I spent my college years at WVU, so I have a decent amount of experience in the state. Although I majored in partying, I did minor in fishing the local areas. I had many excursions fishing the Mon, Cheat Lake and local streams close to Morgantown. When I had the time I would venture around and find new spots to fish.
This list is a compilation of my experience in the state, but mostly I had to call my old fishing buddies who still live in West Virginia and pick their brains for the true local knowledge. Let me know what you think in the comments and if I missed any good spots.
#30 – Tygart Lake
Tygart Lake is a standout West Virginia fishery with clear, deep blue water and steep, wooded banks. Stretching about ten miles, it offers plenty of space for bass boats, kayaks, and craft. Four public ramps and a marina make access easy, and calm coves along the irregular shoreline are perfect for casting. Anglers target largemouth and smallmouth bass, plus walleye, muskie, crappie, perch, and panfish. Most species reproduce naturally, a good sign of water quality. The tailwater below the dam is stocked with rainbow and golden trout. Stay close to the action with the state park’s lodge, cabins, or campgrounds.
#29 – East Lynn Lake
East Lynn Lake is a 1,005-acre reservoir on East Fork Twelvepole Creek in Wayne County, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control, recreation, and habitat. Authorized in 1938 and built in 1969 to 1970, it anchors the East Lynn Lake Wildlife Management Area. The lake holds 29 fish species plus carp and non-natives and receives regular WVDNR stockings. Wake and no-wake zones balance fishing with water sports. Anglers target bass, crappie, catfish, and saugeye. Notably, a 27.1-inch, 6.13-pound saugeye caught here set the state length record in 2000. Access includes public ramps, a marina, and campgrounds.
#28 – Turkey Run Lake
Turkey Run Lake is a small, easy stop for bank anglers and new boaters. This 15-acre WMA lake sits just north of Ravenswood off Route 68 and gets regular trout stockings in cool months. Expect catchable rainbow trout, plus largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish; some pike are present. A concrete boat ramp and shoreline access make it simple to launch a jon boat or cast from the bank. Use small spinners, dough baits, or PowerBait for trout; jigs and worms for panfish; cut bait for cats. No camping on-site, but town services and parking are close.
#27 – Burnsville Lake
Burnsville Lake is a steady producer for multi-species anglers. The 968-acre reservoir has three wheelchair-accessible ramps and plenty of shoreline pull-offs, so it’s easy to get on the water. Expect largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish, with trout stocked February through May. Spring brings walleye to rocky points and riprap; work jigs and crankbaits. Crappie hold around brush and cover; minnows and small tubes shine. In summer, fish early and late for bass with topwaters and worms; drift cut bait or nightcrawlers after dark for cats. Clearer water often rewards light line. Campsites let you fish dawn to dusk.
#26 – Sutton Lake
At 1,440 acres, Sutton Lake winds 14 miles up the Elk River with 40 miles of fishy shoreline and quiet coves. Rent a boat or launch your own and spend the day with the family. Bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish are the main draw in the lake. Work coves and laydowns with jigs, crankbaits, and minnows. Below Sutton Dam, the Elk River shines for muskie and walleye, and trout are stocked in the downstream area. Bee Run Recreation Area offers a free swim beach, picnic shelters, camping, and a playground, so you can fish in the morning and relax afterward.
#25 – Spruce Knob Lake
Spruce Knob Lake is a quiet fishery in the Monongahela National Forest. Anglers target stocked rainbow trout from March through May, along with bluegill, sunfish, and some smallmouth bass. Bank access is good around the shoreline, and a small ramp serves kayaks, canoes, and boats with electric trolling motors. Parking and vault toilets are on-site. Swimming is not permitted, which keeps the water calm for fishing. During the January 1 to May 31 stocking period, check special trout regulations for stocked impoundments before you go. Light line, small spinners, and bait under floats work well when the water is clear.
