West Virginia Expands Conservation of Wild Brook Trout Habitats

New survey results lead to designation of over 170 miles of waterways as 'trout waters' to protect native fish populations.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:48pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones of green, blue, and grey, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex ecosystem of a thriving brook trout stream.A new partnership to conserve West Virginia's wild brook trout habitats will help protect these native fish and the delicate Appalachian ecosystems they call home.Charleston Today

West Virginia has established crucial stream-side conservation measures by designating more than 170 miles of waterways as 'trout waters' based on new survey results presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Mid-Atlantic Aquatic Biologists. The designation applies specifically to streams supporting wild brook trout populations, which are the state's only native trout species and an indicator of high-quality waterways.

Why it matters

Brook trout populations are in decline across Appalachia, making it critical to document and conserve their remaining habitats. The new 'trout waters' designation will strengthen water quality standards and protection for these important native fish and the ecosystems they inhabit.

The details

The survey data was collected by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) and non-profit conservation organizations like the WV Rivers Coalition and Trout Unlimited. State officials confirmed the findings and added the designated streams to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's (WVDEP) list of trout waters.

  • The survey results were presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Mid-Atlantic Aquatic Biologists in March 2026.
  • The new 'trout waters' designation was announced on Friday, April 11, 2026.

The players

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR)

The state agency that collected data on brook trout distributions, which was then used to designate new 'trout waters'.

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP)

The state agency that added the newly designated 'trout waters' to its list, strengthening water quality standards and protections.

WV Rivers Coalition

A non-profit conservation organization that partnered with the state agencies to collect initial data on trout distributions.

Trout Unlimited

A non-profit organization focused on coldwater habitat conservation that also contributed to the data collection effort.

Dr. Nathaniel 'Than' Hitt

Senior scientist at the WV Rivers Coalition who called the new designations an 'important success story' for brook trout conservation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is an important success story. We know that brook trout populations are in decline in many streams across Appalachia, and that makes it even more important to document and conserve brook trout streams wherever we can.”

— Dr. Nathaniel 'Than' Hitt, Senior Scientist, WV Rivers Coalition

“West Virginia has incredible wild and native trout resources, and this partnership has helped show just that. Our anglers, watersheds and communities will benefit from this public-private partnership effort.”

— Dustin Wichterman, Mid-Atlantic Coldwater Habitat Program Associate, Trout Unlimited

What’s next

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection will continue to work with conservation groups to monitor the newly designated 'trout waters' and ensure their long-term protection.

The takeaway

This collaborative effort between state agencies and non-profit organizations to identify and conserve West Virginia's remaining wild brook trout habitats is a critical step in protecting this native Appalachian species and the overall health of the state's waterways.