Though Pennsylvania anglers will find a wide variety of trout fishing opportunities in our home state, a relatively short trip to West Virginia will provide a host of options, many of which are available right now.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources manages one of the most aggressive trout stocking programs in the nation. Not only are tons of trout stocked on an annual basis, but the process spans several months. High-quality streams receive trout the first five months of the year.

Shavers Fork of the Cheat River received its first stocking in January. Stockings become more frequent as winter moves into spring. These stockings are dependent on the weather. It's wise to check with the DNR to determine the status of stockings.

A report can be heard by calling 304-558-3399. A visit to the agency's website can also provide up-to-date information. Log on to www.wvdnr.gov/Fishing/stocking/Daily/Stock.shtm.

Shavers Fork also receives two stockings of trout each fall. Depending on the conditions experienced over the winter months, carryover trout from these stockings can exist in some areas.

Shavers Fork provides a wide range of angling opportunities. The stream flows from south to north, with the stocked section beginning at Spruce. The upper portion of the stream is quite remote. Though that may be an attraction later in the year, at this time it might be wiser to fish easier-to-reach spots that are found from Bowden on down.

The North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River is another of the Mountain State's premier trout waters. The WVDNR manages the South Branch in three sections: the Franklin, Smoke Hole and Catch-and-Release sections. Among the three, there is something to meet the needs of pretty much any trout angler.

The Franklin section is stocked from about a half-mile from the Virginia line downstream, past Franklin, to about two miles south of the Upper Tract, located near the old Poor Farm.

Route 220 provides good access to most of this stretch. The Franklin section is stocked every week from March through May. It also received a stocking in January and two in February.

The Smoke Hole section runs from the Route 220 Bridge downstream to the Big Bend Recreation Area. U.S. Forest Service Route 74 provides access to a portion of this stretch, as does State Secondary Route 2. The Smoke Hole section is stocked on the same schedule as the Franklin section.

Located within the Smoke Hole section is a one-mile stretch managed as catch-and- release waters. This stretch begins about two miles below the Route 220 bridge and is stocked once in April.

Quality trout fishing also can be enjoyed on the Elk River. The Elk furnishes an abundance of trout fishing opportunities, satisfying the angling appetites of fly, spin and bait anglers.

Heavily influenced by limestone sources, the streams offer a stability not found in nearby freestone streams. This high water quality makes it a safer bet during the wet spring season. It also provides exceptional cold-water habitat for trout.

The Elk River begins near the town of Slatyfork in Pocahontas County. Good trout fishing can be found in this section. Farther downriver, Cowger's Mill is another good area to try.

The Elk River contains a special regulations area. A two-mile section from the Elk Springs Campground downstream to the Rose Run Bridge is under catch-and-release regulations.

This stretch can be accessed from Route 49 off Route 15, about four miles west of Valley Head. The river section is located in Randolph County.

Jeff Knapp is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle.