LivewellWest Virginia · River
Little Kanawha from mouth upstream to Wells Lock
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Little Kanawha from mouth upstream to Wells Lock, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
1 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
West Virginia also has statewide guidance
West Virginia publishes rules that apply to rivers across the state — 13 recommendations covering 12 species — in addition to anything listed for Little Kanawha from mouth upstream to Wells Lock below.
Strictest statewide rule: White Bass — Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury and PCB.
What's safe to eat from Little Kanawha from mouth upstream to Wells Lock
Sauger
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Is it legal to keep?
These are West Virginia's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 12" min | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12" min | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | 15" min | 8 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 30" min | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Inland Trout | — | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | 4 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: West Virginia — West Virginia DNR