PIPESTEM, W.Va. – Today was like Christmas morning for local anglers with something called West Virginia’s Gold Rush.
Fishermen and women were anxiously waiting for the state’s DNR truck at Long Branch Lake located inside Pipestem State Park on Thursday.
The “Gold Rush” ,as the West Virginia DNR refers to it, is an annual restocking of golden rainbow trout into locations across the state until April 12.
Blake Stusse with the DNR says these trout are popular because of their unique color that makes them stand out in the water.
“They’re pretty fish,” said Stusse. “A lot of people like them. Just an attractive fish catching a lot of people’s attention but they’re a lot harder to catch.
A local fisherman says this is one of his favorite events.
“I’ve been fishing since I was a little baby,” said Young. “When they started doing this it became one of my favorite events just because of how pretty golden trout are. It’s a great event that they do. They do a great job.”
For a full list of stocking locations visit the DNR website here.
Copyright 2025 WVVA. All rights reserved.