Cranberry River Fishing Report: 04/21/24 Bottom of page
Fly and Gear ordering and delivery: We can get flies to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Please see the bottom of this column for ordering options.
We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. They make excellent gifts. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com.
Type of Stream
Freestone
Species
Brown Trout
Brook Trout
Rainbow Trout
Golden Trout
(Some Wild, Mostly Stocked)
Size
Medium
Location
Central West Virginia
USGS Stream Levels:
Richwood
Season
Year-round
Access:
Remote in the upper part, easy in
the lower section
Non-Resident License
State of West Virginia
The fishing season is open year-round
Spring:
The stream has numerous hatches of aquatic insects and Springtime is a great time to fish.
Summer:
The water can get a little warm during the summer in the lower sections.
Fall:
Fall is an excellent time to fish the river.
Winter:
You can catch trout on midges throughout the winter months.
Recommended Tackle & Gear
Fly Line:
5 or 6 weight
Leaders:
Dry fly: 9 & 12 ft., 5 or 6X, Nymphing:
71/2 ft., 3 or 4X, Streamers 0-2X
Tippets:
Dry fly: 5 or 6X, Nymphing: 3 or 4X,
Streamer 0-2X
Best Fly Rods:
Perfect Fly Superb Five or Ultimate Six
Fly Reels:
For 5/6 fly line
Fly Floatants and Misc Items:
Floatants, KISS Strike Indicators
Tools & Accessories:
Nippers, forceps, retractors, etc.
Fly and Gear ordering and delivery:
Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail.
Copyright 2013 James Marsh
Fly Fishing The Cranberry River West Virginia:
This river was a fine wild trout stream at one time that was ruined by acid several years ago but thanks to Trout Unlimited, this forty-one mile long stream has come back as a very fine trout stream within the past few years. It flows through a huge wilderness area called the Monongahela National Forest. The river is divided into two basic sections – the back country and the lower section which is fairly easy to access. The backcountry does not allow any vehicle access and consist of sixteen miles of remote stream including both the North Fork and South Fork tributaries. There are overnight shelters along the backcountry section. The lower section of the river provide excellent access and has roads that runs near the stream the entire distance. The river holds more trout per acre than any stream in West Virginia. There are three special regulation areas on the river. There is a quarter-mile long catch and release area on the North Fork in the back country. Another catch and release section, over four miles long, runs from the mouth of the North Fork downstream to the Dogway Fork Bridge. The best section to fish is probably the catch and release section from Woodbine to camp Sprinter which is just over a mile long.
Cranberry River Fly Fishing Guide: The headwaters of the North and South Forks of the Cranberry River and the upper reaches of the Dogway Fork is mostly brook trout fishing. This fine trout fishery is due mainly to the addition of limestone by the DNR. Limestone drums are responsible for the recovery of the Cranberry River. Miles of water is now treated with limestone to increase the pH level in order to provide water that is more suitable for aquatic insects and the trout. At one time the river contained so much acid that warm water species couldn’t survive there.There are sixteen miles of back country river including the North and South Forks of the Cranberry River. There are overnight shelters along the river for anglers to spend the night. Many use bicycles to get into the back country. No vehicles are allowed in this area. As mentioned, most of the trout in the head water tributary streams are brook trout. Most of the time they will take generic and attractor flies. You do not have to get very sophisticated to catch them. The North and South Forks and the Dogway Fork are the best areas for the brook trout. The Dogwood Fork is designated “Fly Fishing Only”. The other sections of the back country has some rainbows but mostly brown trout. The gradient of the river is steeper in the canyon section. There is some heavy pocket water in the middle sections of the stream. The lower section of the stream has lots of long riffles and pools. The gradient is much lower and the water runs slower. There are not many runs. Boulders and rocks of all sizes are scattered throughout the river creating lots of pockets of all sizes. The lower section is also much wider but the makeup is about the same. There are some pools where the water is smooth and the trout are very spooky, but for the most part the stream is broken up with riffles. The best way to fish the river is in an upstream direction. Usually, shorter accurate cast are more productive than long cast. Long presentations get easily caught up in conflicting currents. You want to try to keep as much fly line out of the water as possible. Focus on the current seams where most of the food would be likely be drifting. When the water is low like it is in the images shown, it is much more difficult to fish. The low water situation takes longer presentations using longer, lighter leaders that normal or high water conditions require.
