Trip brief · Elk River
How to go fish the Elk River
The months we list for the Elk River are March, April, May, September, October, November. You are inside that window now, so this brief is written for October.
October
No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.
Flies to tie — October
Blue-winged Olive#18-22
Parachute BWO
Midge#22-24
Access
Sutton Dam Tailrace
38.663, -80.693parking
Sutton Route 15 Bridge
38.662, -80.701parking
Frametown River Access
38.560, -80.572parking
Webster Springs Access
38.477, -80.418parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
A valid West Virginia fishing license and trout fishing stamp are required for anglers age 15 and older. The Elk River tailwater below Sutton Dam is managed under general statewide trout regulations; consult current WVDNR regulations for any designated catch-and-release or special regulation sections. Possession limits apply unless otherwise posted. Artificial lures and flies only in designated trophy sections. Sutton Dam releases can affect wading safety — check Army Corps of Engineers release schedules before entry.
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 Elk River page →