Let's go fishing!

A locally funded fish stocking effort begins this week along the Greenbrier River in the Marlinton area.

The Greenbrier River, which flows the entire length of Pocahontas County,periodically receives limited stocking in the northern end of the county,ﾠ but is not normally stocked by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources in the middle to southern lengths of the river.

"The Greenbrier River is primarily known as a smallmouth bass fishing stream in the summer," said Chuck Workman, owner of Appalachian Sport, in Marlinton. "But springtime water temperatures are cool enough to support trout. Most of the trout in the Greenbrier River are the product of stocking along the Knapps Creek and feeder streams from where the trout find their way to the Greenbrier."

Throughout the year, fishing is a major past time for avid sportsmen. And where else than Pocahontas County offers better fishing? After all, Pocahontas County is known as the Birthplace of Rivers where eight rivers find their beginning.
Trout fishermen from all over West Virginia and surrounding states travel to Pocahontas County in the spring seeking to snag the illusive trout, well-known for its ability to avoid the hook.

"The goal of this effort is to entice fishermen to the banks of the Greenbrier River and Pocahontas County this spring,"ﾠ Workman said. "This effort will specifically populate the river in the Marlinton area."

The major sponsors of this special stocking are Appalachian Sport and Mitchell Chevrolet. Additional local business sponsors include Dairy Queen, Pocahontas Foodland, Jerico Bed and Breakfast, The Greenbrier Grill and Lodge and the Marlinton Motor Inn.

Annually in West Virginia, 400,000 anglers spend nearly seven million collective days out on the water, according the West Virginia Small Business Development.

"This type of initiative has real potential to boost tourism dollar expenditures in Pocahontas County," said Cara Rose, Executive director of the Pocahontas county Convention and visitors Bureau. "Anglers eat, sleep and spend money at local businesses. "

There is nothing more enjoyable to an angler than to take home the day's catch for a fish fry, however, the Catch and Release method of sport fishing is encouraged in this type of stocking program. Catch and Release allows all anglers an opportunity to enjoy the recreation of fishing as well as fostering the sport for youths.

The first in a series of anticipated releases will happen the week of March 26. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of future stocking efforts, contact Chuck Workman at 304-799-4050.

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