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West Virginia Fishing Reports
| Fishing Reports for West Virginia. If you have a report for your area send it to us at reports@bobberstop.com. Please put "Fishing Report" in the subject line of your e-mail and please don't forget to include the location. |
** Last Update was made on 7 - 9 - 08 ***
WEST VIRGINIA FISHING REPORTS - LICENSES - REGULATIONS.
BEECH FORK – The reservoir is close to summer pool and murky. For more information call the
Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304-525-5092. Bass have been recently caught using
Carolina rigged worms, flukes, crankbaits, and shad imitating lures (match the size). Anglers are
finding success early and late in the day using small lures. Anglers have reported catching a few
crappie from the tailwaters.
BLUESTONE – With the nights beginning to cool, the fishing on the lake should begin to pick up.
Anglers should try around any downed trees or weed beds using worms, small minnows or jigs for
sunfish. Bass anglers should concentrate their efforts along areas with good structure such as
downed timber, rocky drops, or weed beds. Top water baits such as rapalas, tiny torpedoes, and
sluggoes are excellent choices but anglers will find the best top water action early or late. Bluegills
can provide anglers with some fast action. Best baits are worms and small jigs. Anglers can have a
blast fishing for sunfish. Channel catfish are also hitting in the lake primarily at night on chicken liver
and worms. Carp and channel catfish are hitting in the tailwaters with best baits being corn, and
nightcrawlers. Occasionally anglers have been catching some other species such as smallmouth
bass in the tailwaters on jigs and minnows.
BURNSVILLE – The lake is at summer pool and clear. Water temperatures are in the 70’s and
fishing is good. Bass are in about 10 feet of water and moving in and out of shallow water. Crappie
have been hitting minnows around fish attractors. The tailwaters have been great for trout and other
fish. Trout were stocked on May 29. For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304-853-2398.
EAST LYNN – The reservoir is at summer pool with a surface temperature of 80 degrees. Both the
outflow and the reservoir are clear. For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded
message at 304-849-9861. Bass and panfish fishing are both improving with some nice bass being
boated recently by individual anglers and during tournaments. Anglers are finding success early
and late in the day using small lures.
R.D. BAILEY – Some spotted bass should be hitting on the lake. The bass will be found along the
rocky drops with points another good spot to try. Good baits are plastic jigs in black and chartreuse
colors or live shad. Bluegill are providing consistent action in the standing timber. Best baits are
worms and small jigs. Hybrid striper and channel catfish fishing is good off of shallow points at night.
Best baits are chicken liver and softshell crayfish. Anglers should concentrate their efforts early and
late during periods of extreme heat. Carp are also providing a lot of fun for night anglers. Best baits
are corn and dough balls.
STONECOAL LAKE – The lake is approximately three feet below summer pool and cloudy. Water
temperatures are in the 70’s and fishing is good. Bass are in about 10 feet of water. Crappie and
bluegill are hitting minnows around fish attractors. Reports of some nice channel catfish being
caught in the evenings. A few trout have also been caught.
STONEWALL JACKSON – The lake is at summer pool and cloudy. Water temperatures are in the 70’
s and fishing is good. Bass are in about 10 feet of water and moving in and out of shallow water.
Crappie and bluegill have been hitting live bait and jigs. The tailwaters have been great for trout
and other fish. Brood trout were stocked Jul 3. For more information contact Corps of Engineers at
304-269-7463.
SUMMERSVILLE – The lake is at summer pool, clear and fishing has been good. For bass try 10-15
feet of water around rock points as well as the Battle Run area. Walleye have also been caught off
of rock points and shallow areas in the McKee Creek arm of the lake. Outflow temperature is 74
degrees. The tailwaters were stocked with trout on June 10. If you are looking for a back country
trout fishing experience hike down in and enjoy. For more information call Corps of Engineers at
304-872-5809.
SUTTON – The lake is at summer pool and clear. Water temperatures are in the 70’s and fishing is
great. Bass have been in 5 -10 feet of water. Crappie have been hitting minnows around beaver
huts and blown down trees. The tailwaters have been good for trout. For daily information call Corps
of Engineers at 304-765-2705.
