*Whether the fish was harvested or released.
*Contact information for sending the reward.
Tag reports can be submitted via email to [email protected] or by calling 304.637.0245.