In the fall of 1949, the Petersburg State Trout Hatchery in Grant County received 10,000 rainbow trout fry from a California strain as a gift from the White Sulphur Springs Federal Hatchery. What Is A Golden Rainbow Trout? The golden rainbow trout is one of the most treasured fish in West Virginia, and is prized by anglers young and old for its unmistakable, bright-yellow color. Additionally, all anglers must follow West Virginia’s fishing regulations, which can be found online at www.wvdnr.gov. One golden rainbow trout was stocked for every 10 regular rainbows, a ratio maintained to this day. Between the dates of March 27th and April 4th, officials from the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources will be stocking golden rainbow trout at over five dozen streams and lakes throughout the state. Prizes will be announced at the end of the Gold Rush. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - A special stocking of golden rainbow trout is returning to West Virginia’s lakes and streams. They also can be seen at the state’s other five trout hatcheries during certain times of the year. During the year the state will stock during January, February, March, April, May, June, and October. One of the new and exciting trout fishing areas in West Virginia is on the Greenbrier … That winter, the fingerlings were sent along with 500,000 other fish to the rearing ponds at Spring Run. Native brook trout live and reproduce in only the coldest and purest of our mountain streams. Minimum group size is four people. For more information about Gold Rush, visit www.wvgoldrush.com. Go Native: Brook Trout. We also specialize in pond aeration! © Licenses can be purchased at 160 retail locations across the state or online. The Division of Natural Resources expects to stock 50,000 golden rainbows. West Virginia’s Division of Natural Resources has plans to stock dozens of bodies of water with special golden rainbow trout between now and April 3 for the annual “Gold Rush” trout … The golden trout is a genetically modified rainbow trout and is stocked to delight anglers with its pretty color. After some experimental stockings in 1962, DNR biologists decided West Virginia’s centennial in 1963 would be the appropriate time to properly release the golden rainbow trout by including them in regular rainbow trout stockings across the state. Decades later, the West Virginia golden rainbow trout has been a popular sport fish, reeling in anglers from all over the country. Gov. — The popular “Gold Rush” trout stocking effort will return for 2012 in West Virginia. “If there’s a trick to ensuring you catch the golden trout, it’s having a very small hook and a light-weight line,” said the trout … We offer Rainbow, Golden, Brook & Brown Trout, Large Mouth Bass, Blue Gill, Red Ear Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Koi, Goldfish, Grass Carp, Fathead Minnows and Trapdoor Snails. West Virginia’s Division of Natural Resources has plans to stock dozens of bodies of water with special golden rainbow trout between now and April 3 for the annual “Gold Rush” trout … By this time, the fish had developed a true golden color. Mace and his assistant, David Cochran, took special interest in Little Camouflage. What is the West Virginia Trout Stocking Gold Rush? Other prizes include one-night cabin stays at a West Virginia state park or forest, West Virginia State Parks gift cards and exclusive Gold Rush merch. One lucky winner will win the grand prize, a three-night cabin stay at Blackwater Falls State Park. West Virginia’s hatchery facilities play an important role in the state’s fisheries management efforts and are open daily to the public. One-night cabin stay at one West Virginia state park or forest. Voila, the birth of the West Virginia golden trout. While golden rainbows are reluctant to bite, catching one takes the same skill and bait required to catch any other rainbow trout. Today’s ceremony marked the official start of the fourth annual West Virginia Gold Rush. Use promo code GOLDRUSH. Less than 300 survived, but those fish were bred over the years to create a brood stock that went on to produce a single embryo that started the golden strain. This offer is valid on stays booked between March 20 â April 15, 2021. $25 gift card to West Virginia state parks, Exclusive Gold Rush merchandise (t-shirt, sticker, patches). Click here to download the list of stocking locations for offline browsing. After a year’s hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, West Virginia’s anglers will once again be able to fish the Gold Rush, a two-week trout-fishing promotion that will see some 50,000 golden rainbow trout stocked into 62 waters throughout the state. Share Centennial Golden Trout The West Virginia Centennial Golden Trout received its first widespread stocking in 1963, the state’s 100th anniversary year. Over 12 days, the WVDNR will stock 50,000 golden rainbow trout at 62 lakes and streams, including waters in or near 15 state parks and forests. The West Virginia golden trout program will present dozens of prizes to lucky anglers who catch the state's trademark fish. Jim Justice says the bright yellow trout is being added to more than 60 designated locations around the state starting this week. Introduced to the public in 1963 as part of West Virginia’s centennial celebration, the golden rainbow trout is prized by anglers young and old for its unmistakable, bright-yellow color. The West Virginia Gold Rush returns March 23 â April 3, 2021. Because golden rainbows lack normal pigmentation in their scales, they tend to seek shady water and are sometimes less active. 