#24 – Tomlinson Run Lake
Tomlinson Run Lake is a small, family-friendly fishery at Tomlinson Run State Park in Hancock County. The 23-acre lake has shoreline access, ADA-accessible fishing piers, and seasonal boat rentals, making it easy to get kids and beginners on the water. Expect bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, and stocked trout in spring. The Division of Natural Resources also adds catchable channel catfish each June, keeping summer bites steady. Work small spinners or bait under a float for trout, and use worms, minnows, or jigs around cover for panfish. It’s a peaceful spot to fish close to parking, picnic areas, and restrooms.
#23 – R.D. Bailey Lake
R.D. Bailey Lake is a Guyandotte River reservoir known for multi-species action. Anglers work coves and points for largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish, with walleye and tiger muskie in the mix. The lake is also stocked with trout in season, giving bank anglers plenty of options. Hot spots include Guyandotte Point Recreation Area, the Big Branch day-use area, and the Below Dam Fisherman’s Access. Notably, the lake produced West Virginia’s spotted bass records: a 3.82-pound fish (1988) and a 19-inch, 4.77-pound catch (2000). Add camping, picnic areas, and hiking nearby, and you’ve got a weekend fishing base.
#22 – Summersville Lake
Summersville Lake is a clear, deep reservoir that fishes well year-round. Smallmouth bass are the star; work rocky points, bluffs, and boulder flats with tubes, Ned rigs, and jerkbaits. Walleye roam drop-offs and riprap, especially at dawn and dusk; use jigs, live minnows, or crankbaits. Crappie gather around brush and standing timber in coves, where small jigs or minnows produce. Spring and fall bring steady action and mild weather. Launch ramps, marinas, and campgrounds make weekend trips easy. Hike in the afternoon, then return for an evening bite. Check regulations, watch the weather, wear a life jacket, and fish smart.
#21 – Bluestone Lake
On the New River, Bluestone Lake is West Virginia’s third largest reservoir and a multi-species fishery. Anglers target largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, channel catfish, white bass, and occasional muskellunge. Public ramps, including the Bertha Campground launch, make it simple to get a boat on the water, and the Bluestone WMA offers bank access. Work rocky points and current seams for smallmouth, troll or cast for stripers, and fish brushy coves for crappie. The lake produced the state-record striped bass at 45.69 pounds in 2000. Bring a license, check regulations, and monitor water levels released from Bluestone Dam.
#20 – Warden Lake
Warden Lake is a 44-acre reservoir in Hardy County inside the Warden Lake WMA. It fishes bigger than its size, with largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, channel catfish, and rainbow trout. The lake is also known for the state-record grass carp, a 71.69-pound fish landed in 2002. Shoreline access is good, and the small launch suits kayaks and car-tops. For trout, try PowerBait, salmon eggs, or small spinners near deeper water. Bass and perch hit jigs, minnows, and small crankbaits around points and weed edges. Catfish bite cut bait or nightcrawlers at dusk. Check WVDNR rules and stocking updates before you go.
#19 – Mount Storm Lake
Mount Storm Lake in Grant County offers year-round fishing thanks to warm discharge from the power station. Anglers target stocked striped bass, plus largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and walleye. Clear water and rocky structure favor jerkbaits, swimbaits, and jigs; live shiners and cut bait work for stripers and cats. There are no rentals, but a dock and launch support personal boats. Spring through fall brings the most consistent action, with summer nights good for catfish and dawn topwater for bass. Watch the wind at this high-elevation lake and check WVDNR rules and special creel limits before you go.
#18 – Jennings Randolph Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake straddles the West Virginia and Maryland line and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Anglers come for walleye, smallmouth bass, stocked trout, bluegill and catfish. Clear, deep water favors finesse. Work rocky points and bluff banks with jigs or tubes for smallmouth. Troll crankbaits or jig live bait along drop-offs for walleye, especially at low light. Trout are stocked in the colder months and bite small spoons, spinners and bait near the dam. Shoreline pull-offs and multiple ramps keep access simple. Because it is a border water, check both states’ regulations before your trip.
