Mathis said that fishing activities should be concentrated in the West Fork of Twelve Pole Creek, which he describes as a "very pretty stream as it flows through the state forest." This stream is stocked from Wilsondale downstream six miles through Cabwaylingo State Forest, receiving infusions once each month from February through May. Plenty of carry-over fish should remain in June.

The district administrator emphasized that visitors will likely relish their sojourn in any of the 13 standard cabins, as they feature stonework from the Civilian Conservation Corps era in the 1930s. Additional lodging exists in a modern cabin and 25 campsites that Mathis maintains are never crowded. Among the other amenities are a swimming pool, playgrounds, souvenir shop and hiking trails. But Cabwaylingo's main attraction may be the solitude it provides its visitors.

DISTRICT VI
Blennerhassett Island/Ohio River
Superintendent Donna Smith of Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park believes that families who enjoy learning more about history will relish a visit to this District VI area. In 1798, Harman Blennerhassett settled on the island and set about building a mansion and furthering his fortune. However, the wealthy Irishman became involved with the notorious Aaron Burr in 1806 about an alleged plot to create an empire. Both men were captured and their lives ruined. In 1811, Blennerhassett's run of ill fortune continued when his mansion burned.

Archaeologists rediscovered the foundations in 1973 and have re-created the mansion. Families may well enjoy learning more about the history of Blennerhassett and Burr, as well as the Delaware Indian, Nemacolin, who ruled the island in the 1760s. Other famous personages who were attracted to the landmass include George Rogers Clark, King Charles X of France, Johnny Appleseed and poet Walt Whitman. Native Americans dwelled on the island for centuries until the 1780s.

The 500-acre historical state park has a multitude of places where families can fish, and many openings in the shoreline exist. Of all the fisheries in West Virginia, the Ohio River no doubt offers the most diverse one. Largemouths, smallmouths, spots, bluegills, sunfish, walleyes and hybrid stripers are some, but by no means all, of the game fish that fin this lowland waterway.

Before taking a sternwheeler to Blennerhassett Island, families may want to drop by the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History in Parkersburg. A video of the namesake family is much recommended, as well as Native American artifact displays. Once on the island, be sure to partake of the guided mansion tours, horse-drawn wagon rides and picnicking possibilities. For more information, dial the toll-free number listed earlier or call (304) 420-4800; on the Web the address is: www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com/.

State Parks & Forests
VIPP Program
For a family vacation, my wife, two kids and I have been visiting one or more West Virginia state parks or forests every year since 1991. From that first visit, which was to Watoga State Park 14 years ago, to the most recent one this past June at Tygart Lake State Park, I have been impressed by the professionalism and enthusiasm of the state park personnel. In my household, mid-June means its time to go to a Mountain State park or forest.

I have visited so many of these establishments that I only need to go to two more, Holly River and North Bend, in order to become a VIPP (a Very Important Parks Person). Anyone who visits any of 15 designated state parks and forests, plus five more from an electives list of the remaining ones, can receive this designation. After completing these 20 visits and submitting an authorization card, you will receive an official VIPP windbreaker. For more information on this program as well as visiting the state parks, dial the toll-free number listed earlier; or go online to www.wvparks.com.