8 Great Fishing Locations in Tucker County

West Virginia is a fishing paradise. Where there is plenty of space for true wilderness and escaping everyday life. Several species of fish are found in the lakes and rivers of Tucker County, West Virginia. The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources is an incredible asset, stocking the Trout Rivers of Tucker County with Rainbow, Brown, and Golden Trout.

West Virginia Department of Natural Resources

County Fishing Map


1. Blackwater River

Fish three sections of the Blackwater River from the headwaters thru the Blackwater Canyon. The Blackwater River slowly meanders through Canaan Valley. Convenient access and handicap pier can be found on Timberline Rd. The river picks up speed on the Middle Blackwater with ideal trout habitat of droops and pools. This stretch of river begins it’s transformation into whitewater seven miles upriver of Davis, along Camp 70 Rd. Catch and release begins in Blackwater Falls State Park and continues through the canyon for a serious angler’s adventure.

Stocked: once in January, twice in February and once each week March thru May, twice in October

Web site: http://gettuckered.com/outdoor-recreation/listings/blackwater-river

2. Clover Run

A great catch in Tucker County off the beaten path is located near the historic town of Saint George. Head west on Rt. 38 a few miles and turn onto Clover Run Road. River access begins almost immediately and extends to where Valley Fork Road and Clover Run Road intersect. Be prepared for fishing a narrow stretch of trout habitat that is wooded.

Length: 5.49 miles

Stocked: once each month February thru May

3. Red Creek

Beginning life in Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, Red Creek is as pristine as it gets. A mix of Native Brook Trout are found among the various stocked species of Trout. River access is found at the entrance of Dolly Sods, where Lanesville Rd. Bridge crosses over Red Creek. A hundred feet from the bridge, parking is available at the ranger station cabins on the left.

Length: 2.35 miles

Stocked: once in February and once every two weeks March thru May

4. Dry Fork (Randolph & Tucker Counties)

The Dry Fork River is the second largest tributary of the Cheat River. Stocked thoroughly with Brown, Golden, and Rainbow trout from March thru May. River access at Mill Run along River Road is strait forward and obvious (about 7 miles upriver of Hendricks). Scout for the best holes by vehicle. The river is wide and very user friendly through the Dry Fork Valley. Fish are stocked from Old Mill below Harman downstream four miles to Tucker County and at the U.S. Route 33 bridge downstream three miles to Gladwin, plus from Route 26 to Red Run, a tributary.

Length: 12.09 miles

Stocked: once in February and once every two weeks March thru May

5. Red Run

If a good challenge, both physically and mentally, is your thing, then Red Run is your paradise. Secluded on Canaan Mountain, this Native Brook Trout stream runs free of stocked trout for the ultimate experience. This is a fly-fishing-only and catch and release zone for the entire stretch of river. To access Red Run drive Canaan Loop Road (FR 13) from Rt. 32 at Canaan Heights about 10 miles before DNR signage begin to appear. Pull-outs and where FR 13a intersects with FR 13 are good parking for river access.

Length: 16.52 miles

6. Horseshoe Run

Located 4 miles from the town of Parson is Horseshow Run, which has been utilized since the first settlers came to Tucker County, WV. The 6.84 miles of stocked stream is best fished in early spring. This is a small tributary of the Cheat River and dries up quickly. Horseshoe Run is stocked from the bridge above the community of Shaffer at access points downstream to below the mouth of Mike Run. Since National Forest and public lands dot the river bank, please respect the private land owners. There are a few campsites available at Horseshoe Run Recreation Area. This area is just upstream from the YMCA Camp Horseshoe.

Length: 6.84 miles

Stocked: once in February and once every two weeks March thru May

7. Thomas City Park

Lake Thomas is a reservoir in the town of Thomas, West Virginia fed by the North Fork of the Blackwater River. Bass and trout are favorite catches in Lake Thomas, along with Catfish and Blue Gill. Handicap fishing pier, restroom, easy access and parking are found at the pavilion area of Thomas City Park. A boat launch for small non-motorized craft is also located next to the fishing pier.

Stocked: once each month February thru May

http://gettuckered.com/outdoor-recreation/listings/thomas-city-park

8. Pendleton Lake

Pendleton Lake is located at the Nature Center in Blackwater Falls State Park. The lake is stocked with trout every spring and along with a natural population of Largemouth Bass, Blue Gill, and Channel Catfish, anglers will be kept a busy. Kayak and paddle boat rentals are available on site.

Stocked: Once each Month February thru May