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SOUTH CHARLESTON -- A Mill Creek man was one of 30 fishing enthusiasts to win prizes in the West Virginia Gold Rush giveaway, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced Wednesday.
Brandon Mahoney, of Mill Creek, was one of the contest's WVDNR Gift Bag winners.
The Gold Rush, which returned for its sixth year on March 28, included 12 days of stockings at 68 lakes and streams around the state. During the event, the WVDNR stocked 50,000 golden rainbow trout, 100 of which had a numbered tag that could be entered to win a prize.
"As we celebrate another successful year of the West Virginia Gold Rush, I want to congratulate all of the lucky anglers who won in this year's giveaway and thank everyone who participated in this incredible event," said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion.
"Events like the Gold Rush are one of the best ways we can attract new anglers to West Virginia and preserve the cherished outdoor traditions that make our state so special. We look forward to welcoming even more individuals to experience the thrill of fishing in West Virginia's abundant natural wonders in the years to come."
Anglers who caught a golden rainbow trout with a special tag could win a West Virginia lifetime fishing license, state park cabin stay, West Virginia State Parks gift card or WVDNR gift bag.
"The success of the Gold Rush over the last six years underscores the value of our state as a premier fishing destination in the United States and demonstrates that our investments in enhancing and preserving our natural resources creates opportunities that benefit everyone who loves our beautiful state," said West Virginia Department of Commerce Secretary James Bailey.
"I want to thank the WVDNR for their hard work promoting our fishing resources and Gov. Justice for casting a grand vision that places our natural resources at the center of a sustainable tourism industry that not only respects the natural beauty of West Virginia but drives economic growth for generations to come."
A complete list of winners is provided below:
Lifetime Fishing License Winners
Amber Kincaid -- Meadow Bridge
Logan Hill -- Marmet
Christopher Swimm -- Wayne
Wayne Worth -- Clarksburg
Charles Everson -- Belington
West Virginia State Park Stay Winners
Brandon Swimm -- Wayne
Michael Szaller -- War
Robert Riggleman -- Keyser
Matthew Delauder -- Birch River
Jerry Moyer -- Singers Glen, Virginia
John McCullough -- Cumberland, Maryland
Donald Weasenforth -- Petersburg
Gary Ketterman -- Petersburg
Matthew White -- Elkview
Marvin Bland -- West Columbia
West Virginia State Parks Gift Card Winners
David Ault -- Springfield
William Burns -- Lewisburg
Matthew Hall -- Petersburg
Timothy Taylor -- Grafton
Willard Whetzel -- Keyser
Jessie Hatfield -- Gilbert
Thomas Fillinger -- Craigsville
Larry Srout -- Purgitsville
Gage Jackson -- Clarksburg
Joshua Weasenforth -- Moorefield
WVDNR Gift Bag Winners
Arnold Adkins -- Stuarts Draft, Virginia
Jack Scott -- Paynesville
Eric Cianelli -- Wheeling
Stanley Simmons -- Upper Tract
All anglers 15 years and older are required to have a West Virginia fishing license and a valid form of identification while fishing. A trout stamp also is required when fishing for trout. To learn more about fishing opportunities in West Virginia or to purchase a license, visit WVdnr.gov.