Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Fishing Overview
With more than 900,000 acres of National Forest System lands that range in elevation between 1,425 feet and 4,863 feet above sea-level, the Monongahela offers a diversity of freshwater fishing experiences for everyone. You will find an assortment of aquatic habitats to explore and enjoy in the hundreds of miles of mountain streams and the more than 250 acres of man-made lakes on the Forest.
Fishing Rules and Regulations
All West Virginia Division of Natural Resources regulations govern fishing on the Forest. In addition, WV DNR has some specifically designated restriction areas within the Forest.
Key fishing requirements include:
- West Virginia state fishing and conversation stamps are required for fishing on Monongahela National Forest lands.
- Trout fishing requires an additional National Forest Trout Stamp. These are two separate stamps and both are purchased where your purchase your fishing license.
- West Virginia fishing license and your personal ID are required at all times while fishing.
There are certain places on the Forest have additional regulation put in place for conservation and protection of the Forest's natural resources. Please check site-specific pages for more information.
Lake and Pond Fishing
Those that enjoy the relaxing tranquility of lake fishing will want to experience the 251 acres of man-made lakes that are distributed among 4 reservoirs nestled in the mountains across the Forest. Bass, bluegill, catfish, and trout are fair game for those that wish to explore the water’s depth beneath the mirrored images cast upon these lakes.
River and Stream Fishing
The Forest features more than 600 miles of cold water streams that are inhabited year-round by native brook trout. These streams are prized for the vital habitat they provide in sustaining West Virginia’s only native trout. Rainbow and brown trout can also be found in some of our Forest streams.
Approximately 350 miles of streams on the Forest provide seasonal trout waters that transition exclusively into cool water or warm water fisheries as summer makes it way into the West Virginia highlands. Many of these streams are stocked during the fall, winter, and spring with hatchery raised rainbow, golden rainbow, brown, and brook trout by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to provide put-and-take trout fishing opportunities. The warm water angler will especially enjoy honing their skill in streams such as the South Branch Potomac River and the Greenbrier River which offer some of the State’s best smallmouth bass waters.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed on Monongahela National Forest with appropriate West Virginia hunting licenses. Seasons, bag limits and license requirements are determined by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WV DNR).
Considerations When Hunting on Monongahela National Forest
Discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property on is prohibited:
- In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area.
- Across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge.
- Into or within any cave.
Private land is often interspersed with public land within Monongahela National Forest.
Be sure to:
- Obtain written permission from private landowners to hunt on their property.
- Use caution to ensure you don’t inadvertently stray off public land onto private ownership.
Park in designated trailheads or parking areas, if available.
Where these are not available:
- Do not block roads or gates with your vehicle.
- Leave room for passing traffic.
- Avoid parking in blind spots.
Additional Prohibitions
It is prohibited to possess or operate a motor vehicle on any Monongahela National Forest trails or for cross county travel. This includes using any kind of motorized vehicle off road to retrieve game.
It is illegal to bait or feed wildlife on public land at any time.
Only portable tree stands and/or ground blinds may be used on public land.
Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a neurological (brain and nervous system) disease of the deer family known to occur in limited geographical locations in North America and Europe. In West Virginia, CWD has been found in white-tailed deer harvested from several counties, all outside of Monongahela National Forest. For more information, visit WV DNR CWD webpage.
Class Q/QQ Special Hunting Permits
A Class Q/QQ Special Hunting Permit entitles hunters with certain disabilities to hunt all legal species of game during the designated hunting seasons from a motor vehicle. A WV DNR application must be signed by your health care provider and submitted to the WV DNR to receive a Class Q/QQ permit.
Holders of Class Q/QQ permits may request authorization to drive a motor vehicle on designated Class Q Forest Service roads to hunt.
Additional Documents
- Class Q Frequently Asked Questions
- Directions to Class Q Roads
- Class Q Road Maps – Monongahela North Zone
- Class Q Road Maps – Monongahela South Zone
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