About the West Virginia Experience

Reservations may be made via e-mail or telephone. A  deposit is required for each boat reserved. Deposit can be by either by credit card or personal check. The reservation must be paid in full 30 days prior to your arrival. If your reservation is within 30 days your trip must be paid in full at the time of your reservation. 

WV Experience reserves the right to change fisheries or trip times due to unsafe weather, water conditions, or other factors beyond our control.  If we cancel due to these conditions or factors our guests will have the option to a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule at a time of their convenience in the next 12 months.

The WV Experience provides you with well-trained, personable guides, all necessary fishing (at no additional cost), river and safety equipment, dry bags and shuttles are all included in the trip cost.  Full-day and Multi-day trips include some meals and beverages. Sales tax and gratuities are not included.

We suggest that all guests call us at least 3 days prior to the trip date. We will inform you of projected weather and water condition. Bring only what you need to enjoy your trip (camera, extra clothes, raingear, sunblock). 

Want to bring your own gear? We suggest a 6-61/2' medium to medium heavy action rod equipped with spin cast reels spooled with 8-10 lb monofiliament line. We will let you know what to bring for lures.
 

Don't have your own gear? Don't worry we provide all the necessary fishing equipment and tackle at no additional cost.

No. Our experienced guides will share with you the basics of river and/or stream fishing covering everything from casting to lure presentation and selection to sportsman etiquette and basic water reading skills.

No. Click here to be redirected to the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources web site for license details and purchase. Depending on your trip length and frequency you may prefer a three-day tourist license as opposed to a year-long license. Feel free to contact us with questions as to which options best suit your needs.

Float Fishing Trips: In typical summer months, most guests wear a comfortable pair of
swimming trunks or shorts, river sandals or sneakers. Synthetic fabrics are preferable to cotton.  If you wear glasses or sunglasses you will need an eyeglass strap. Sunscreen; Insect Repellant; a wide-brimmed cap or hat for sunny days; light rain gear. In colder months, we also suggest that you bring a polar fleece or wool cap; gloves or mittens; long underwear (preferably synthetic). We also recommend polarized sunglasses. Waterproof, disposable camera.

We also recommend that you bring a change of dry clothing (left in your car) for after the trip.  Leave jewelry and valuables at home or lock them in your car. You may check your keys with our staff for safekeeping. Please try to keep your gear as light and compact as possible due to limited space on the rafts.

Sure! Be sure and do so when you first make your reservation. We will do our best to honor your request; however, if they are requested by others, working another trip or have the day off it may not be possible.

Our season will usually start mid to late March. The best time for pre-spawn fish will be April through the first week of May. This is the absolute best time to catch a 5 pound + smallmouth bass

After the spawn is over fishing will be excellent all through the summer up to the end of October. The best period for fly fishing will be early June through October. The New is without a doubt the finest river smallmouth fishery in the U.S. The number of fish found in the river and the high quality speak for itself. In addition to the excellent smallmouth fishing, the New is showing a big increase in the number of Native walleye. This is due primarily to an aggressive reintroduction program by our state dept. of fish and game. These walleye are fast growers! A fish can reach 18″ in two years. Currently an angler can keep two per day but they must be a minimum of 18".

We have 4 seasons for our cast and blast. They start in September and end in January. Dates are determined by the federal government and you can view them here.

Yes. Six years of age is our minimum requirement. However, some of our more rigorous trips may have other minimum requirements.

No! Every person on our float trips will be issued a life jacket (personal flotation device) which is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and designed specifically for whitewater rafting. Detailed instructions are given before the rafts are launched.

All of our trips are priced based on a minimum group size (see trip description for minimums).  However, we can accommodate anyone from the single angler up to large groups. Call for appropriate pricing.

The West Virginia Experience reserves the right to change fisheries or trip times due to unsafe weather, water conditions, or other factors beyond our control.  If we cancel due to these conditions or factors our guests will have the option to a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule at a time of their convenience in the next 12 months.

The West Virginia Experience requires a deposit to book or confirm a reservation. All trips or packages must be paid in full 30 days in advance. Full payment is due if booked within 30 days of the trip date.

We require a 10-day notice for a full refund on all weekday trips. For all Saturdays, holidays, and trips with 3 or more boats, we require a 14-day notice.

All of our trips include shuttle to and from the river, a professional local guide, snacks and drinks, your fishing gear and tackle (upon request). Some packages include lunch. 

The package price does not include sales tax, gratuities or a valid West Virginia Resident/Non Resident license.