TYGART LAKE – The lake level is at summer pool level. Walleye prefer temperatures around 70
degrees which is at depths of 25 – 40 feet. Try casting crankbaits or tube jigs to the banks, or
jigging in 10 to 20 feet of water for smallmouth bass. Look for schools of white bass in the upper
lake above Sandy Creek. Tygart was one of the best lakes for bass tournament success rates inn
2007.
The tailwater temperature is 62 degrees. There are plenty of trout in the tailwater and flows are
good for fishing. Call the Corps of Engineers telephone hotline at 304-265-5953 for daily lake and
tailwater conditions.
NORTHERN WEST VIRGINIA - OHIO RIVER (New Cumberland, Pike Island, and Hannibal pools and
tailwaters): River conditions are normal and fishing success is good. Anglers have been catching all
species in the dam tailwaters. This is still a good time to catch larger smallmouth bass. During
normal flows, walleye and sauger will start feeding about an hour before sunset and then
throughout the night. Jigs with minnows are particularly good baits but 3-inch plastic grubs will also
be productive. White or chartreuse are good colors. Hybrid striped bass and white bass will also
move in and out of the tailwaters and tributary mouths, and can be caught using large crankbaits.
The water temperatures in embayments will increase faster than the main river, so largemouth bass
and sunfish will be more active in these areas. Channel and flathead catfish are abundant in all the
tailwaters.
MONONGAHELA RIVER – The water temperature is 78 to 80 degrees and the fishing conditions are
good. Anglers have been catching all species in the Morgantown tailwaters, particularly drum,
sauger, smallmouth bass, walleye and white bass. Minnows or worms weighted with a split shot or on
a jig are particularly good baits but 3-inch plastic grubs will also be productive. White or chatreuse
are good colors. Warm water discharges at the Rivesville and Morgantown power plants are still
attracting fish. A pier at the Morgantown plant makes fishing safe and convenient. The shoreline
between Deckers Creek and the dam is always a good area to fish.
CHEAT LAKE – Several walleye were caught during a walleye tournament last Sunday. Cheat Lake
has a very good channel catfish population and they can be caught throughout the lake. A recent
fish survey found channel catfish and white bass in large numbers upstream of Mt. Chateau. Cheat
Lake has been one of the top lakes for bass fishing tournament success for the past five years. The
embayments at the Cheat Lake Park are good areas for bank anglers to catch sunfish and
largemouth bass. Smallmouth bass are more abundant near the head of the lake above Mt.
Chateau. Keep track of the lake elevation and predicted daily changes in elevation on the Cheat
Lake website at www.cheatlaketoday.com.
Tailwater flows have been high most of the week and should be back to normal this weekend. Try
the tailwater fishing pier located entirely in West Virginia about 25 minutes from Morgantown. Take
US Rt. 119 from Morgantown to Point Marion, PA, turn right after crossing the cheat River and
proceed four mile to Cheat Dam. The parking lot is in Pennsylvania but the entire pier is in West
Virginia. The pier is lighted for night fishing and is handicapped accessible.
EASTERN PANHANDLE - South Branch and Cacapon Rivers - Flows in streams and rivers are high
and some streams are muddy due to recent thunderstorms. Steams throughout the region should
be in good fishable condition by the weekend unless more heavy thunderstorms occur. Water
temperatures are in the mid 70’s to 80 in most waters. Smallmouth bass are hitting top water lures
and a variety of plastics. Anglers have been catching lots of nice channel catfish in the larger pools
of the South Branch. Many smallmouth bass in the South Branch have been tagged as pat of a fish
movement and fish health study. If you catch a tagged fish, please clip off the tag and return it to
DNR for a reward.
Some areas are receiving summer brood trout stockings so watch the trout stocking report online at
http://www.wvdnr.gov/Fishing/Stockng/DailStock.shtm or by calling the hunting and fishing hotline at
304-558-3399. The 2008 fishing regulations include the trout stocking schedule. Hunting and
fishing licenses can be purchased online at https://www.wvhunt.com/wizard/hfw000.asp and digital
copies of the hunting and fishing regulations are also available online.
