03-22-2010, 10:10 PM
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Trout stockings and the spring weather always call anglers to streams.
"Visitors and residents are discovering state parks and forests are great for fishing retreats," said Brad Reed, district administrator with the W.Va. State Parks System. "The Wildlife Resources Section of the Division of Natural Resources does an outstanding job stocking fish and managing our streams and waters to maintain good fishing opportunities in the state."
Trout stocking began in January and runs through May. Information about the stocking program is available online at www.wvdnr.gov. "What folks may not realize is the closeness of our park and forest cabins to great fishing waters. Cabins and lodges are good places to stay during a spring fishing adventure," according to Reed.
For information about outdoor packages, events and activities at West Virginia State Parks and Forests, visit www.wvstateparks.com or phone, 800 CALL WVA and ask the call center to transfer your call to the area by name.
2010 fishing packages and related events available at W.Va. State Parks:
"¢ Sportsmen's Package at Tygart Lake
Anglers showing a current W.Va. fishing license receive 50 percent off each night's stay after their second night at regular rates and 30 percent off all restaurant services at Tygart Lake State Park April 16 - May 27 and again October 1 - 31. Tygart Lake State Park, near the city of Grafton, is minutes away from the Tygart Lake Tailwaters, where anglers may fish along the river or put their boat in to navigate the Tygart River in search of the big one.
Rooms at Tygart Lake Lodge are large and overlook Tygart Lake. The lodge features a full service restaurant, gift shop and offers wireless access throughout the facility.<br />
"Trout fishing in the Tygart River can be an exhilarating experience," according to Brennon O'Sullivan, assistant superintendent at Tygart Lake State Park.
The Tygart Lake tailwaters are stocked by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources monthly in February, March, April and May. The river is stocked once a week during the second and third week of October. Stocking is generally done below the dam from the old Grafton City Park. For information, call 304-265-6144 or visitwww.tygartlake.com.
"¢ Trout Wrangler Package at Pipestem Resort
Pipestem Resort State Park offers a fly-fishing package designed much like trips anglers find offered in western states, says Ed Wooton, sales representative at Pipestem Resort.
"It is a wonderful fishing experience."
The Trout Wrangler package is available April through May 13. It includes an overnight stay, two days fishing for rainbow trout, four meals that includes steak and dinner, refreshments, guide service, and horseback transportation to the Bluestone River. "It is an angler's dream and a trout's nightmare," Wooton claims.
Trout Wrangler is by reservation and has limited availability. "We plan meals and determine the number of horses needed to pack in." The maximum number the package can accommodate is 10 people.
Wooton says the package has been popular the past two years with small groups and individual anglers looking for a true fly-fishing experience. "The sheer beauty on the Bluestone River during this time of year combines with the catch-and-release aspect of the stream, the ride in and out of the canyon on horseback and the excellent meals, making this an exceptional adventure."
Complete details are on Pipestem's Web site at www.pipestemresort.com, click Packages/Deals or call 304-466-1800. Ed Wooton is the package coordinator.
"¢ In the House - Trout Special at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Twenty of the two-story company houses are restored at the town of Cass and are rented year-round for vacations to skiers and, in April and May, for anglers' retreats," says Andy Bennett, who oversees town operations for Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. The state park also offers train rides starting May 28 - October 31, special events, restaurant, museum, company store, and lodging packages.
Deer Creek and Knapps Creek are both near Cass. Deer Creek is stocked once each month from February - May, Knapps Creek is stocked each week March-May, and nearby Seneca State Forest Lake is stocked every two weeks, March - May. For a list of stocked waters, visit www.wvdnr.gov/Fishing/Fishing_regs.shtm.
If you are planning a fishing trip, guests at Cass will have rates reduced 20 percent from April 1- May 15. A bonus for those taking a weekly rental during this time can earn two free tickets to Whittaker Station for the upcoming train season. Individuals must stay a minimum of two consecutive nights for the rate discount. This special rate offer cannot be combined with other discounts. Houses, like all cabins and cottages in the state park system, are fully furnished and include linens, dinnerware and other amenities. For information about house rentals and fishing opportunities at Cass, call 304-456-4300 or visit online www.cassrailroad.com.