#17 – Sleepy Creek Lake
Sleepy Creek WMA is a year-round fishing spot in Berkeley and Morgan counties, built around 205-acre Sleepy Creek Lake. Anglers catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and a few northern pike. Three access sites offer parking and restrooms, and two have fishing piers, so bank fishing is easy. Bring a canoe or kayak for quiet coves and standing timber. Try spinnerbaits and soft plastics for bass, small jigs or worms for panfish, and spoons or live minnows for pike. Primitive campsites let you stretch the trip overnight. For trout, Tilhance Creek and the lakes at Cacapon Resort State Park are close.
#16 – Glade Creek Reservoir
Glade Creek Reservoir is a small, quiet fishery with room for bank fishing and small boats. Anglers often chase stocked trout in cool months; the WVDNR has historically stocked rainbow, tiger, and golden rainbow trout here. Small spinners, spoons, and PowerBait under a slip float produce near the dam and inlets. Carp are a draw too; try sweet corn, dough balls, or method feeders on the bottom. Expect incidental bluegill, bass, and the occasional channel catfish on worms or jigs. Water levels can fluctuate, so move to points and channels when fish roam. Check WVDNR regulations and the latest stocking schedule before you go.
#15 – Mountwood Lake
Mountwood Lake is a small, productive fishery in Mountwood Park (about 50 acres) in Wood County. The lake is stocked with trout in the winter, and it also holds largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, carp, and some muskie.
Notably, Mountwood produced West Virginia’s tiger muskie record in 1994 (49.25 inches, 36 lb 8 oz), a reminder that big predators lurk here. Bank fishing is straightforward, and a public launch makes it easy to put in a kayak or small boat. Try small spinners or bait for trout, jigs and minnows for crappie, and jerkbaits or swimbaits for bass and muskie.
#14 – Woodrum Lake
Woodrum Lake is a 240-acre WMA lake known for steady action and clear, weed-free water. Largemouth and spotted bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and the occasional muskie keep rods bending. Woodrum also holds West Virginia’s black crappie record, a 17.36-inch, 2.85-pound fish caught in 2024, proof of its potential. Shoreline access and a ramp suit kayaks and small boats, but navigate slowly; submerged stumps are common. Fish jigs and minnows for crappie around timber, worms or small plastics for bluegill, and spinnerbaits or jerkbaits for bass. Cut bait picks up cats. Check WVDNR regulations and water levels before your trip.
#13 – Dickinson Lake
Dickinson Lake in Putnam County is a simple, productive spot for a quick fishing trip. Largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill are the main targets, with steady action for families and casual anglers. Work soft plastics, spinnerbaits, or small crankbaits around edges and any visible cover for bass. For bluegill, use worms or small jigs under a bobber near shallow pockets. Catfish bite nightcrawlers, chicken livers, or cut bait fished on the bottom, especially toward evening. Bring basic tackle, a measuring tape, and a net. Check West Virginia regulations and any site-specific rules on hours, boating limits, and trout-stocking seasons.
#12 – Little Beaver Lake
Little Beaver Lake in Little Beaver State Park near Beckley is a small, easy-access fishery open all year. The 18-acre lake suits shore anglers and paddlers, with non-motorized boats allowed. Expect steady action for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, trout, and carp. Walk the bank to reach different depths and points, or launch a kayak to fish coves. For trout, try small spinners or bait under a float in cool months. Use jigs and minnows for crappie, worms for bluegill, and cut bait or nightcrawlers for cats. Check current WVDNR rules on size and creel limits before your trip.
#11 – Pettigrew Lake
Located in Kanawha County, Pettigrew Lake is an easy stop for anglers chasing largemouth bass, white crappie, and bluegill. Shoreline access is good in several spots, and small kayaks or jon boats are ideal when conditions allow. For bass, work soft plastics, spinnerbaits, or small jigs around wood, grass edges, and any inflowing water. Crappie sit near brush and drop-offs—minnows or 1/16-oz tubes under a float get bites. Bluegill hit worms or small jigs around shallow cover. Fish shallow in spring, then target shade and deeper edges in summer mornings and evenings. Bring a measuring board and check WVDNR rules.