North Branch River - The flows in the North Branch are currently near 800 cfs and dangerous for
wading. Decreases in the North Branch flow will be dependent on rainfall. Flows in the North Branch
can be monitored by watching USGS stream gages or the Jennings Randolph website at www.nab.
usace.army.mil/recreation/jenran/recinfo.htm.
Small Impoundments - Small impoundments are in good fishable condition and some anglers are still
catching trout. Bass and bluegill are active and anglers are catching lots of bass on top water lures
ad bluegills on worms. Bass can be caught from the shore to about 10 feet of water. Check the
2008 fishing regulations for small impoundment trout stocking schedules.
Jennings Randolph Lake - Jennings Randolph Lake is currently at conservation pool. The boat
launches on both the West Virginia and Maryland side of the lake are now open. Some angles have
been doing well fishing for walleye near the head of the lake. If you purchased a seasonal pass for
either ramp, don’t forget the pass is valid for both ramps. This is a great time to target trout and
smallmouth bass. Jennings Randolph Lake has a new dedicated phone line for up-to-date
recreational information 304-558-3980. Recreational information can also be found at www.nab.
usace.army.mil/recreation/jenran/recinfo.htm.
Mt. Storm Lake - Bass fishing in Mt. Storm has been slow and recent tournaments have not done
very well. Anglers are still catching hybrid striped bass with chicken liver. You will need to fish off the
bottom to prevent small channel catfish from stealing your bait. Striped bass were stocked in Mt.
Storm Lake on Tuesday and ranged from 12-16 inches. These fish should grow fast and make
excellent angling opportunities.
CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA - Water levels are normal and clear. With stream water levels still up for
this time of year, trout fishing has been good all summer. It is a great time of year to introduce a
child to fishing. Go out and make a memory that lasts a lifetime. Check the DNR webpage for
statewide trout stockings and updated fishing information (www.wvdnr.gov).
SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA - The New and Greenbrier rivers are providing some good fishing for
smallmouth bass. Anglers should try white/chatreuse buzzbaits, white plastic grubs, or small
crankbaits or live bait such as hellgrammites or softshell crayfish. Spots below or above shoals are
good spots to try. Fishing is best early and late or on cloudy days in all of the small impoundments
in southern West Virginia and you should catch some fish. Try spots at the end of points, weed
beds, or fallen timber. Best baits are plastic worms fished slowly along the bottom, spinnerbaits are
also good choices. Lakes such as Plum Orchard, Horse Creek, Hawks Nest and Pipestem will all
provide good bass fishing. Channel catfishing is good in areas like Hawks Nest lake and some of the
other small impoundments. Best time to fish is late night and very early morning with chicken liver or
softshells. This is a prime time to take a child fishing! There is no better way to introduce a child or
novice to fishing than to take them out for an evening of carp fishing. Try chumming with creamed
corn upstream of where you are fishing and use shredded wheat doughball or whole kernel corn for
bait. Make sue your rods are anchored down with a rock or a cap may take it!!! Good spots to catch
a carp are Bluestone and R.D. Bailey lakes, New River and Kanawha River.
SOUTHWESTERN WEST VIRGINIA - Lower Ohio and Kanawha rivers – Fishing is very good along
the navigable rivers and their locks. Beat the heat by fishing late or early, or at night. Check
locations visually or check online for flow levels http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt prior to fishing
rather than wasting a trip. Try shad raps, white butterbean jigs, or any similar lures that you may
prefer to target white and hybrid striped bass. Fishing is much better for walleye and sauger near
locks when the water is up some and turbid or off-color. A slight rain, cloud cover, and fishing at
night are all good patterns to follow for these toothy critters. Jigs, spinners and bait (worms,
minnows, etc.) are all good choices. Some nice muskie are being hooked on large swimbaits and
lures in the Kanawha, Ohio, and their major tributaries. Angles are catching bass in the
embayments and targeting any structure they can find in the main channel for success.
