Paint Creek is approximately 42 miles of pristine trout stream that flows through southern West Virginia. The creek runs along County Route 7 from Raleigh County, Fayette County before dumping into the Kanawha River. Paint creek in Fayette County is catch and release. It is stocked once in February and once every 2 weeks in March, April and May.
Best place to get off at is the Pax exit off I-77 and turn left like your heading toward Plum Orchard lake. Paint Creek is stocked from Pax downstream to above the Catch and Release Area and in a 4-mile section from Tenmile Creek to Ash Branch. They stock along that area and there are numerous pull offs you can park and make your way to the creek. Paint Creek is only stocked on this 14 mile section but offers some of the best wv trout fishing available to anglers. Be sure to stop at one of the local businesses to buy you some snacks or trout bait before you get started. If your from out of town ask the locals in the store where the best area is to fish and they will be more than glad to point you in the direction.
If you're looking to experience the beautiful Paint Creek in West Virginia, an important first step is to make sure you have the necessary license requirements. Fishing regulations and licensing rules vary from state to state, so before you embark on your journey, it's important to understand which documents are required for a successful fishing trip. Trout fishing in West Virginia requires anglers over the age of 15 and under 65 years old to possess a valid fishing license. Also, you have to purchase a trout stamp along with the license for additional $10 dollars. Fishing licenses can be obtained online or at your local WV Division of Natural Resources office.
You can purchase your West Virginia fishing license HERE.
Paint is stocked with rainbow, browns and brook trout. It is one of the best small trout streams in southern West Virginia. Its great for day trips to spend the day catching trout. In addition to trout, you can catch sunfish and bass in the creek along your trip. This section of Paint Creek is fairly remote and offers no lodging but right up the road in Beckley, WV you can find hotels. Paint Creek is remote but to locals its a great place to waste an evening to catch some trout to put on the dinner table.
In addition to the 14 mile stocked section you can probably catch some outside this area in the 28 miles that flows into the Kanawha as the stocked trout has moved down the stream. Just make sure you don't enter someone's property without permission to fish.
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