#10 – Fairfax Pond
Fairfax Pond WMA in Preston County is a cluster of small ponds and wetlands created from old strip mines. It’s a simple, productive spot for bank anglers and paddlers in small craft where permitted. Expect largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie. Work bass around laydowns and weed edges with soft plastics or small spinnerbaits. For panfish, try worms or 1/32 to 1/16 oz jigs under a float along the drop-offs. Set cut bait or nightcrawlers on the bottom at dusk for cats. Water is shallow in places, so move quietly and watch for vegetation. A valid West Virginia license is required.
#9 – Lake Berwind
Lake Berwind is a small, 20-acre lake in the 85-acre Berwind Lake WMA, four miles south of War and 12 miles south of Welch. It fishes bigger than its size, especially in spring. The WVDNR stocks trout from February through May, and adult channel catfish are added each June. Year-round targets include largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Bank fishing is simple, and a Class-Q accessible pier helps anglers with mobility needs. Small spinners, spoons, or PowerBait work for trout; worms and jigs take panfish; cut bait or nightcrawlers find cats. Bring a small boat or fish from shore, and check current regulations.
#8 – Big Ditch Lake
Big Ditch Lake in Webster County is a handy spot for mixed-bag fishing. Expect largemouth bass, bluegill, black and white crappie, channel catfish, and the occasional tiger musky. Electric motors only, so bring a kayak, jon boat, or canoe. Target weedbeds and brush with soft plastics, topwaters, and jigs for bass; use small jigs or worms under a float for bluegill and crappie. In summer, work the weed edges with weedless rigs or frogs. Set cut bait or nightcrawlers near deeper pockets at dusk for cats. Amenities include a boat launch, picnic areas, foot trails, drinking water, and pit toilets. Check WVDNR rules before you go.
#7 – Beech Fork Lake
Beech Fork Lake near Lavalette is a 728-acre fishery inside Beech Fork State Park. Anglers catch largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and saugeye, with the odd tiger muskie. Launch at WMA ramps or park access points; an accessible pier makes bank fishing easy. The lake is open year-round, but park hours change by season. Black bass under 12 inches must be released. Millers Fork Pond is stocked for kids under 10 and Class Q permit holders. Bring a valid West Virginia license, check current rules, and match tackle to conditions: jigs for crappie, worms for bluegill, crankbaits or cut bait for bass and cats.
#6 – Cheat Lake
Cheat Lake has 26 miles of shoreline and access by shore or boat. Target muskie, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, and carp. May is often the sweet spot after the spawn. Work deep water near the dam and lock for walleye and bass, and cast big baits for muskies along current edges. Headwaters and feeder streams hold roaming bass and crappie. Public fishing piers sit near submerged Christmas trees that draw panfish. Try jerkbaits and spinnerbaits for predators, jigs and minnows for crappie, and cut bait at night for catfish. Tournaments run each summer. Watch flow alerts below the dam.
#5 – Schenk Lake
Schenk Lake sits at the center of Oglebay Park in Wheeling and is a simple, family-friendly spot to wet a line. Shore access is excellent via the paved path, benches, and an accessible fishing pier. Expect stocked rainbow trout in spring along with catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, perch, and sunfish. It’s a private lake, so you don’t need a WV fishing license; follow park rules instead. Bring light tackle—trout magnets, small spinners, or a bobber with worms will keep kids busy. Paddle boats and kayak rentals are for recreation, not fishing. Check park hours and nearby amenities before you go.
