String up your fly rod and oil your shotgun.
Some of the best trout fishing and small game hunting is just around the corner.
The DNR’s fall stocking program soon will be in full swing, when area streams will receive stockings of trout about the time the fall hunting season gets underway, according to Mark Scott, assistant chief fisheries biologist Mark Scott in Charleston.
“We usually stock trout on the Saturday closest to the October 15th date,” Scott explained. “Historically, the October 15 date signaled the opening of small game hunting seasons.”
Streams and lakes are designated for fall stocking this year, according to the DNR. During two weeks in October, the designated waters will receive one stocking per week.
Another feature of the fall trout stocking is that it provides an opportunity to combine trout fishing and hunting in popular areas of the state, Scott said.
“You can hunt squirrels in the morning and fish for trout in the afternoon,” he added. “A fall hunter can enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to hunting and fishing.”
Recent rains, however, have added much needed water to all streams throughout the Mountain State and greatly have alleviated the threat of low waters, the fisheries biologist said.
Additionally, Scott said the fall stocking program presented an opportunity for anglers to enjoy the colorful fall foliage. The stocking coincides with the changing of the leaves along area streambeds.
Stocking will provide an opportunity for anglers to qualify for trophy fish citations on the various trout species that meet or exceed the minimum weight or length, the fisheries biologist said. Anglers now are permitted to practice catch and release and still obtain a trophy fish citation, if there is one witness who must sign the application for the citation. “It is desirable to have a photo, but it is not mandatory,” Scott said.
Both residents and non-residents are eligible for the trophy citations. Fish must be caught on a rod and reel, and the application must be submitted within 60 days of the catch, he pointed out.
The trophy fish citation program was initiated to recognize outstanding fishing achievements.
Persons interested in registering their trophy fish catches may obtain applications from any license agent or from the DNR’s regional Wildlife Resource office at MacArthur.
Scott said persons fishing for trout are reminded that a trout fishing stamp (Class O) is required in addition to the resident or non-resident fishing license.
The Mountain State has hundreds of miles of trout waters managed for public fishing, according to the DNR.
And fishermen spend an estimated 2.5 million angler days fishing on their favorite streams.
“This is a beautiful time to be out of doors in the state,” Scott said. “It offers our residents an additional opportunity to enjoy both fishing and hunting when the weather is warm and sunny.”
—
Top o’ the morning!