Cranberry River Hatches and Trout Flies: Our information on aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess work. We base fly suggestions on imitating the most plentiful and most available insects and other foods at the particular time you are fishing. Unlike the generic fly shop trout flies, we have specific imitations of all the insects in the Cranberry River and in all stages of life that are applicable to fishing. If you want to fish better, more realistic trout flies, have a much higher degree of success, give us a call. We not only will help you with selections, you will learn why, after trying Perfect Flies, 92% of the thousands of our customers will use nothing else. 1-800-594-4726 The hatches on the Cranberry River are diverse and but not necessarily numerous. One of the first to start the year out is always the mighty midge. There are burrowing red blood worm midges and light green midges by the millions. Blue-winged Olives are the first mayflies to hatch. They can show up in February but are more plentiful in March. Look for them to continue into April and May but they will be different and larger species. There’s also a late season hatch in September and October. Little Black caddis show up in April and early May. Cinnamon Caddis start hatching in June and continue through the Summer through late September. Green Sedges are also fairly plentiful. The rock worms, or larvae of the Green Sedge or Green Caddisfly is worth imitating year-round. Sculpin, several species of dace and other baitfish are also plentiful. Terrestrial insects are plentiful along the banks of the Cranberry River. Craneflies, both the aquatic and the terrestrial variety are also plentiful. Ants, beetles and grass hoppers make up the majority of the terrestrial variety. These become more important in the summer months when fewer aquatic insects are hatching. The trout in this stream can be very selective and we are certain that you will find the more realistic imitations at Perfect Fly are a huge help in your fly fishing success fishing the Cranberry River.
Stream Reports:
03/04/2020 The stream levels came up today but have been in good shape. It should be good again as the levels fall back down.
03/20/20 Stream levels are currently high but should fall back down soon. We
continue to get good reports.
04/26/20 Stream levels are high and more rain is in the forecast. Be sure to check
the levels. You can fish from the banks in places.
05/10/20 Stream levels are a little high but otherwise in good shape. You should be
able to catch trout, especially if the levels fall down some more.
05/27/20 The river is in good shape with good stream levels and clear water. There
are some hatches and trout are being caught in good numbers.
06/09/20 The stream levels are down to near normal level and trout fishing is
very good.
06/21/20 The stream levels are high but falling fast. We were getting good reports
from customers prior to the high water. 07/03/20 The stream levels are in good
shape. Good numbers of trout are being caught, mostly in the upper sections.
07/13/20 The stream levels are low but okay. You have to stay low and hidden
from the trout. Fish the upper sections for the best results.
07/27/20 We are getting some good reports from the upper sections of the
creek. Good hatches and good numbers of trout are being caught.
08/12/20 The river is turning out some good catches in the upper sections.
Levels are a little low but okay.
08/30/20 The stream level is very high now but it should fall back down fast.
Good hatches are taking place in the upper sections of the creek.
09/18/20 The stream is flowing just a little above normal level and in good shape.
Trout are being caught in good numbers by our customers. Send us an email for a
recommended fly list.
10/07/20 The river is in good shape. We are getting some good reports from
customers.
10/21/20 The stream is very low and stealth is required to catch trout but we
are still getting a few good reports. Rain will help a lot.
11/07/20 The river is in okay shape with lots of trout being caught by our
customers. There are still some good hatches and our streamers are working.
11/21/20 Stream levels are just a little below normal levels and we continue to get
some very good reports from customers.
12/06/20 The stream levels are high but should fall back down very fast. We were
getting very good reports up until the high water. Send us an email for a recommend
fly list. sales@perfectflystore.com
12/22/20 Stream levels are in good shape and we are getting some very good reports
from customers.
01/05/21 The levels are just a little high but okay most places. We are still getting
some good reports from customers.
01/18/21 The river is flowing well below a normal level. Trout are being caught by our
customers in good numbers. BWOs, Winter stoneflies and cream midges are hatching.
02/01/21 Stream levels are at a normal level. Lots of trout are being caught by our customers. Excellent hatches.
02/20/21 Stream levels are high and the water very cold. It should drop and warm up some very soon. Trout were being caught in good numbers prior to the last front.
03/09/21 Stream levels are in excellent shape and good numbers of trout are being caught by our customers.
03/21/21 Stream levels are below normal levels but we are still getting some good reports from customers.
04/24/21 The stream levels are currently okay and we are getting good reports of trout being caught from customers. There are some good hatches taking place.
05/03/21 The stream levels are currently in good shape and we are getting good reports from customers. There are some good hatches of Blue-winged olives, Midges, LIttle Black Caddis, Little Brown stoneflies, Blue Quills and other insects.