#4 – Barboursville Lake
Barboursville Lake in Cabell County is a bank-fishing spot inside Barboursville Park. Trout are stocked in spring and winter, and the lake also holds largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Use the trail to reach bank spots. For trout, try small spinners, spoons, or PowerBait. For panfish, use worms or tiny jigs under bobbers. Bass hit soft plastics, finesse jigs, and crankbaits. Follow local rules: no camping, boating, or night fishing, no live minnows, and bass under 12 inches must be released. Jan 1 to May 31, no more than two lines allowed in this trout-stocked impoundment. Check park hours.
#3 – Stonecoal Lake
Stonecoal Lake (550 acres) between Weston and Buckhannon is a trophy muskie destination. It produced West Virginia’s muskie records: 49.75 pounds in 1997 and 52.7 inches in 2003. Anglers target smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, and stocked trout (rainbow, golden, brown). Two concrete ramps, one at each end, make access easy, and fishing accommodations are available for disabled anglers. Boats are limited to 10 horsepower motors, keeping conditions friendly for kayaks and jon boats. The lake sits inside the 3,000 acre Stonecoal Lake WMA with no camping. It is privately owned but managed by WVDNR for public recreation.
#2 – Plum Orchard Lake
Plum Orchard Lake in Fayette County is a clear-water fishery inside the 3,253-acre WMA. It’s known for trophy largemouth bass, plus bluegill, crappie, and stocked channel catfish. Bank access is good at pull-offs and small ramps; a kayak or jon boat helps you reach coves. In spring, work shallow flats and timber with soft plastics or spinnerbaits. Through summer, fish early and late along points and shade lines; crappie stack on brush, and bluegill bite worms under a float. Primitive camping in the WMA and nearby Babcock State Park cabins make weekend trips easy. Bring a license and check rules.
#1 – Stonewall Jackson Lake
Stonewall Jackson Lake is one of West Virginia’s best bass lakes. Largemouth are the headliner, with spotted and smallmouth mixed in. Fish shallow timber and warming coves in early spring with spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and Texas-rigged worms. As water warms, work points, riprap, and drop-offs with jigs, crankbaits, and topwater early and late. Crappie stack on brush; minnows and small tubes shine. Walleye roam channels and humps, and channel catfish bite cut bait after dark. Muskie patrol creek mouths and timber edges. The lake sees tournament pressure, so expect a feast-or-famine bite. Stonewall Resort offers boat and gear rentals, plus no-wake coves for quiet fishing.
About Fishing in West Virginia
West Virginia offers year-round fishing across mountain streams, big river tailwaters, and dozens of manmade lakes. Anglers chase largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, muskellunge, and stocked rainbow, brown, and golden rainbow trout. Public access is strong through state parks, wildlife management areas, and U.S. Army Corps lakes with ramps and bank spots. Spring brings trout stockings and active bass; summer nights favor catfish; fall fires up smallmouth and walleye. Many lakes have horsepower limits, no-wake coves, and accessible piers. A West Virginia fishing license is required, with a trout stamp for stocked waters. Check rules before you go.
FAQ
Do I need a license?
Yes. A West Virginia fishing license is required. Add a trout stamp if you plan to fish stocked trout waters.
When is the best time to fish?
Spring for trout and prespawn bass, summer nights for catfish, and fall for smallmouth and walleye. Winter can be steady on tailwaters.
What can I catch?
Bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, walleye, muskie, and stocked trout are common across the state.
Any special trout rules I should know?
In trout-stocked impoundments from January 1 to May 31, you are limited to two lines. Some waters have additional special regs. Always check the current booklet.
Where are good places to launch or bank fish?
State parks, WMAs, and Corps lakes offer ramps, fishing piers, and shoreline pull-offs. Many sites have ADA-friendly access.
Are there boat restrictions?
Some lakes have horsepower limits or no-wake zones. Check signs at the ramp or the managing agency’s page.
Can I fish without a license on private lakes?
Occasionally, yes. Certain privately managed park lakes set their own rules. Follow posted regulations.
What safety tips matter most?
Wear a life jacket, watch weather and dam release alerts, use sunscreen, and pack extra water and a first-aid kit.
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