Glade Creek Trout Fishing: Complete Guide to Fishing Glade Creek in Raleigh County, WV
Cold mountain water, waterfalls, deep pools and miles of trail-followed stream in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve — here's how to plan your Glade Creek trout fishing trip.
If you're searching for a scenic mountain trout stream in southern West Virginia, Glade Creek trout fishing should be on your list. Located in Raleigh County within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Glade Creek offers anglers a combination of cold mountain water, waterfalls, deep pools, forest scenery, hiking and plenty of opportunities to get away from crowded fishing areas.
Glade Creek eventually flows into the New River and can be accessed from both the lower and upper portions of the watershed. A trail follows much of the creek, allowing fishermen to explore miles of potential trout water on foot. Whether you're looking for a short morning fishing trip or an all-day backcountry adventure, Glade Creek provides a classic West Virginia mountain-stream experience.
Where Is Glade Creek in Raleigh County, WV?
Glade Creek is located in Raleigh County, West Virginia, near Beckley, Prince, Grandview and Little Beaver State Park. The creek flows through the rugged terrain of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve before eventually reaching the New River.
Visitors should be aware that there are several streams named Glade Creek in West Virginia. The Glade Creek trout fishing location covered in this guide is the Raleigh County stream near Prince and the New River. It should not be confused with the Glade Creek associated with Babcock State Park in Fayette County.
There are two primary access points for fishermen:
- Lower Glade Creek Trailhead – Located near Glade Creek Campground and the New River.
- Upper Glade Creek Trailhead – Reached from the Grandview/Little Beaver area near Interstate 64 Exit 129.
Both provide access to the Glade Creek Trail and different portions of the stream.
Lower Glade Creek Fishing Access
For most anglers visiting Glade Creek for the first time, the Lower Glade Creek Trailhead is the easiest place to begin. This access is located near Glade Creek Campground close to where Glade Creek enters the New River.
Directions from Beckley to Lower Glade Creek
From Beckley, travel toward Prince on WV Route 41. As Route 41 descends toward the New River at Prince, look for Glade Creek Road before crossing the New River bridge. Turn onto Glade Creek Road and follow the road along the New River.
You'll travel through a beautiful section of New River Gorge and pass the Grandview Sandbar area before continuing toward Glade Creek Campground. Expect approximately six miles of travel along Glade Creek Road before reaching the campground and trailhead area. Portions of the road are gravel, narrow and slower to travel than a typical paved highway, so allow extra time.
Once you arrive, you can park near the campground and begin exploring Glade Creek on foot.
Upper Glade Creek Fishing Access
Anglers interested in exploring the opposite end of the creek can use the Upper Glade Creek Trailhead. This access is considerably more remote and requires traveling on an unpaved mountain road.
Directions to Upper Glade Creek Trailhead
Take Interstate 64 Exit 129, which is the Grandview exit. From the exit, travel south on WV Route 9 toward Little Beaver State Park. Continue approximately 0.5 mile. You'll pass the junction with WV Route 307. Look for an unmarked gravel road on the left just before Fire Tower Road. Turn left onto the gravel road.
Follow this road downhill for approximately one mile toward Glade Creek. The road is steep, narrow, winding and unpaved. After reaching Glade Creek, cross the bridge over the creek. Parking for the Upper Glade Creek Trailhead is located in this area.
Important Warning About Upper Glade Creek Access
The road leading to Upper Glade Creek is considerably more difficult than the lower access. A high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended. Road conditions can include mud, deep ruts, loose gravel, steep grades and tight switchbacks, and may become especially difficult following heavy rainfall. If you're driving a low-clearance passenger car or aren't comfortable driving steep mountain roads, use the Lower Glade Creek access instead.
Which Glade Creek Access Is Best?
For most fishermen, the lower trailhead is the best starting point for Glade Creek trout fishing. The road is easier to navigate, the campground provides a recognizable destination, and anglers can begin exploring the creek immediately.