05/10/21 The river is flowing near a normal level and clear. Good hatches continue and good reports keep coming in. Send us an email or call us for a fly and gear list.
05/18/21 The water level is low, but trout are still being caught in good numbers. We received several good reports.
05/26/21 the stream is still very low. Trout are being caught but you must use caution to keep from spooking the trout. There are good hatches taking place.
06/03/21 The stream levels are still very low and you have to use caution to keep from spooking the trout. We are still getting good reports. Call or send us and email for a recommended fly and gear list.
06/13/21 The stream is very high and dingy this morning. It will be a day or so before the levels fall low enough to wade. We have been getting good reports prior to the rain.
06/24/21 The stream levels are normal and the water clear. We are getting some very good reports from customers. Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations.
07/03/21 The stream is a little high now but falling. We have been getting good reports when the levels were down. There are still some good hatches.
07/14/21 The stream is still low but we are still getting some good reports fro the back country sections. There are good hatches and our terrestrials are also working.
07/20/21 The stream levels were up for a couple of days but back a little below normal level. There are still plenty trout being caught by our customers.
07/27/21 Stream levels are still low. We did receive some good reports from customers fishing the back country.
08/03/21 The river is still okay but very low. We recommend fishing the wilderness or uppermost sections.
08/12/21 The stream levels are still very low. We received two good reports recently from customers fishing the back country section. You have to stay low and hidden from the trout.
08/21/21 The stream is just a little above a normal level in good shape. We have been getting good reports from customers when the levels were okay.
08/28/21 The stream is very high right now due to recent heavy rain. It will fall back down soon so be sure to check the levels. Fishing in the backcounty section has been good.
09/06/21 The stream is still a little high but okay to wade safely with caution in places. We didn’t receive any reports recently due to high water levels. We should be getting some very soon.
09/14/21 The river is flowing just a little above normal level. We received some good reports over the past weekend.
09/23/21 The stream is high due to recent rain but should fall back down fast. We continue to get good reports from customers when the stream levels are okay.
10/02/21 The stream is in good shape with okay stream levels. We are getting good reports from customers. Good hatches are taking place.
10/14/21 The stream is flowing a little below normal level and clear. We are getting several good reports from customers. Good BWO and midge hatches are taking place.
10/23/21 The stream level is still a little low but we continue to get some very good reports. Trout are being caught in good numbers.
11/02/21 The stream is a little high but falling. We have been getting very good reports when the levels are such you can wade the stream safely. Good hatches continue to take place.
11/11/21 The stream is low but there is rain forecast and it should get back up near normal very soon. There are still plenty of hatching insects and we continue to get good reports from customers when the levels are okay.
11/19/21 We had one report not so good from the lower stocked sections and one that was good. The middle and upper sections with mostly wild trout continue to produce some good catches.
11/27/21 Two good reports came in this past week from customers. Stream levels are low but okay.
12/07/21 The stream is heading up some but still well below normal level. We received two good reports last week from the upper section.
12/15/21 The stream is still well below normal. We received one good report and one not so good reports this past week.
12/23/21 The stream is flowing near a normal level in good shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
12/31/21 The stream is flowing a little above normal and falling or in okay shape. You should be able to catch trout in the stocked and wild sections.
01/08/22 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. We received one good report this past week from a customer. The water is cold but midges are hatching good.
01/16/22 The stream levels are still normal and the water clear. We received two good reports this past week. The water is cold but our cream and red or blood midges are still working.
01/24/22 The stream is still flowing at a normal level and clear. The water is averaging about 34 degrees. Midges and winter stoneflies are hatching,
02/09/22 The river is down to a normal level in good shape. We received one good report from a customer fishing yesterday.
02/17/22 The stream is flowing well below normal level but we are still getting some good reports from both the wild and stocked sections. Good blood and cream midge hatches are taking place. Fish the larva and pupa imitations in tandem.
02/25/22 The stream is flowing at a high level. It will take a some time to drop and then should be good again.
03/05/22 The stream levels are just a little below normal and in good shape. We received three good reports this past few days.
03/13/22 The cold front will slow things down for a day or two and by Tuesday, it should be good again.
03/21/22 The stream is running a good bit below normal levels but okay. We are getting good reports. There are new hatches taking place. This should be a very good week.
03/29/22 The stream level is still very low but still okay. We continue to get some good reports. The cold weather has slowed it down some but should be fine in another day or two.
04/06/22 The stream is just a little above normal level and in good shape. We are getting good reports from customers fishing the stream. This should be a good coming week.
04/14/22 The river is down to a normal level and clear. We are getting good reports from both the wild trout and stocked sections of the stream. There are some very good hatches taking place.
