Anybody trap the rivers near Charleston for beaver here in wv? I’ve been wanting to try to get into water trapping for a couple years now, but closest lake or marsh near me is close to 45mins one way. I’m about 5 mins from the elk and I was just wondering if A. Are they any beaver on the elk and B. How in the world do I found them or sign?

There are probably umpteen youtubes on beaver trapping. Beaver usually leave extremely obvious signs of their presence. State or county road dept. will likely have beaver problem areas.

I appreciate it I’ll ask the doh next time I work in one of there offices where they or if they see any sign.

River beaver you're pretty much looking for cut trees amd slides. Dont even bother looking for a lodge.

Yeah I figured that much but I just wasn’t sure. Im new to the whole water trapping experience I had a older trapper give me 3 footholds for beaver and I was gonna try to make same drowners for them. I know there’s a lake down south that has a ton of beaver but it’s a hour from my house and trapping it every weekend just isn’t possible I probably will try it once at least.

Topo maps of your area can give you ideas on where to look that are close to home

I cannot speak to the beaver population in that particular area. In my area of WV (Tucker County) there are some beaver in most waterways of the National Forest. Big rivers are tough due to water fluctuations and the near necessity of trapping from a boat.
I would contact your county Warden as that’s what I’ve had success in in the past.
Keep in mind that if you trap any WMA you must obtain a free permit from the District Office that the WMA falls in.
Good luck

Yes sir there’s two wmas right now that I am looking at and there full of beaver but they are not close Enough for me to trap full time. I’m gonna try to check out some creeks and some spots of the river that is easily accessible by foot soon and hope to find some beaver.

Jacob..beaver trapping west of the mountains in wv is way different than that east of the mountains in wv.

On our side of the mountains you will not find the lodges like in the easten part of the state.

We've trapped the elk river..there are beaver there.

Go upstream on the elk and make some castor mounds then set a foothold on a drowner.

Don't be surprised when you catch an otter.

All the lake south of you..as far as I'm aware, are on.management areas and require a permit to trap them.

Plum Orchard lake recently closed to beaver trapping. Jerrys permit there last year had a beaver.trapping restriction on it for the first time in 15 years.

It's loaded with beaver but they're wanting to keep em.

The lake is so big we guess there are probably 3 separate colonies in it.

The back of the lake is beaver heaven.

Rd Bailey and Horse Lake are still open to beaver trapping but the numbers aren't here like they've been in the past.

District 5 had several WMAs.

Greenbottom and McClintic have beaver.

If you have any problem getting a permit down there..lt me know..I can help you.

Jerry had some issues but finally got his.

Next year they are assigning there permits totally different. The old boys club is out.

Steve Rausch can help you if you get denied.

He's the main state biologist out of Charleston.

He'd a good guy and trapper friendly.

Good Luck.

I hope you make a good catch.

I just seen this and I appreciate all the input. I can’t believe they closed plum orchard that place is full of beaver. Mclintic is one I’ve been looking at since I duck hunt up there and green bottom the last time I looked which was last weekend didn’t have much beaver sign in there, but muskrats are heavy this year. I live in elkview and will try to get out and scout and trap once season comes in. I appreciate the help thank you.

We were surprised about plum orchard too..Jereys caught alot of beaver out of that lake over the last 15 years.

Usually 3 a season.. at different locations around the lake. The backside of the lake was always good but the access wasnt. We don't use a boat.

It's still a got some good habitat for fisher.
The left side as ya come into the management area where it's dark and all the trees are broke over...

Good Luck to you

A fellow I work with is from WV and his last name is Legg. Wonder if you two are related

Look for possible access on coal mines or abandoned mines as well

They will also use smaller creeks too.

We could be possibly what part is he from?