One of the most popular recreational activities in Pocahontas County is fishing.    Pocahontas County is the birthplace of eight rivers (Cheat, Cherry, Cranberry, Elk, Gauley, Greenbrier, Tygart Valley , Williams) and countless streams.  These cold clear rivers and streams are the sites of the finest trout fishing in the state.

The Headwaters of the Elk River create a very special trout fishing area.  The limestone springs that feed the river and the cool mountain climate make for wonderfully diverse aquatic insects, cold water and a healthy pH for the rainbows, brooks and browns that thrive here.  The upper reaches of the river provide classic match the hatch fly fishing at its finest.  There are two prime catch and release sections of the Elk within a 15 mile segment of the river, and many high gradient small tributaries feed into the mainstream.  Several Excellent guide services and fly shops are nearby.  Much of this part of the Elk winds through the beautiful scenery of the Monongahela National Forest but access is possible for small rural roads.