West Virginia Gold Rush Slated to Return March 30
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on March 04, 2026
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced the return of Gold Rush stockings at 69 lakes and streams around the state starting March 30.
“As we celebrate the ninth anniversary of the Gold Rush, we look forward to seeing all of the ways this exciting event helps recruit the next generation of anglers and helps us keep West Virginia’s outdoor traditions alive and well for years to come,” said WVDNR Director Brett
McMillion.
McMillion.
From March 30 - April 11, the WVDNR will stock more than 50,000 golden rainbow trout at 69 lakes and streams around the state, including waters in or near 15 state parks and forests. Of these fish, 100 will receive a numbered yellow tag. If an angler catches a golden trout with one of these tags, they can enter the tag number ONLINE for a chance to win one of the following prizes:
(1) Free Resident West Virginia Lifetime Fishing License (1 Winner)
(1) One-Night West Virginia State Park Lodge Stay (5 Winners)
(1) $25 West Virginia State Parks Gift Card (5 Winners)
Prizes will be awarded by random drawing. All anglers with a valid fishing license and trout stamp who report a verified tag during the event will be eligible to receive a gift bag with Gold Rush merchandise. To learn more about Gold Rush giveaways and stocking locations, visit WVdnr.gov/goldrush.
Save 15% at Select State Parks During Gold Rush
To encourage anglers and their families to plan a Gold Rush adventure, West Virginia State Parks is offering a 15% discount on lodge rooms and cabins at select parks booked between now and April 30. Offer is valid only on new stays (two-night minimum) at Blackwater Falls, Cacapon Resort, Cass, North Bend, Pipestem Resort, Tygart Lake and Watoga state parks. To receive the discount, book online at WVstateparks.com and use the offer code GOLD at checkout.
All anglers 15 and older must have a West Virginia fishing license with a current trout stamp and a valid form of identification while fishing during Gold Rush. Licenses and stamps can be purchased online at WVfish.com. Anglers are also reminded to follow West Virginia’s fishing regulations, available to download at WVdnr.gov/fishing-regulations.
