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Some West Virginia trout are riding the rails before they hit the water.
This story was originally published in the April/May 2026 issue of Wonderful West Virginia.
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Written by Devin Lacy
In West Virginia, stocking our lakes, ponds, and streams with top-quality trout is par for the course. West Virginia–raised trout from our hatcheries are brought to local fishing spots and waterways throughout the year, creating exciting new opportunities for anglers. However, one stocking method in particular has really caught people’s attention.
The Trout Run railroad bridge was a broken connection between the communities of Durbin and Cass, taken out of commission by floodwaters in 1985. This gaping hole rendered the rail line impassable until it was finally rebuilt in 2023. Not only did this open up opportunities for rail-related tourism, but it also gave the WVDNR a way of getting trout to a part of the Greenbrier River that they can’t access otherwise.
When the time comes, specially equipped rail cars are loaded up at the hatchery before making their way down the tracks, sloshing slightly with the sounds of the water holding their precious cargo. Once they reach areas of the track that weave closely to the river, trout are added to the river by the netful for anglers to seek out. This secluded area is best accessed from the Hosterman Trailhead near Cass, providing ample remote fishing for anglers looking for a little solitude whether by hiking the rails or floating the river.
The Greenbrier River at Cass is stocked monthly from February through May. To find out if the Durbin to Cass route has been stocked recently or to find a stocked location near you, visit WVdnr.gov/fish-stocking, call 304.558.3399, or check the schedule printed in the 2026 Fishing Regulations Summary, available at WVdnr.gov/fishing-regulations.
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