Willis relates that the typical Williams River trout runs 10 to 14 inches, but the outfitter has caught fish in the 16- to 18-inch range. All fish are stocked, and he estimates that some 90 percent are caught annually with obviously not much carryover.

One place where some carryover does exist is the catch-and-release waters. There is a two-mile section beginning two miles below Tea Creek and extending downstream. Access is by Monongahela National Forest Route 86. The stocking schedule for this section varies.

The Williams, as it flows through Pocahontas and Webster counties, receives regular stockings in its put-and-take waters. Fish are released once in January, twice in February, and once each week from March through May. The area stocked is from the coal tipple below Laurel Run, upstream 22 miles to the low-water bridge above the Day Run Campground. So, the Williams, like the Dry Fork, should have quite a few available fish this month.

Gil Willis also emphasizes that the Williams River is one of the most visually appealing streams in the Mountain State. I strongly agree, as the Williams sports a pleasing mix of small plunge pools, midstream boulders, heavily vegetated stream banks, and numerous riffles and runs. The high-altitude setting in the mountains of Pocahontas just adds to the aura.

Of course, Elkhorn Creek, Dry Fork and the Williams River are not the only West Virginia trout streams that deserve more publicity than they typically receive. For example, Anthony Creek in Greenbrier County is a marvelous stocked trout stream that is a good choice for a combination turkey and trout outing this month, as the Monongahela National Forest is nearby.

Gandy Creek in Randolph County receives heavy infusions of trout every spring and is locally popular. At the other end of the state, Wheeling Creek in Marshall and Ohio counties is an important trout fishery for folks who live in the Northern Panhandle. The calendar may read May, but marvelous trout fishing still exists all around the state.

IF YOU GO
Elkhorn Inn & Theatre in Landgraff: www.elkhorninnwv.com, (304) 862-2031 or (800) 708-2040. Elaine and I spent two nights at the inn and found the food and inn itself delightful.

For more information on McDowell County and the region as a whole, contact the Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.visitwv.com, (800) VISITWV.

Contact Ernie Nester at (304) 779-2706 or eenester@suddenlink.net if you would like to help with the trash cleanup on Elkhorn Creek in 2009. For more information on the Elkhorn Creek Watershed Association: Becky Barker, becky-sue-4@hotmail.com, or call (304) 862-3255

Besides fishing, other attractions include Pinnacle Rock State Park, Panther State Forest, Berwind and Anawalt lakes, Ashland Company Store, the first (and only remaining and newly restored) World War I Memorial for African-American soldiers in Kimball, the new Hatfield McCoy Indian Ridge ATV trails, and trains passing by seemingly every few minutes. The area is a real draw for many rail fans and photographers. For dining, consider the Ya'sou Deli in Kimball, and a genuine 1950s diner, the Sterling, in Welch. The Elkhorn Inn is also the only B&B on the Coal Heritage Trail.

Elk River Touring Center: www.ertc.com, (866) 572-3771. In addition to fishing, ERTC also offers such activities as lodging, fine dining and mountain biking.

Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors' Bureau: Visit online at www.pocahontascountywv.com, or call (800) 336-7009.