2021 West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Create a website or blog at WordPress.com, News and updates from the Wildlife Resources Section of the WVDNR, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, 2018 Wildlife Calendar available to purchase, Watch DNR biologists remove logjam on Big Spring Fork, Lewis Wetzel WMA is a perfect place for hunting and fishing adventures, WVDNR hosting virtual Archery in the Schools state tournament March 25-27, WVDNR increases Buffalo Creek trout stocking, WVDNR nears completion of new wildlife education center. The fish is a color mutation of the common rainbow trout, discovered by chance and then bred for the characteristic. With their success, game fish specialists knew they had something that would be of interest to the state’s anglers and attract visitors to fish in West Virginia. Within a few weeks, nearly 300 became golden in color. The golden rainbow trout is one of the most treasured fish in West Virginia, and is prized by anglers for its unmistakable, bright-yellow color. For the fourth year in a row, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is planning statewide stockings of the Mountain Stateâs very own golden rainbow trout. *Some exclusions apply. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A special stocking of golden rainbow trout is returning to West Virginia ’s lakes and streams. All anglers 15 years and older are required to have a West Virginia fishing license and a valid form of identification while fishing. The bright yellow trout … If you are a lucky angler who reels in a catch with a numbered tag, you can enter to win one of four prizes. Between March 23 … Licenses are good for the calendar year, and it is recommended they be purchased at the beginning of each year. The hatcheries supply about 80,000 eggs each year, and state policy does not allow golden rainbow trout eggs to be exported to other states. Joined by members of Falmouth Flats Fly Fishers, I recently traveled to Petersburg, West Virginia, which dubs itself as the “Home of the Golden Trout”.While I have fished for trout in most Mid-Atlantic States, I realized that this was my first ever purchase of a West Virginia fishing license and trout … Use promo code GOLDRUSH to enjoy a $99 Gold Rush rafting special. The West Virginia Gold Rush is returning for its fourth year on March 23 and for the first time will include 12 days of trout stockings at some of the state’s most popular fishing lakes and streams. Stocking locations can […] About West Virginia's Golden Rainbow Trout: Introduced to the public in 1963 as part of West Virginia's centennial celebration, the golden rainbow trout is prized by anglers young and old for its unmistakable, bright-yellow color. During the week of April 2-6, 2018, lakes, streams and rivers across the Mountain State will run with gold when the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources stocks 25,000 golden rainbow trout at select locations, for the West Virginia Gold Rush. West Virginia's golden rainbow trout come from a single source, the Division of Natural Resources' Petersburg Hatchery, but young golden rainbows from … CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A special stocking of golden rainbow trout is returning to West Virginia’s lakes and streams. About West Virginia’s Golden Rainbow Trout The golden rainbow trout was bred at the Petersburg Hatchery over several years and introduced to the public in 1963 as part of West Virginia’s centennial celebration. Simple and pure. In order to stock West Virginia’s waters with golden rainbow trout, DNR biologists work hard every year to breed and raise these extraordinary fish. Today, the Petersburg and Reeds Creek Hatcheries supply fertilized eggs from female golden rainbow trout to the state’s other hatcheries. Gov. Licenses are valid through the entire calendar year. CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A special stocking of golden rainbow trout is returning to West Virginia’s lakes and streams. Over 12 days, the WVDNR will stock 50,000 golden rainbow trout at 62 lakes and streams, including waters in or near 15 state parks and forests. Photo courtesy W.Va. Dept. Introduced to the public in 1963 as part of West Virginia’s centennial celebration, the golden rainbow trout took several years to develop. In the early 1990s, a few blue trout still could be found in a holding pond at West Virginia’s Petersburg Hatchery. WVDNR Director Stephen McDaniel speaks during the ceremony to kick off the Gold Rush event. Mace and Cochran determined the fish was female, a revelation that opened some interesting possibilities. Although most anglers treasure golden rainbow trout, many have disagreed on how catchable they are compared to regular rainbow trout. West Virginia’s golden rainbow trout is prized by anglers young and old for its unmistakable, bright-yellow color. Getting a golden rainbow trout to bite is difficult, but when they do take the bait you’ll be able to say you found gold in the hills of West Virginia. Those moments where you become one with the call of churning streams and relax in the sound of calm waters â all while waiting for the perfect catch. That’s because these fish are in fact a mutated strain of the rainbow trout, and have been selectively and successfully bred by West Virginia Division of Natural Resources biologists. After years of breeding, it was time to introduce the new golden rainbow trout to the public. Three-night cabin stay at Blackwater Falls State Park. All anglers age 15 and older are required to have a fishing license and a valid form of identification while fishing. In February 1957, attendants noticed that several of the small fish were turning a pale-yellow color. Jim Justice says the bright yellow trout is being added to more than 60 designated locations around the state starting this week. CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A special stocking of golden rainbow trout is returning to West Virginia’s lakes and streams. Finally, the infamous Golden trout which was developed first here in West Virginia. Like gold panned from a mountain stream in the old west, catching a golden rainbow trout requires patience and skill. Escape the hustle and bustle and plan your outdoor outing to West Virginia. Click here to access video and photos of the West Virginia golden rainbow trout. Explore the map below to find a stocking location near you. