DNR Press Release:
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources stocked more than 6,700 catchable-size channel catfish into 23 lakes during the week of May 17, according to Frank Jezioro, DNR Director. “The goal of this stocking program is to provide fishing opportunities at some of our more accessible lakes for folks to enjoy. Results of previous introductions indicate that stocked channel catfish are caught throughout the summer and that families and young anglers comprise a substantial number of those fishing for catfish,” said Jezioro.
Lakes stocked include: Anawalt Lake (McDowell County), Barboursville Lake (Cabell County), Berwind Lake (McDowell County), Cedar Creek State Park Lake (Gilmer County), Chief Logan State Park Lake (Logan County), Conaway Run Lake (Tyler County), Coopers Rock Lake (Monongalia County), French Creek Pond (Upshur County), Handley Pond (Pocahontas County), Hurricane Lake (Putnam County), Krodel Lake (Mason County), Laurel Lake (Mingo County), Little Beaver State Park Lake (Raleigh County), Mason Lake (Monongalia County), Mountwood Lake (Wood County), North Bend State Park Pond (Ritchie County), Parker Hollow Lake (Hardy County), Pendleton Lake at Blackwater Falls State Park (Tucker County), Pipestem State Park Lake (Summers County), Tomlinson Run Lake (Hancock County), Wallback Lake (Clay County), Watoga State Park Lake (Pocahontas County), and Wirt County Pond (Wirt County).
Additionally, tagged channel catfish were stocked into Coopers Rock Lake, Mason Lake, and Mountwood Lake to assess angler participation and catch rates. Anglers who catch a tagged fish are asked to return tag or tag number along with information on the date of capture, if the fish was kept or released, and the name and address of the angler to WVDNR, 2311 Ohio Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26101. Anglers also can call in the information (304-420-4550) or provide the information via e-mail (fishtags@wvdnr.gov).