Comparing the economic feasibility of trout stocking strategies in West Virginia

The purpose of this study is to evaluate trout stocking strategies in WV to address constraints on catch related factors of quality and quantity.  A creel survey was used to evaluate the economic feasibility of stocking strategies associated with three program formats (public drop-in anglers, public package, and private package) by comparing catch rates, trip expenditures, and willingness to pay variables. 

A total of 2,025 small and 140 large rainbow trout were stocked in a segment of the Bluestone River from October 2007 to April 2009.  Trout will be stocked at Harman’s North Fork Cottages in Summer 2010.  Fishing packages and drop-in opportunities were advertised and participating anglers were asked to participate in the study.

Preliminary findings indicate that the overall quality and eventfulness of the fishing experience are high for both groups of anglers that were already examined.  Package anglers on public land are willing to accept lower catch rates compared to drop-in anglers, and their willingness to pay for a fishing package was 4 times greater.   Stocking on the Bluestone River was economically feasible, especially for the ‘Trout Wrangler’ package.  A catch and release delayed harvest policy was recently adopted for this segment of the Bluestone river.