What special fishing regulations apply at Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness)?

Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness) carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override West Virginia's statewide 2026 rules, covering Trout (rainbow / brown / brook). One of them reads: "Native brook trout catch-and-release ONLY year-round on listed reaches; artificial lures + flies only; one of the East's premier wild brook trout fisheries." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness)?

Yes. Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness) is in West Virginia, so a valid West Virginia fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by West Virginia Division of Natural Resources — Wildlife Resources Section. The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Cranberry River + tributaries; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide West Virginia rules.

Do Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness)'s special rules replace West Virginia's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. West Virginia's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Cranberry River + tributaries by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on Cranberry River + tributaries?

Trout (rainbow / brown / brook) has a water-body-specific rule on Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness), each linking to its full West Virginia regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide West Virginia limits.

2026 regulation year

Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness) 2026 — West Virginia Fishing Regulations

West Virginia statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 4, 2026

Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness) carries 2 special-regulation overlays on top of West Virginia's 2026 fishing rules — covering Trout (rainbow / brown / brook). Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

Get change alerts

Watch Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness) (WV) and we'll email you when a season, bag limit, slot, or closure changes. Free while in beta.

State-level special regulation

Native brook trout catch-and-release ONLY year-round on listed reaches; artificial lures + flies only; one of the East's premier wild brook trout fisheries
Source: West Virginia special-water list

Per-species rules on Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness)

Trout (rainbow / brown / brook) regulations →
Catch-and-release ONLY year-round on listed reaches; artificial lures + flies only; native brook trout protected

Official source

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources — Wildlife Resources Section publishes the authoritative 2026 West Virginia fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official West Virginia fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to West Virginia Division of Natural Resources's emergency-order feed — check it before any West Virginia trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in West Virginia

Browse all water bodies →

Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness)?: Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness) carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override West Virginia's statewide 2026 rules, covering Trout (rainbow / brown / brook). One of them reads: "Native brook trout catch-and-release ONLY year-round on listed reaches; artificial lures + flies only; one of the East's premier wild brook trout fisheries." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness)?: Yes. Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness) is in West Virginia, so a valid West Virginia fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by West Virginia Division of Natural Resources — Wildlife Resources Section. The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Cranberry River + tributaries; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide West Virginia rules.
Do Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness)'s special rules replace West Virginia's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. West Virginia's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Cranberry River + tributaries by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on Cranberry River + tributaries?: Trout (rainbow / brown / brook) has a water-body-specific rule on Cranberry River + tributaries (Cranberry Wilderness), each linking to its full West Virginia regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide West Virginia limits.

← Back to West Virginia regulations overview