"¢ Fly-tying at Cathedral State Park
Cathedral State Park in Preston County preserves an ancient hemlock forest of majestic proportions and is one of the last living examples of the vast virgin hemlock forest which once flourished in the Appalachian highlands.Trees up to 90 feet in height and 21 feet in circumference form cloisters in the park. There are beautiful hiking trails and picnicking. There isn't a fish on site, but Superintendent Eric Risinger ties flies.
Risinger is conducting an outdoor classroom and hands-on workshop on fly-tying June 19 with lure craft and June 20 with fly tying and fly-fishing. An avid fisherman, Risinger encourages anyone interested in the activities to call for times and workshop information. Rhine Creek along the park boundary is stocked monthly. The park Web site is www.cathedralstatepark.com or call 304-735-3771 during office hours.
"¢ Fishing for a Deal at North Bend State Park
The 305-acre lake at North Bend State Park calls to bass anglers. "It's one of the hottest lakes in West Virginia for smallmouth bass," according to Park Superintendent Steve Jones. "Our fishing package includes a one night stay at the park lodge, breakfast for two in our dining room, taxes, a lure and lot of lake information. You don't have to buy a package to fish at the lake, but we think for $99, folks will find the 'bait' price a good value."
"Fishing for a Deal" at North Bend State Park is available March 15 - May 27 and again from Sept. 13 - Oct. 31. In addition to lodging, breakfast and lure, you'll get information about the underwater structures such as the original river channel in the lake, boat ramp locations, canoe/john boat launch sites, bank fishing opportunities and current water conditions (temperature and clarity). Fishing tips specific to North Bend Lake, species, bait suggestions and where and how to throw it are part of the information.
The lure or bait included in the package is picked up at the Hess Fish and Tackle Shop with presentation of a package voucher. "When anglers stop to get their Crane or Jones Bait lure, Hess is sure to talk about fishing patterns on the lake and other tips," Jones advises. Hess is small business owner in Ritchie County and a local fisherman.
North Bend Lake is limited to trolling motors only. To recharge trolling motor batteries there are outlets at North Bend Lodge parking areas. For reservations or more information call North Bend State Park at 304-643-2931 or visit www.northbendsp.com and click Event/Deals.
Media Contact<br />
Brad Reed, District Administrator, W.Va. State Parks 304-558-2764 parks@wvdnr.gov
"Visitors and residents are discovering state parks and forests are great for fishing retreats," said Brad Reed, district administrator with the W.Va. State Parks System. "The Wildlife Resources Section of the Division of Natural Resources does an outstanding job stocking fish and managing our streams and waters to maintain good fishing opportunities in the state."
Trout stocking began in January and runs through May. Information about the stocking program is available online at www.wvdnr.gov. "What folks may not realize is the closeness of our park and forest cabins to great fishing waters. Cabins and lodges are good places to stay during a spring fishing adventure," according to Reed.
For information about outdoor packages, events and activities at West Virginia State Parks and Forests, visit www.wvstateparks.com or phone, 800 CALL WVA and ask the call center to transfer your call to the area by name.
2010 fishing packages and related events available at W.Va. State Parks:
"¢ Sportsmen's Package at Tygart Lake
Anglers showing a current W.Va. fishing license receive 50 percent off each night's stay after their second night at regular rates and 30 percent off all restaurant services at Tygart Lake State Park April 16 - May 27 and again October 1 - 31. Tygart Lake State Park, near the city of Grafton, is minutes away from the Tygart Lake Tailwaters, where anglers may fish along the river or put their boat in to navigate the Tygart River in search of the big one.
Rooms at Tygart Lake Lodge are large and overlook Tygart Lake. The lodge features a full service restaurant, gift shop and offers wireless access throughout the facility.<br />
"Trout fishing in the Tygart River can be an exhilarating experience," according to Brennon O'Sullivan, assistant superintendent at Tygart Lake State Park.
The Tygart Lake tailwaters are stocked by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources monthly in February, March, April and May. The river is stocked once a week during the second and third week of October. Stocking is generally done below the dam from the old Grafton City Park. For information, call 304-265-6144 or visitwww.tygartlake.com.
"¢ Trout Wrangler Package at Pipestem Resort
Pipestem Resort State Park offers a fly-fishing package designed much like trips anglers find offered in western states, says Ed Wooton, sales representative at Pipestem Resort.
"It is a wonderful fishing experience."
