Golden Trout Program Expands
The WV DNR is expanding its golden rainbow trout stocking program to additional lakes and streams, giving anglers more chances to catch these beautiful fish.
Few fish inspire as much excitement in West Virginia as the golden rainbow trout. Its brilliant yellow-gold color makes it instantly recognizable, and anglers of all ages treat a golden trout as a bucket-list catch. Now, the state's golden trout program is growing.
What Is a Golden Rainbow Trout?
Despite the name, West Virginia's golden rainbow trout is not the same as the California golden trout. It is a color variation of the rainbow trout, developed from a mutation discovered in a state hatchery and maintained through selective breeding. The result is a fish with the shape and habits of a rainbow but the color of bright gold.
Learn more in our West Virginia trout species guide.
More Waters, More Opportunity
By expanding the program, the WVDNR is putting golden rainbow trout into additional lakes and streams across the state. That means more anglers — including families looking for an easy, exciting first catch — have a realistic shot at hooking one.
Golden trout are stocked alongside the state's other trout species, and they behave much like rainbows. For a full look at how fish reach these waters, read our trout stocking in West Virginia guide.
The Gold Rush
The golden trout program is celebrated each year through West Virginia's Gold Rush stocking event, when extra golden rainbow trout are released into selected waters. It's one of the most popular events on the state's fishing calendar and a great reason to plan a spring trip.
Because dates and waters change from year to year, check the current WVDNR schedule and our news page for announcements.
Tips for Catching Golden Trout
- Fish shortly after a stocking for the best odds.
- Try dough bait, salmon eggs, small spinners or jigs.
- Fly anglers can use nymphs, streamers and small dry flies.
- Look for gold flashes in shallow, sunlit water.
Find stocked lakes and streams in our streams & lakes guide, brush up with our tips & techniques, and confirm the rules in the West Virginia regulations guide.