Bridgeport became home to what is being promoted as a Catch-and-Release trout stream recently when 750 pounds of rainbow trout were stocked into Simpson Creek. This project will give local and visiting anglers a chance to stream fish for trout without going into the mountains. The fish were stocked along a nearly 2 mile section of the stream starting near Bridgeport Fire Department and continuing through Bridgeport City Park.

Mayf Nutter, musician and actor originally from Bridgeport, wrote and recorded a hit song years ago titled "Simpson Creek". In it he sang that "Simpson Creek won't ever run clean again, sulfur water runs red where the big fish used to swim." Now the creek has run pretty much full circle since trout are now swimming in what used to be "sulfur water." When contacted, Mr. Nutter told us "Congratulations to you on all the good work you are doing for my hometown area."

This project was undertaken originally to encourage tourism to our area. Visitors are looking for something to do while they are here, and hotels are able to offer packages that include fly fishing instruction and guided trips both on Simpson Creek and into the mountains. It also is a fantastic opportunity for local residents to stream fish for trout without making a trip into the mountains. We are asking anglers to follow the posted CATCH-AND-RELEASE regulations we have posted along Simpson Creek. Since we are currently planning only to do the one stocking this spring, we are hopeful those fishing will abide by these regulations to give everyone the opportunity to fish. If this project is successful and fish are returned to the water as requested, there is a very high probability that it will continue, possibly even with a fall stocking so that there will be an opportunity to fish all winter long.

This trout fishing project was conducted by the Greater Bridgeport Conference and Visitors Center with technical assistance provided by WVU Extension Service, the WVU Analytical Lab, Bridgeport Parks and Recreation, and guidance from a committee of individuals interested in our project.

REGULATIONS

All WV DNR fishing regulations apply

State of WV Fishing License & Trout Stamp Required

This trout stocking initiative is to promote tourism, recreation, and education for the local community. To ensure the opportunity for all to fhis, we ask that this area be treated as a CATCH AND RELEASE area and that you adhere to the following:

Fishing permitted during daylight hours only

Please stay off of private property

Anglers are asked to use only artificial lures made of metal, wood, feathers, hair or synthetic materials

No Power Bait or Power Bait products

Multiple hook lures should have barbless hooks

To release a deeply hooked or gill hooked fish, please cut the leader

PLEASE RETURN ALL TROUT CAUGHT TO THE WATER AT ONCE.