The Upper Glade Creek Trailhead is better suited to experienced outdoor enthusiasts with appropriate vehicles who want to explore more remote sections of the creek. You can also make separate fishing trips from each trailhead: fish upstream from the lower access on one trip and explore downstream from the upper access on another.
Fishing the Glade Creek Trail
One of the best things about Glade Creek trout fishing is the trail that follows the stream. The Glade Creek Trail runs for approximately 5.5 miles through the gorge and provides access to numerous sections of the creek. Instead of fishing one hole and returning to your vehicle, you can walk along the stream and explore pool after pool.
The surrounding terrain creates excellent-looking trout habitat, including:
- Deep pools
- Small plunge pools
- Boulder pockets
- Waterfalls
- Cascades
- Current seams
- Shaded runs
- Undercut banks
- Riffles
Don't overlook small pieces of water. Mountain trout frequently hold in pockets that fishermen walk past while searching for larger pools.
Glade Creek Falls
One of the highlights of a Glade Creek trout fishing trip is Glade Creek Falls. The falls are located approximately one mile upstream from the Lower Glade Creek Trailhead. The waterfall flows over broad sandstone ledges and creates one of the most scenic locations along the creek. Several smaller waterfalls, cascades and pools can also be found throughout this section.
These changes in water depth and current can create attractive trout habitat. Even if the fish aren't cooperating, the hike to Glade Creek Falls makes the trip worthwhile.
Trout Fishing Glade Creek
Glade Creek is known as a trout fishing destination within New River Gorge. Anglers should check the current West Virginia trout stocking schedule before planning a trip specifically around stocking activity because schedules and stocking locations can change.
Fishing pressure will usually be greatest around areas that are easiest to reach. One advantage of Glade Creek is that anglers willing to walk farther can quickly leave the most accessible fishing locations behind. Sometimes an extra half-mile of hiking can completely change the fishing experience.
Glade Creek Fishing Regulations
Always check current West Virginia fishing regulations before fishing Glade Creek. Special regulations, including catch-and-release requirements, may apply to designated portions of the creek. Regulations can also specify what types of tackle, bait or artificial lures may be used in certain sections.
Anglers should have the appropriate West Virginia fishing license and trout privileges when required. Never assume regulations are the same as they were during a previous trip. Review the current West Virginia fishing regulations before you go.
Best Tackle for Glade Creek Trout Fishing
Light fishing equipment is perfect for Glade Creek. For spinning fishermen, consider using a 5- to 6-foot ultralight rod paired with a small spinning reel and light fishing line. Where regulations allow, small trout-sized artificial lures can be effective.
Fly fishermen may want a shorter fly rod because trees, rhododendron and other vegetation can make casting difficult in certain locations. Popular mountain-stream presentations include small nymphs, streamers, woolly buggers, dry flies and terrestrial patterns. See our tips & techniques and fly fishing West Virginia guide for more. Regardless of what you're using, stealth is extremely important.
Approach Trout Carefully
Glade Creek can become extremely clear during periods of normal or low water, which makes it easy for trout to see fishermen approaching. Whenever possible, fish upstream. Stay low and use rocks, vegetation and stream banks to conceal your approach. Avoid walking directly through pools before fishing them.
Make your first cast count. The first cast into an undisturbed mountain trout pool is often your best opportunity to catch a fish.
Where to Look for Trout
Understanding where trout hold can improve your chances of success. Look for areas where trout can avoid the strongest current while remaining close enough to intercept food. Concentrate on:
- Water behind large rocks
- Deep pools
- Pool heads and tails
- Current seams
- Undercut banks
- Shaded water
- Water below waterfalls
- Small plunge pools
- Slow pockets beside fast current
One of the joys of Glade Creek trout fishing is discovering these locations as you hike.
Best Time to Fish Glade Creek
Spring is one of the most popular times to fish Glade Creek. Cool water temperatures and stronger stream flows can create excellent conditions for trout. Spring is also when many West Virginia fishermen begin closely following trout stocking activity. Early morning can be an excellent time to arrive, particularly on weekends.