The Trout Wrangler package is available April through May 13. It includes an overnight stay, two days fishing for rainbow trout, four meals that includes steak and dinner, refreshments, guide service, and horseback transportation to the Bluestone River. "It is an angler's dream and a trout's nightmare," Wooton claims.
Trout Wrangler is by reservation and has limited availability. "We plan meals and determine the number of horses needed to pack in." The maximum number the package can accommodate is 10 people.
Wooton says the package has been popular the past two years with small groups and individual anglers looking for a true fly-fishing experience. "The sheer beauty on the Bluestone River during this time of year combines with the catch-and-release aspect of the stream, the ride in and out of the canyon on horseback and the excellent meals, making this an exceptional adventure."
Complete details are on Pipestem's Web site at www.pipestemresort.com, click Packages/Deals or call 304-466-1800. Ed Wooton is the package coordinator.
"¢ In the House - Trout Special at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Twenty of the two-story company houses are restored at the town of Cass and are rented year-round for vacations to skiers and, in April and May, for anglers' retreats," says Andy Bennett, who oversees town operations for Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. The state park also offers train rides starting May 28 - October 31, special events, restaurant, museum, company store, and lodging packages.
Deer Creek and Knapps Creek are both near Cass. Deer Creek is stocked once each month from February - May, Knapps Creek is stocked each week March-May, and nearby Seneca State Forest Lake is stocked every two weeks, March - May. For a list of stocked waters, visit www.wvdnr.gov/Fishing/Fishing_regs.shtm.
If you are planning a fishing trip, guests at Cass will have rates reduced 20 percent from April 1- May 15. A bonus for those taking a weekly rental during this time can earn two free tickets to Whittaker Station for the upcoming train season. Individuals must stay a minimum of two consecutive nights for the rate discount. This special rate offer cannot be combined with other discounts. Houses, like all cabins and cottages in the state park system, are fully furnished and include linens, dinnerware and other amenities. For information about house rentals and fishing opportunities at Cass, call 304-456-4300 or visit online www.cassrailroad.com.
"¢ Fly-tying at Cathedral State Park
Cathedral State Park in Preston County preserves an ancient hemlock forest of majestic proportions and is one of the last living examples of the vast virgin hemlock forest which once flourished in the Appalachian highlands.Trees up to 90 feet in height and 21 feet in circumference form cloisters in the park. There are beautiful hiking trails and picnicking. There isn't a fish on site, but Superintendent Eric Risinger ties flies.
Risinger is conducting an outdoor classroom and hands-on workshop on fly-tying June 19 with lure craft and June 20 with fly tying and fly-fishing. An avid fisherman, Risinger encourages anyone interested in the activities to call for times and workshop information. Rhine Creek along the park boundary is stocked monthly. The park Web site is www.cathedralstatepark.com or call 304-735-3771 during office hours.
"¢ Fishing for a Deal at North Bend State Park
The 305-acre lake at North Bend State Park calls to bass anglers. "It's one of the hottest lakes in West Virginia for smallmouth bass," according to Park Superintendent Steve Jones. "Our fishing package includes a one night stay at the park lodge, breakfast for two in our dining room, taxes, a lure and lot of lake information. You don't have to buy a package to fish at the lake, but we think for $99, folks will find the 'bait' price a good value."
"Fishing for a Deal" at North Bend State Park is available March 15 - May 27 and again from Sept. 13 - Oct. 31. In addition to lodging, breakfast and lure, you'll get information about the underwater structures such as the original river channel in the lake, boat ramp locations, canoe/john boat launch sites, bank fishing opportunities and current water conditions (temperature and clarity). Fishing tips specific to North Bend Lake, species, bait suggestions and where and how to throw it are part of the information.
The lure or bait included in the package is picked up at the Hess Fish and Tackle Shop with presentation of a package voucher. "When anglers stop to get their Crane or Jones Bait lure, Hess is sure to talk about fishing patterns on the lake and other tips," Jones advises. Hess is small business owner in Ritchie County and a local fisherman.
North Bend Lake is limited to trolling motors only. To recharge trolling motor batteries there are outlets at North Bend Lodge parking areas. For reservations or more information call North Bend State Park at 304-643-2931 or visit www.northbendsp.com and click Event/Deals.
Media Contact<br />
Brad Reed, District Administrator, W.Va. State Parks 304-558-2764 parks@wvdnr.gov