Guyandotte and Coal rivers – Recent reports of hybrids and bass caught near the upper and lower
falls using rattle traps and bait. Angles finding success on multiple species during float trips on the
Coal.
Poca River – Reports of bass and an occasional muskie.
Elk River – Reports of bass and muskie when the water has been at a favorable level.
Mud River – A few reports of bass, catfish and muskie caught recently. Small Impoundments –
Warmwater fish such as bass, bluegill and catfish will bite better in our small impoundments with
rising water temperatures. Try your favorite lures and bait for bass and bluegill. For catfish, try
chicken liver, hot dogs, bubble gum and even soap! Shelled shrimp available at any grocery store is
also a good choice as is a “gob” of nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Take a kid or someone new
to fishing out during a warmer day and let theme experience the fun as well!!
Reservoirs – Check the USACOE website (http://www.lrh.usace.army.mil/) and the USGS website
(http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt) for reservoir and tailrace conditions.
Fishing in area reservoirs is good. Due to rising water temperature levels and intense heat and
light during the day, concentrate our efforts for greater success early, late and during nighttime
excursions for all gamefish. As we progress into the summer carp can be found in the shallow
backwater areas of reservoirs spawning. Anglers can target these strong fighting fish with either
bows or with rod and reels.
Rivers and Streams – Check the USGS website (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt) for river/stream
conditions and check local landings visually before wasting a trip. This is an excellent time to try a
float trip. The Coal River, and the Elk below Sutton to its mouth are two good choices. Take a friend
and use a shuttle so you can float through from one launch to another downstream.
WEST-CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA - Summer is an excellent time to fish for catfish in area lakes and
streams. The high water we now have, plus the possibility for more makes fishing for catfish the best
bet for this weekend. Chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and prepared catfish baits work best for channel
catfish. Live or freshly dead fish, in the larger sizes, work best for flathead, or as they are locally
known – mud cats. Fishing at night is generally better than fishing in the day for catfish. Deep holes
in rivers and streams are hot spots, but remember most deep spots in lakes this time of year will
have little or no oxygen, so shallow areas are more productive in lakes.
High water has slowed things down along Ohio River tailwaters. Lead headed jigs with twister tails
(white or chartreuse), that are tipped with minnows are the lure of choice. Best spots to fish
tailwaters during high flows include eddies and back-current sections, and anywhere that river flows
are unusual. Schools of hybrid striped bass will periodically move up to the surface to ambush prey,
so keep a look out for this activity. When this activity is seen, agitator bobbers fished with rubber
minnow imitations or fresh bait fished with surf casting equipment, generally provides the best result.
Fresh bait (small skipjack) can be caught from these areas using “Sabiki” rigs.
Fishing has been good for largemouth bass in area lakes. Spinner baits, rubber worms, crankbaits,
and surface lures are producing bass in areas of good cover. Good choices for area lakes include
Mountwood in Wood County, Conaway Run in Tyler, Charles Fork in Roane, North Bend Lake in
Ritchie County, and Elk Fork, Woodrum, and O’Brien lakes in Jackson County. These lakes can
also supply good bluegill fishing. For these sunfish are trout magnets or spinners, small jigs, or
small worms.
Local musky streams are not expected to be fishable this weekend.
Report By: WVDNR
WEST VIRGINIA FISHING REPORTS - LICENSES - REGULATIONS.
BEECH FORK – The reservoir is close to summer pool and murky. For more information call the
Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304-525-5092. Bass have been recently caught using
Carolina rigged worms, flukes, crankbaits, and shad imitating lures (match the size). Anglers are
finding success early and late in the day using small lures. Anglers have reported catching a few
crappie from the tailwaters.
BLUESTONE – With the nights beginning to cool, the fishing on the lake should begin to pick up.
