Over 240 pristine streams pump through the heart of the mountains in Webster County, providing life blood of recreation and solace to residents and visitors alike. Webster County is home to some of North America’s finest angling. The waters are often brimming with trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass and catfish. Listed among the WV DNR’s “Favorite fishing waters” are the Elk, Cranberry and Williams Rivers. Trout are stocked regularly in the Back Fork of Elk, Elk, Cranberry, Desert Fork, Fall Run, Laurel Fork, Williams, Sugar Creek, Gauley, Left Fork of Holly and Right Fork of Little Kanawha.
For a warmwater fishing experience, the 55-acre Big Ditch Lake near Cowen is known for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish.


Also, try out Camp Holly, located in Diana. This small lake is stocked for a private pay fishing experience.

So bring family, friends, and fishing buddies, and come angle “The Waters Best Cast Upon” of Webster County!

the land of 7 rivers

Elk River
Elk River
Williams River

  • a tributary of the Elk River, it rises near the town of Cowen in western Webster County, and flows generally WNW through northern Nicholas County and southern Braxton County, where it joins the Elk.

  • a premier, rugged trout stream flowing through the Monongahela National Forest and Cranberry Wilderness. Known for its high-elevation scenery, it offers exceptional, frequently stocked trout fishing, including brook, brown, and rainbow trout. It is a popular destination for hiking, backpacking, and, in its challenging sections, whitewater kayaking.

  • The mighty Elk River is one of the best places for a trout fishing adventure and one of the most exciting places to cast your line, put out your kayak/raft, or sit and enjoy. Flowing through Bergoo, Webster Springs and down Door-town.

  • meanders southwesterly through Webster County and turns to a more westerly direction through Nicholas County and into Fayette County, where it combines with the New River to form the Kanawha River at Gauley Bridge.

  • Flowing from Holly River State Park, the Left Fork of the Holly River winds Northwest following Replete Road in Hacker Valley. Along its edges you can see historic landmarks like Hanging Rocks and Mollahan Mill.

  • Flowing from Holly River State Park, the Right Fork of Holly River follows route 15 through Diana. It then heads towards Flatwoods as it is one of the head waters feeding into Sutton Lake.

  • Flowing through the thousands of acres on the Monongahela National Forest, Williams River hosts so many beautiful campsites, swimming holes and rock formations.