Fall is another beautiful time for Glade Creek trout fishing. Cooler temperatures return, and the surrounding mountains begin displaying their fall colors. Even if the fishing is slow, hiking along Glade Creek during peak fall foliage can make for an outstanding day outdoors. Meet the fish you're after in our trout species guide.
Summer Fishing
Summer requires more attention to water conditions. During extended periods of hot weather and low rainfall, mountain streams can become warmer and shallower. Trout become increasingly stressed as water temperatures rise. If Glade Creek is unusually warm or low, consider fishing another day. Protecting trout during stressful conditions helps preserve the fishery.
Watch for High Water
Heavy rainfall creates an entirely different concern. Glade Creek can rise rapidly following storms. Strong current, slippery rocks and steep stream banks can make fishing dangerous. Never attempt to cross fast-moving water simply to reach another fishing hole. Wet sandstone can also be extremely slippery, so a good pair of fishing boots or hiking shoes with excellent traction is strongly recommended.
Exploring From Upper Glade Creek
The Upper Glade Creek Trailhead gives adventurous anglers another way to experience the stream. From this access, fishermen can explore portions of Glade Creek that require a significant hike to reach from the lower campground. The upper access also puts visitors closer to the trail leading toward Kates Falls, providing another opportunity to combine trout fishing with hiking and waterfall exploration. Because this section is more remote, anglers should carry adequate water, food, rain gear and basic emergency supplies.
Camping at Glade Creek
Want to turn your Glade Creek trout fishing trip into an overnight adventure? Glade Creek Campground is located near the lower trailhead and New River. The campground is primitive, making it ideal for fishermen looking for a simple camping experience close to the water.
Camping near the trailhead also provides a major advantage: you can wake up early and start fishing before many day visitors arrive. Bring everything you'll need, including drinking water, food, fishing equipment and camping supplies.
Safety While Fishing Glade Creek
Glade Creek may be relatively close to Beckley, but sections of the stream feel surprisingly remote. Prepare accordingly. Bring enough drinking water for your hike, carry food or snacks if you plan to spend several hours fishing, and pack a small backpack with rain gear, a flashlight and basic first-aid supplies.
Cell phone service may be unreliable in portions of the gorge. If you're planning to hike several miles into the backcountry, tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.
Lower vs. Upper Glade Creek Access
Lower Glade Creek Trailhead
The lower access is best for most visitors. Access the area from WV Route 41 near Prince by taking Glade Creek Road toward the New River Gorge. Follow Glade Creek Road approximately six miles toward Glade Creek Campground and the trailhead. This is the recommended starting point for first-time visitors.
Upper Glade Creek Trailhead
The upper access is better for adventurous anglers with suitable vehicles. Take I-64 Exit 129 at Grandview and travel south on WV Route 9 toward Little Beaver State Park. Travel approximately half a mile and look for an unmarked gravel road on the left just before Fire Tower Road. Follow the gravel road approximately one mile downhill, cross the bridge over Glade Creek, and look for parking near the Upper Glade Creek Trailhead. A high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended for this route.
Why Glade Creek Trout Fishing Is Worth the Trip
There are easier places to catch trout in West Virginia, but that's part of what makes Glade Creek trout fishing special. Instead of fishing beside a busy highway, you're walking along a mountain stream surrounded by forest, sandstone formations, rhododendron, waterfalls and the rugged scenery of New River Gorge.
Around the next bend might be a beautiful waterfall, deep trout pool, narrow riffle or small pocket of water hidden beneath the trees. The combination of trout fishing, hiking, waterfalls, primitive camping and proximity to Beckley makes Glade Creek one of Raleigh County's most interesting outdoor destinations.
Having both upper and lower access points also means you don't need to explore the entire stream in a single trip. Start at Glade Creek Campground and fish upstream during your first visit. On another trip, anglers with an appropriate vehicle can explore the Upper Glade Creek Access and experience a completely different section of the stream.
For fishermen willing to put on a pair of boots and do some exploring, Glade Creek trout fishing offers a genuine West Virginia mountain-stream adventure in the heart of southern West Virginia.