Anglers should try around any downed trees or weed beds using worms, small minnows or jigs for
sunfish. Bass anglers should concentrate their efforts along areas with good structure such as
downed timber, rocky drops, or weed beds. Top water baits such as rapalas, tiny torpedoes, and
sluggoes are excellent choices but anglers will find the best top water action early or late. Bluegills
can provide anglers with some fast action. Best baits are worms and small jigs. Anglers can have a
blast fishing for sunfish. Channel catfish are also hitting in the lake primarily at night on chicken liver
and worms. Carp and channel catfish are hitting in the tailwaters with best baits being corn, and
nightcrawlers. Occasionally anglers have been catching some other species such as smallmouth
bass in the tailwaters on jigs and minnows.
BURNSVILLE – The lake is at summer pool and clear. Water temperatures are in the 70’s and
fishing is good. Bass are in about 10 feet of water and moving in and out of shallow water. Crappie
have been hitting minnows around fish attractors. The tailwaters have been great for trout and other
fish. Trout were stocked on May 29. For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304-853-2398.
EAST LYNN – The reservoir is at summer pool with a surface temperature of 80 degrees. Both the
outflow and the reservoir are clear. For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded
message at 304-849-9861. Bass and panfish fishing are both improving with some nice bass being
boated recently by individual anglers and during tournaments. Anglers are finding success early
and late in the day using small lures.
R.D. BAILEY – Some spotted bass should be hitting on the lake. The bass will be found along the
rocky drops with points another good spot to try. Good baits are plastic jigs in black and chartreuse
colors or live shad. Bluegill are providing consistent action in the standing timber. Best baits are
worms and small jigs. Hybrid striper and channel catfish fishing is good off of shallow points at night.
Best baits are chicken liver and softshell crayfish. Anglers should concentrate their efforts early and
late during periods of extreme heat. Carp are also providing a lot of fun for night anglers. Best baits
are corn and dough balls.
STONECOAL LAKE – The lake is approximately three feet below summer pool and cloudy. Water
temperatures are in the 70’s and fishing is good. Bass are in about 10 feet of water. Crappie and
bluegill are hitting minnows around fish attractors. Reports of some nice channel catfish being
caught in the evenings. A few trout have also been caught.
STONEWALL JACKSON – The lake is at summer pool and cloudy. Water temperatures are in the 70’
s and fishing is good. Bass are in about 10 feet of water and moving in and out of shallow water.
Crappie and bluegill have been hitting live bait and jigs. The tailwaters have been great for trout
and other fish. Brood trout were stocked Jul 3. For more information contact Corps of Engineers at
304-269-7463.
SUMMERSVILLE – The lake is at summer pool, clear and fishing has been good. For bass try 10-15
feet of water around rock points as well as the Battle Run area. Walleye have also been caught off
of rock points and shallow areas in the McKee Creek arm of the lake. Outflow temperature is 74
degrees. The tailwaters were stocked with trout on June 10. If you are looking for a back country
trout fishing experience hike down in and enjoy. For more information call Corps of Engineers at
304-872-5809.
SUTTON – The lake is at summer pool and clear. Water temperatures are in the 70’s and fishing is
great. Bass have been in 5 -10 feet of water. Crappie have been hitting minnows around beaver
huts and blown down trees. The tailwaters have been good for trout. For daily information call Corps
of Engineers at 304-765-2705.
TYGART LAKE – The lake level is at summer pool level. Walleye prefer temperatures around 70
degrees which is at depths of 25 – 40 feet. Try casting crankbaits or tube jigs to the banks, or
jigging in 10 to 20 feet of water for smallmouth bass. Look for schools of white bass in the upper
lake above Sandy Creek. Tygart was one of the best lakes for bass tournament success rates inn
2007.
The tailwater temperature is 62 degrees. There are plenty of trout in the tailwater and flows are
good for fishing. Call the Corps of Engineers telephone hotline at 304-265-5953 for daily lake and
tailwater conditions.