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - A special stocking of golden rainbow trout is returning to West Virginia’s lakes and streams. Deal not available to use March 26 and 27 and April 10 â 12. SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Gold Rush, a special stocking of golden rainbow trout, returns April 1-6 in more than 55 waters across the state. A valid fishing license with a current trout stamp is your ticket to catching West Virginiaâs golden rainbow trout. For those who want an up-close look at the golden rainbow trout, tours are available at the Petersburg and Reeds Creek hatcheries, where brood stock for future generations are always being reared. Rest your head in Almost Heaven with a special $150/night 2-bedroom cabin special at West Virginia Adventures. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A special stocking of golden rainbow trout is returning to West Virginia’s lakes and streams. The bright yellow trout is … A youth watches golden trout swim at a West Virginia wildlife exhibit. Here, what matters most are the moments you hold onto. A West Virginia fishing license can be purchased at approximately 180 retail agents around the state or online at www.wvfish.com. West Virginia's golden rainbow trout come from a single source, the Division of Natural Resources' Petersburg Hatchery, but young golden rainbows from … “They’re more difficult to catch. The Golden Rainbow Trout or, more properly, West Virginia Golden Rainbow Trout is the result of selective breeding of Rainbow Trout descending from a single female with a golden colored genetic mutation. Whether youâre looking to come for the day or stay for a week, thereâs a West Virginia fishing license for you. Greenbrier River. The West Virginia golden trout program will present dozens of prizes to lucky anglers who catch the state's trademark fish. This makes West Virginia’s golden rainbow trout an even more alluring catch for anglers across the state and country. For more than 50 years, these freshwater cousins of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) have provided a special experience for anglers who have been lucky enough to catch them and a source of frustration for those who haven’t. Evans named the juvenile fish “Little Camouflage” and moved it to a separate rearing pond. Weâre making every cast count. 324 Fourth AvenueSouth Charleston, WV 25303. WVDNR Director Stephen McDaniel speaks during the ceremony to kick off the Gold Rush event. The West Virginia Wildlife Federation is giving away free 2021 memberships during the West Virginia Gold Rush. The Division of Natural Resources expects to stock 50,000 golden rainbows. of Commerce. Despite being golden in color, West Virginia’s golden rainbow trout are not related to the California golden trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita), which is a subspecies of rainbow trout found high up in the streams of the Sierra Nevada. Like regular rainbow trout, golden rainbows are not native to West Virginia and do not reproduce naturally after being stocked in the state’s streams and lakes. All you must do to receive your free membership is complete three simple tasks. While this fish is commonly called the golden trout in West Virginia, it is more properly named the golden rainbow trout. The West Virginia Gold Rush—special stocking of golden rainbow trout—will return in 2019 with more fish and new locations, according to Stephen McDaniel, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. After a year’s hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, West Virginia’s anglers will once again be able to fish the Gold Rush, a two-week trout-fishing promotion that will see some 50,000 golden rainbow trout stocked into 62 waters throughout the state. Book your stay between March 17 â April 10, 2021 and receive 15% off. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A special stocking of golden rainbow trout is returning to West Virginia’s lakes and streams. For more than 50 years, golden rainbow trout has provided a special experience for anglers lucky enough to catch them. Extend your fishing adventure with a stay at the Hilton Garden Inn â Clarksburg. Fish Stockings 2021 * * * COVID-19 Update * * * At this time, trout stocking will continue as scheduled in West Virginia Waters. The brook trout is the only trout species native to West Virginia streams. Although the first fish in this experiment were small, additional selective breeding brought future broods up to the size and vigor of regular rainbow trout. These fish were selectively and successfully bred by West Virginia Division of Natural Resources biologists over several years and introduced to the public in 1963 as part of West Virginia’s … A fishing license is your golden ticket to catching this unique fish. In October 1956, 900 eggs from Little Camouflage were fertilized with milt from a regular rainbow trout male. West Virginiaâs golden rainbow trout is prized by anglers young and old for its unmistakable, bright-yellow color. These fish were selectively and successfully bred by West Virginia Division of Natural Resources biologists over several years and introduced to the public in 1963 as part of West Virginiaâs centennial celebration.