Elk River
West Virginia · Central West Virginia
Brown TroutRainbow TroutBrook Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on Elk River
Sutton Dam Tailwater
Below Sutton Dam the Elk River tailwater produces exceptional rainbow and brown trout fishing in cold nutrient-rich water. This is West Virginia's most productive trout fishery with fish averaging 14-18 inches. The tailwater effect creates consistent conditions regardless of weather or season.
💧 Ideal flow: Low and stable. The uppermost limestone spring creek section fishes best at consistently low flows — trophy rainbows and browns to 20 inches.
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Gassaway Section
Below Gassaway the Elk transitions from prime tailwater to more natural conditions but still holds quality brown trout populations. Streamer fishing for large browns in fall produces some of the biggest fish of the year. Access is available from several county roads along this section.
💧 Ideal flow: Low and stable. Small BWO and Little BWO hatches from March through May and September through November at low stable flows.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Bergoo Headwaters
The upper Elk near Bergoo in the Monongahela National Forest offers quality wild brook and brown trout fishing. This remote section sees minimal pressure making fish more cooperative. Native brook trout are particularly abundant in the coldest upper tributaries.
💧 Ideal flow: Low and stable. The spring creek character means flows are more consistent than freestone streams — fish are present year-round.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Webster Springs
The Elk River through Webster Springs is accessible and productive with good populations of stocked and wild trout. Several fishing access sites within the town make this convenient for visiting anglers. The local fly shop provides excellent current conditions information.
💧 Ideal flow: Low and stable. Check TroutBible gauge before heading out — even small rises in flow can temporarily affect visibility on this clear limestone water.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Centralia Section
The Elk near Centralia downstream of the tailwater maintains good trout populations in deeper pools and runs. Brown trout averaging 12-16 inches are present throughout this section. Caddis and stonefly hatches provide excellent dry fly opportunities in late spring.
💧 Ideal flow: Low and stable. Fishes best at the lowest stable flows when the limestone spring character is most evident.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
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About Elk River Fishing
The uppermost section of Elk River is a pristine limestone spring creek that ranks among West Virginia's premier fly fishing destinations for discerning anglers. Crystal-clear waters and exceptional trout populations make this intimate stream a draw for those seeking trophy-caliber wild fish in a classic spring creek setting.
Best Time to Fish Elk River
Blue-winged Olive hatches dominate the Elk River calendar, with prolific emergences of diminutive sizes—particularly Small BWOs and Little BWOs—occurring from March through May and again from September through November. These small mayflies represent the primary food source across multiple genera and demand precise fly selection and delicate presentations throughout the season.
Species
The Elk River holds exceptional populations of wild rainbow and brown trout, with fish regularly reaching 20 inches or larger in this limestone-fed environment. Native brook trout round out the roster and thrive alongside the rainbows and browns, creating a diverse fishery where each species exhibits the selective feeding behavior typical of spring creek trout exposed to consistent insect pressure.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current West Virginia fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Elk River may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid West Virginia fishing license is required.
Live River Data
Live flow and gauge readings are sourced from the USGS National Water Information System and updated every 15–60 minutes. CFS (cubic feet per second) and gauge height give you a current snapshot of river conditions before your trip.