Research and Surveys

Current warmwater fisheries survey projects on lakes and rivers focus on three basic areas: 1) population structure and angler harvest; 2) movement within rivers and streams; and 3) the effectiveness of stocking. Black bass, walleye, channel catfish, and muskellunge are the species targeted in these assessments. The West Virginia B.A.S.S. Federation and Muskies Inc. provide assistance with some projects. Trout research conducted by WVU and funded by the DNR includes habitat evaluation and restoration projects on Shavers Fork and other native brook trout streams.