Trip brief · Cranberry River
How to go fish the Cranberry River
The months we list for the Cranberry River are April, May, June, September, October. August is outside that window, so this brief is written for September, the next month we list.
September
No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.
Flies to tie — September
Blue-winged Olive#18-20
Parachute BWO
Caddis#16
Terrestrials#16
Black Ant
Access
Cranberry Visitor Center Trailhead
38.201, -80.268parking
Forest Road 76 Access
38.225, -80.295parking
Dogway Fork Confluence
38.188, -80.251parking
Upper Cranberry Backcountry
38.255, -80.320parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
A valid West Virginia fishing license and trout fishing stamp are required. The Cranberry River is located within the Monongahela National Forest and is subject to National Forest fishing regulations as well as WVDNR regulations. Wild trout regulations apply in designated sections — check current WVDNR special regulations for catch-and-release and artificial-only sections on the upper Cranberry. The Cranberry Backcountry requires adherence to Leave No Trace principles; camping is permitted at established backcountry sites. No motorized vehicles in the wilderness area.
Pack list
- A current state fishing licence
- Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
- Net, nippers, forceps
- Floatant and desiccant
- Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
- Water, sun cover, polarised glasses
Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.
Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Cranberry River page →