MASON COUNTY — In their continuing efforts to provide opportunities for local fishermen, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) will soon be stocking trout in Krodel Lake and Chief Cornstalk Lake.

Though specific dates of stocking were not reported, according to the DNR, both lakes are stocked bi-annually, once in January and again in March. Local fishermen can check the daily stocking report at www.wvdnr.gov/fishing, or by calling 304-558-3399. According to the stocking report for 2012, Krodel Lake was stocked on Jan. 11, 2012, and on March 12, 2012, and Chief Cornstalk Lake was stocked on Jan. 5, 2012, and on March 19, 2012.

According to the DNR, mainly trout are used for stocking, instead of other fish, since they do well in the hatcheries and grow according to how much space is available. It was reported the DNR currently operates seven hatcheries and two warmwater hatcheries which produce the fish needed for stocking, the newest hatchery being in Apple Grove.

In addition to providing more fishing opportunities throughout the year, stocking also helps enhance warmwater fish populations. The DNR also reportedly stocks fingerling muskellunge, walleye, hybrid striped bass, and channel catfish to fisheries when natural reproduction is insufficient. It was also stated the DNR stocks paddlefish and shovelnose sturgeon in the Ohio and Kanawha rivers, in order to help restore these species that have been eliminated from West Virginia due to pollution or habitat alteration.

Trout, Bass, and Blue Gill are all caught at Krodel’s 22-acre lake. Handicap access dock is provided on the west side of the lake. Chief Cornstalk Lake provides spring and winter fishing for stocked trout and a warmwater fishery for sunfish, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Fish attractors have been placed in the lake and signs on shore designate their locations.

State licensing laws must be met by fishermen. Licenses may be obtained at over 350 retail agent locations throughout the state and all county clerks offices. A $3 issuing fee for the first purchase and $1 fee for subsequent purchases is charged. Licenses can also be obtained over the Internet at www.wvfish.com. (official DNR website $2 issuing fee ) or directly from the Hunting and Fishing License Unit by phoning (304) 558-2758 ( $2 issuing fee ).

For additional information please contact the Hunting and Fishing License Unit at (304) 558-2758.