General Information West Virginia, the Mountain State, is 24,282 square miles located in the south-central U.S. With terrain that is largely forested and mountainous, recreational opportunities abound. The highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia top over 400 feet in the Allegheny Plateau, and add to the sporting value of the state, with miles of mountain streams and forested habitat for many game species. Capital City: Charleston Largest City: Charleston National Parks and Forests: Bluestone National Scenic River Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Gauley River National Recreation Area Harper's Ferry National Historical Park New River Gorge National River Sport Fishing The Mountain State is not blessed with abundant water, with only 101 square miles of natural inland water surface area and one natural lake. The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources has been busy developing more impoundments in recent years, and now has completed several warmwater and trout impoundments, with 36 more to be built in the next decade. Most of West Virginia's waterways are part of the Ohio River system, which creates a natural border in the northwest. Species found throughout the state are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass, muskellunge, walleye, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Brook, brown, and rainbow trout are found in mountainous areas in the eastern region of the state, and are stocked abundantly in the Elk River for year-round opportunity. North and South Branches of the Potomac River are also important fishing waters, offering tiger muskie and northern pike, sauger, saueye, walleye, and channel cats. Hunting West Virginia offers a wide variety of species for year-round hunting opportunity. Species include wild boar, black bear, white-tailed deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail, bobcat, mountain lion, elk, and many species of migratory birds and waterfowl. The land is heavily forested and mountainous, making for a unique and diverse hunting experience. West Virginia is a hunter's paradise. For information on licensing, seasons, limits, rules and regulations, please visit the West Virginia Online website.