CHARLESTON, WV — West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced that the West Virginia Gold Rush will return for its sixth year on March 28, giving anglers 12 days to catch golden rainbow trout and win prizes.

“Every year our incredible Gold Rush stockings bring more and more people to West Virginia to experience all of the goodness we have to offer,” Gov. Justice said. “As someone who’s fished his entire life, I can say that our beautiful lakes, streams, parks, and forests are truly special, and I can’t wait for folks to get out and enjoy them during the spring.”

From March 28 to April 8, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will stock 50,000 golden rainbow trout at 68 lakes and streams around the state, including waters in or near 15 state parks and forests. Stocking locations and details about the Gold Rush can be found at WVdnr.gov/goldrush.

Some of the stockings will take place at Kimsey Run Lake and Rock Cliff Lake in Hardy County as well as Brandywine Lake and South Branch River in Pendleton County.

Justice will kick off Gold Rush 2023 by ceremonially stocking the first fish on Monday, March 27, at Babcock State Park.