04/22/22 Stream levels are back up again. Give it a day or two to drop. We have been getting some very good reports from the stocked and wild trout sections.
04/30/22 The stream is down below a normal level again. We are getting good reports, especially from the backcountry but it all should be in okay shape. Good hatches are taking place.
05/08/22 The stream level is very high right now due to recent heavy rain. Give it a couple of days to drop and clear. We were getting very good reports prior to the high water. Good hatches are taking place.
05/16/22 The backcountry section is really doing good right now. Lots of hatches are taking place. The lower section is okay with mixed reports coming in.
05/24/22 Good conditions exist. We are getting good reports from customers fishing the middle and upper sections of the stream. Good hatches continue to take place.
06/01/22 The stream levels are normal and the water clear. We are getting good reports from all sections of the river. There are multiple hatches taking place.
06/08/22 The stream levels are still near normal and we are still getting some good reports from customers fishing. Good hatches are taking place and the upper sections of the river are really producing well.
06/15/22 The stream is flowing a little above normal level and stained but falling back down fast. The backcountry sections have been fishing very good lately. Good hatches continue to take place.
06/22/22 The stream is flowing a little above a normal level. We have been getting very good reports from customers.
06/29/22 The stream is still flowing at an okay level and turning out good numbers of trout. The wild trout sections of the backcountry is fishing exceptionally well. Very good hatches are taking place.
07/06/22 Stream levels are a little above normal but clear. We received three good reports from customers fishing last week.
07/13/22 Good conditions continue. We are still getting good reports from customers, mostly coming from the upper sections of the river. Good hatches continue to take place.
07/20/22 The stream is in good shape in the upper middle and back country. We continue to get good reports from there. Good hatches continue to take place and our terrestrial patterns are also working.
07/27/22 Stream levels are on the way up due to heavy rain. It will take a couple to three days to drop and clear.
08/03/22 The stream is still high from recent rain but falling. Give it a little more time to drop and clear.
08/10/22 The is too high to fish at this time. Give it a little more time.
08/17/22 The stream is down to just a little above normal level and you should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
08/24/22 The stream is high right now but falling. We have been getting good reports from customers fishing the upper sections of the river. Good late summer hatches continue.
09/01/22 Stream levels are still a little above normal but okay. We received two good reports this past week.
09/08/22 The stream is rather high and stained. Give it a couple of days to drop and clear.
09/15/22 The stream is still above normal but normal is low in the early fall/late summer. It is safe to wade with caution in all sections.
09/22/22 Flows are still a little above normal but it can be safely waded most places. We received two good reports from the past week.
10/06/22 Stream level are just a little above normal and the stream in good shape. Lots of trout are being caught by our customers. Good late season hatches are taking place.
10/13/22 Lots of trout are being caught in the lower, stocked sections of the river as well as wild trout in the headwaters.
10/29/22 The stream is still below normal level but still okay. We received six good reports from customers fishing this past week. Both stocked and wild trout sections are producing.
11/16/22 Conditions are good. The stream is a little above normal but okay. Good numbers of trout are being caught in the stocked and wild trout sections. Good late season hatches are taking place.
12/02/22 The stream is flowing very near a normal level good for wading. We received two good reports this past week from customers fishing the lower stocked section.
12/30/22 The stream is flowing below normal levels, but rising slightly. Wading is still good and we continue to get reports of good catches.
01/28/23 Stream levels are normal and the water clear. We are getting very good reports from customers fishing it. Good late season hatches are taking place.
02/12/23 The stream is rather low right now but on the way up as it has started to rain. We have been getting good catch reports from customers for the past week.
02/23/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. We received four good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches continue to take place.
03/04/23 The stream level is a little high right now but should fall back down soon. We were getting some very good reports. It is still safe to wade with caution.
03/12/23 The stream is turning out some good catches for our customers. There are good hatches taking place and trout are being caught in both the stocked and wild trout sections.
03/23/23 The stream is just a little above normal flows and in good shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
04/03/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level in good shape. We received two more good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches are taking place.
04/16/23 The stream is very low but has some deep pools, so it can still be fished reasonably well. Good hatches are taking place.
04/24/23 Stream levels are still a little low but okay. Just use some caution to stay hidden to keep from spooking the trout. Very good hatches are taking place.
05/06/23 The stream is a good bit over normal level but still fishable. There are very good hatches taking place and we are getting good reports from customers fishing it.
05/15/23 Stream levels are normal and the water clear. Very good hatches are taking place. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
05/28/23 The stream is low but still okay. You just have to stay low and hidden as much as possible. Good hatches are taking place and we are still getting good reports.
06/08/23 The stream is very low. You will have to use a lot of caution to keep from spooking the trout.
06/15/23 The stream is low and you will need to use caution to keep from spooking the trout.
06/26/23 The stream is flowing near a normal level and in good shape. Good hatches are taking place. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
07/03/23 The stream is up to a little above a normal level and lightly stained. To some extent, that is good. Good hatches continue to take place. We received another good report from a customer this past week.
07/12/23 The stream is still a little above a normal level and mostly clear. Good hatches continue to come off.
07/19/23 The stream is still a little above normal but okay. We recommend fishing the back country sections of it. Good hatches continue to take place.
07/30/23 The stream is a good bit above normal levels but normal level at this time of the year is rather low. You should be able to fish it. It is falling back down fast.
08/06/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. There are good hatches taking place. We recommend fishing the higher elevations of it in the backcountry.
08/17/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level in very good shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. All sections of the stream should be good.
08/23/23 Stream levels are down well below normal but in good shape otherwise. We received more good reports from customers fishing this past week.
08/29/23 The stream is very high today due to recent heavy rain. Give it some time to drop and clear. We were getting good reports from customers prior to the high water.
09/06/23 The stream has been high but back down to a normal level. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout. Good late season hatches are taking place.
09/13/23 The stream is back high again due to heavy rain. Give it a day or two to clear and fall back down.
09/20/23 The stream is down a lot and okay to fish.
09/27/23 The water is down to just a little above normal level and mostly clear. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
10/04/23 The stream is in good shape flowing near a normal level with clear water. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
10/11/12 The stream is a good bit below normal level. You will need to use caution to keep from spooking the trout. Good hatches continue.
10/25/23 The stream is flowing just a little above normal level and mostly clear. We received two good reports from customers fishing yesterday. Good hatches continue to take place.
11/02/23 The stream is below normal and is good for wading.
11/11/23 The stream is in good shape flowing just a little below normal and clear. We are getting very good reports from customers fishing the stocked and upper wild trout waters.
11/18/23 The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Trout are being caught in the stocked section and wild trout in the back country. Our pre-rigged in tandem midge lava and pupa flies working great.
11/26/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. We received three good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches are taking place.
12/05/23 The stream is in good shape, flowing at a normal level and clear. We received three good reports from customers fishing this past week. Cream midges with the larva and pupa rigged in tandem are working good.
12/14/12 Stream levels are down to normal levels and in good shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing yesterday.
01/01/24 The stream levels are down to a normal level and the water clear. We received two good catch reports from customers fishing it yesterday. Light Green and Red or blood midges are hatching.
01/14/23 The stream is down to a normal level this morning and clear. There are good light green and red midge hatches still taking place. Our sculpin streamers are also working good. We received two good reports from customers fishing yesterday.
01/24/24 The stream is a little high now but should fall back down in a day or two. We have been getting very good reports until the recent heavy rain. Good Winter stonefly and midge hatches are taking place.
2/04/24 The stream is down to a normal level and clear. Good little BWO and Light Green midges are hatching. Winter stoneflies are hatching good. We received two good reports from customers fishing yesterday.
02/13/24 The stream is flowing just a little above normal and lightly stained this morning. We continue to get good catch reports from customers – three this past week.
02/18/24 The stream is flowing at a normal level with clear water. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
02/25/24 Conditions remain very good. The stream is flowing near a normal level and we are getting good catch reports from customers fishing the stocked and wild trout sections.
03/03/24 The stream is in good shape with trout being caught in both the stocked and wild trout sections. Quill Gordons, Blue Quills, Blue-winged olives, little Black Caddis, and little Brown stoneflies should start hatching if not already.
03/09/24 The stream level is a little high now but falling back down fast. We have been getting good catch reports from customers. There are good hatches taking place.
03/16/24 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. We received two good catch reports from customers fishing yesterday. Good hatches are taking place.
03/31/24 The stream is flowing near a normal level with clear water. Good hatches are taking place. We received two good reports from customers fishing the wild trout section yesterday.
04/07/24 The stream is still flowing near a normal level and clear. We received two good catch reports from customers fishing it this past week.
04/14/24 The stream is flowing a little above a normal level and lightly stained. We received two good catch reports from customers fishing this past week.
04/21/24 The stream is flowing just a little below normal level and clear. We recommend fishing the middle and upper sections for wild trout. Some good hatched continue to take place.
Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations.