Cranberry River - Richwood - West Virginia
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Cranberry River – Richwood - Water Flow Chart
Cranberry River – Richwood - Weather report & radar
Cranberry River – Richwood - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Warmest part of day | #20-26 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Midday | #16-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph, Adult patterns | |
| February | Midges | Warmest part of day | #20-26 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Midday | #16-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph, Adult patterns | |
| March | Blue-Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | BWO Emerger, BWO Dry |
| Little Black Caddis | Late afternoon | #18-20 | Elk Hair Caddis, Pupa patterns | |
| Quill Gordons | Midday | #12-14 | Quill Gordon Dry | |
| April | Blue-Winged Olives | Afternoon | #16-20 | BWO Emerger, BWO Dry |
| Hendricksons | Late afternoon | #12-14 | Hendrickson Dry, Emerger | |
| Grannom Caddis | Afternoon | #14-16 | Grannom Pupa, Elk Hair Caddis | |
| March Browns | Late afternoon | #10-12 | March Brown Dry, Emerger | |
| May | March Browns | Late afternoon | #10-12 | March Brown Dry, Emerger |
| Sulphurs | Evening | #14-18 | Sulphur Dun, Emerger | |
| Gray Fox | Afternoon | #12-14 | Gray Fox Dry | |
| Green Drakes | Evening | #8-10 | Green Drake Dry, Emerger | |
| June | Light Cahills | Late afternoon | #12-14 | Light Cahill Dry, Emerger |
| Isonychia | Evening | #10-12 | Isonychia Nymph, Dry patterns | |
| Yellow Drakes | Evening | #10-12 | Yellow Drake Dry | |
| Golden Stoneflies | Evening | #8-10 | Golden Stonefly Nymph, Dry patterns | |
| July | Terrestrials | All day | #10-16 | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers |
| Little Yellow Stoneflies | Evening | #14-16 | Yellow Sally Dry | |
| August | Terrestrials | All day | #10-16 | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers |
| Tricos | Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner, Dun | |
| September | Terrestrials | All day | #10-16 | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers |
| Blue-Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | BWO Emerger, BWO Dry | |
| October | Blue-Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | BWO Emerger, BWO Dry |
| October Caddis | Late afternoon | #8-10 | October Caddis Pupa, Dry patterns | |
| November | Blue-Winged Olives | Cloudy days, afternoon | #18-22 | BWO Emerger, BWO Dry |
| December | Midges | Warmest part of day | #20-26 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Midday | #16-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph, Adult patterns |
Cranberry River – Richwood Access Points
In Richwood, the Cranberry River provides some excellent points for fly fishing. Access points and their notable features are as follows:
- Hills Creek: Located towards the headwaters of the Cranberry River, this stream junction can be reached via a trail. Ideal for those targeting brook trout.
- The Forks: The intersection of the North and South branches is a sought-after spot often teeming with trout due to its abundant water supply.
- Woodbine Recreation Area: Access to the Cranberry River is easy here with ample parking and a stocking location as well.
- Camp Splinter: Near the lower part of the river, this area offers deep pools and runs – perfect for larger trout!
- Kennison Run: Access to this smaller branch provides a quieter, more secluded fly fishing experience.
These locations offer the best opportunity for a successful fishing trip on the Cranberry River in Richwood.
Cranberry River – Richwood Fishing Spots
The Cranberry River in Richwood is renowned for being a haven for fly fishers, thanks to its rich aquatic biodiversity. Among the best spots to fly fish are:
- The North South Trailhead: Known for its clear waters and abundant trout population.
- Williams River Campground: An ideal spot for catching brook trout amidst serenity.
- Kennison Mountain Trail: A popular spot for fly fishers, largely due to the densely populated rainbow and brown trout.
- South Fork Cranberry River Campground: A tranquil fishing spot, infamously populated with large brown trout and a variety of other freshwater fish species.
- Big Rock Campground: Offering plenty of shade for a comfortable fishing experience, Big Rock is perfect for catching brook trout.
It’s essential to follow all regulations to maintain the natural beauty of these locations and ensure the thriving fish population continue to flourish.
Cranberry River – Richwood Local Fish Species
- Brook Trout: Known for their striking color on the Cranberry River, they are a popular target for fly fishers.
- Brown Trout: These species provide a great challenge for anglers due to their elusive nature.
- Rainbow Trout: They are abundant in this river and are known to put up a good fight.
- Smallmouth Bass: Known for their aggressive strikes, it’s a favorite among seasoned fly fishers.
- Largemouth Bass: This species thrives in the calmer sections of the river and are a blast to catch on a fly.
- Channel Catfish: Perfect for fly fishermen willing to step up to a heavier rod and line.
- Redear Sunfish: These fish make for great sport on a light fly rod and are abundant in the river.
- Bluegill: Best for beginners in fly fishing as they are pretty easy to catch.
About the Cranberry River – Richwood
The Cranberry River is a charming locale nestled near Richwood, West Virginia. Its roots trace back to the time when Native Americans thrived across the land. They utilized the river’s resources, making it an integral part of their survival.
As the years rolled by, the river gained prominence for its abundant trout, attracting angling enthusiasts worldwide. Let’s dive into some intriguing facts about this aquatic treasure:
- Stretching about 24 miles long, the Cranberry River is part of the Gauley River watershed, itself a tributary of the mighty Kanawha River.
- It’s surrounded by the phenomenal Cranberry Wilderness, the largest U.S. wilderness area in the eastern US.
- The river became a habitat restoration success story in the 20th century when toxic acid drainage from mining operations was mitigated, revitalizing its depleted trout populations.
Today, the Cranberry River continues to offer majestic views and memorable fishing adventures for all to enjoy.
Community Contributions
Be part of the fishing community!
No updates submitted for this river.
