Fish Stocked in the Cheat

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

Known for its tasty pink flesh, beauty and gameness, the rainbow trout is a favorite among the vast majority of trout fishing anglers. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be tempted to take properly presented flies as well as other baits and lures. Rainbow trout fishing is fun for both sport and dining pleasures.

During the first two or three years of life, rainbow trout will feed mainly on crustaceans, plant material and aquatic insects. At approximately 3 years of age, they will move into larger water (lakes, rivers) and change their diet to fish, large insects, and even small rodents.

In waters that allow migration, such as the Cheat, the rainbow trout will remain in streams until it reaches 6" to 9" in length and then travel to lakes or oceans where it will bulk up and then return to the streams or rivers to spawn.

Rainbows have glowing rows of black spots on the back, sides and tail. A pinkish (rainbow) band can be found on both sides. This fish is noted for its spectacular leaps and hard fighting when hooked.

Trout fishermen like to use an assortment of spinners, flies, spoons, and bait.

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Walleye
Stizostedion vitreum

The walleye prefer moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in some warmer water impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting white, flaky flesh.

West Virginia walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Fish for West Virginia walleye with live bait, crankbaits, spoons, small spinner baits as well as plastic worms and grubs.

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Catfish
 

Flathead Catfish	Channel Catfish

There are many species of catfish in West Virginia, channel and flathead catfish among them, and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. They can be found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate the catfish's ability to catch live bait.

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