Upper Elk River (Slatyfork)

The upper Elk River near Slatyfork in Pocahontas County is a wild brown and rainbow trout fishery driven by large limestone springs. In dry months the surface flow drops into karst conduits along the well-known "Dries" reach and re-emerges downstream — verify current flow conditions before hiking in.

Special regulations apply on the upper Elk — confirm current WVDNR catch-and-release / artificial-only boundaries before fishing.

Hike-in access from FR forest roads off Hwy 219; bring a map and tell someone your route.

Sulphurs, BWOs, caddis, midges, and small streamers cover most situations.