NORTHERN WEST VIRGINIA - OHIO RIVER (New Cumberland, Pike Island, and Hannibal pools and
tailwaters): River conditions are normal and fishing success is good. Anglers have been catching all
species in the dam tailwaters. This is still a good time to catch larger smallmouth bass. During
normal flows, walleye and sauger will start feeding about an hour before sunset and then
throughout the night. Jigs with minnows are particularly good baits but 3-inch plastic grubs will also
be productive. White or chartreuse are good colors. Hybrid striped bass and white bass will also
move in and out of the tailwaters and tributary mouths, and can be caught using large crankbaits.
The water temperatures in embayments will increase faster than the main river, so largemouth bass
and sunfish will be more active in these areas. Channel and flathead catfish are abundant in all the
tailwaters.
MONONGAHELA RIVER – The water temperature is 78 to 80 degrees and the fishing conditions are
good. Anglers have been catching all species in the Morgantown tailwaters, particularly drum,
sauger, smallmouth bass, walleye and white bass. Minnows or worms weighted with a split shot or on
a jig are particularly good baits but 3-inch plastic grubs will also be productive. White or chatreuse
are good colors. Warm water discharges at the Rivesville and Morgantown power plants are still
attracting fish. A pier at the Morgantown plant makes fishing safe and convenient. The shoreline
between Deckers Creek and the dam is always a good area to fish.
CHEAT LAKE – Several walleye were caught during a walleye tournament last Sunday. Cheat Lake
has a very good channel catfish population and they can be caught throughout the lake. A recent
fish survey found channel catfish and white bass in large numbers upstream of Mt. Chateau. Cheat
Lake has been one of the top lakes for bass fishing tournament success for the past five years. The
embayments at the Cheat Lake Park are good areas for bank anglers to catch sunfish and
largemouth bass. Smallmouth bass are more abundant near the head of the lake above Mt.
Chateau. Keep track of the lake elevation and predicted daily changes in elevation on the Cheat
Lake website at www.cheatlaketoday.com.
Tailwater flows have been high most of the week and should be back to normal this weekend. Try
the tailwater fishing pier located entirely in West Virginia about 25 minutes from Morgantown. Take
US Rt. 119 from Morgantown to Point Marion, PA, turn right after crossing the cheat River and
proceed four mile to Cheat Dam. The parking lot is in Pennsylvania but the entire pier is in West
Virginia. The pier is lighted for night fishing and is handicapped accessible.
EASTERN PANHANDLE - South Branch and Cacapon Rivers - Flows in streams and rivers are high
and some streams are muddy due to recent thunderstorms. Steams throughout the region should
be in good fishable condition by the weekend unless more heavy thunderstorms occur. Water
temperatures are in the mid 70’s to 80 in most waters. Smallmouth bass are hitting top water lures
and a variety of plastics. Anglers have been catching lots of nice channel catfish in the larger pools
of the South Branch. Many smallmouth bass in the South Branch have been tagged as pat of a fish
movement and fish health study. If you catch a tagged fish, please clip off the tag and return it to
DNR for a reward.
Some areas are receiving summer brood trout stockings so watch the trout stocking report online at
http://www.wvdnr.gov/Fishing/Stockng/DailStock.shtm or by calling the hunting and fishing hotline at
304-558-3399. The 2008 fishing regulations include the trout stocking schedule. Hunting and
fishing licenses can be purchased online at https://www.wvhunt.com/wizard/hfw000.asp and digital
copies of the hunting and fishing regulations are also available online.
North Branch River - The flows in the North Branch are currently near 800 cfs and dangerous for
wading. Decreases in the North Branch flow will be dependent on rainfall. Flows in the North Branch
can be monitored by watching USGS stream gages or the Jennings Randolph website at www.nab.
usace.army.mil/recreation/jenran/recinfo.htm.
Small Impoundments - Small impoundments are in good fishable condition and some anglers are still
catching trout. Bass and bluegill are active and anglers are catching lots of bass on top water lures
ad bluegills on worms. Bass can be caught from the shore to about 10 feet of water. Check the
2008 fishing regulations for small impoundment trout stocking schedules.
Jennings Randolph Lake - Jennings Randolph Lake is currently at conservation pool. The boat
launches on both the West Virginia and Maryland side of the lake are now open. Some angles have
been doing well fishing for walleye near the head of the lake. If you purchased a seasonal pass for
either ramp, don’t forget the pass is valid for both ramps. This is a great time to target trout and
smallmouth bass. Jennings Randolph Lake has a new dedicated phone line for up-to-date
recreational information 304-558-3980. Recreational information can also be found at www.nab.
usace.army.mil/recreation/jenran/recinfo.htm.
Mt. Storm Lake - Bass fishing in Mt. Storm has been slow and recent tournaments have not done
very well. Anglers are still catching hybrid striped bass with chicken liver. You will need to fish off the
bottom to prevent small channel catfish from stealing your bait. Striped bass were stocked in Mt.
Storm Lake on Tuesday and ranged from 12-16 inches. These fish should grow fast and make
excellent angling opportunities.
CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA - Water levels are normal and clear. With stream water levels still up for
this time of year, trout fishing has been good all summer. It is a great time of year to introduce a
child to fishing. Go out and make a memory that lasts a lifetime. Check the DNR webpage for
statewide trout stockings and updated fishing information (www.wvdnr.gov).
SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA - The New and Greenbrier rivers are providing some good fishing for
smallmouth bass. Anglers should try white/chatreuse buzzbaits, white plastic grubs, or small
crankbaits or live bait such as hellgrammites or softshell crayfish. Spots below or above shoals are
good spots to try. Fishing is best early and late or on cloudy days in all of the small impoundments
in southern West Virginia and you should catch some fish. Try spots at the end of points, weed
beds, or fallen timber. Best baits are plastic worms fished slowly along the bottom, spinnerbaits are
also good choices. Lakes such as Plum Orchard, Horse Creek, Hawks Nest and Pipestem will all
provide good bass fishing. Channel catfishing is good in areas like Hawks Nest lake and some of the
other small impoundments. Best time to fish is late night and very early morning with chicken liver or
softshells. This is a prime time to take a child fishing! There is no better way to introduce a child or
novice to fishing than to take them out for an evening of carp fishing. Try chumming with creamed
corn upstream of where you are fishing and use shredded wheat doughball or whole kernel corn for
bait. Make sue your rods are anchored down with a rock or a cap may take it!!! Good spots to catch
a carp are Bluestone and R.D. Bailey lakes, New River and Kanawha River.
SOUTHWESTERN WEST VIRGINIA - Lower Ohio and Kanawha rivers – Fishing is very good along
the navigable rivers and their locks. Beat the heat by fishing late or early, or at night. Check
locations visually or check online for flow levels http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt prior to fishing
rather than wasting a trip. Try shad raps, white butterbean jigs, or any similar lures that you may
prefer to target white and hybrid striped bass. Fishing is much better for walleye and sauger near
locks when the water is up some and turbid or off-color. A slight rain, cloud cover, and fishing at
night are all good patterns to follow for these toothy critters. Jigs, spinners and bait (worms,
minnows, etc.) are all good choices. Some nice muskie are being hooked on large swimbaits and
lures in the Kanawha, Ohio, and their major tributaries. Angles are catching bass in the
embayments and targeting any structure they can find in the main channel for success.
Guyandotte and Coal rivers – Recent reports of hybrids and bass caught near the upper and lower
falls using rattle traps and bait. Angles finding success on multiple species during float trips on the
Coal.
Poca River – Reports of bass and an occasional muskie.
Elk River – Reports of bass and muskie when the water has been at a favorable level.
Mud River – A few reports of bass, catfish and muskie caught recently. Small Impoundments –
Warmwater fish such as bass, bluegill and catfish will bite better in our small impoundments with
rising water temperatures. Try your favorite lures and bait for bass and bluegill. For catfish, try
chicken liver, hot dogs, bubble gum and even soap! Shelled shrimp available at any grocery store is
also a good choice as is a “gob” of nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Take a kid or someone new
to fishing out during a warmer day and let theme experience the fun as well!!
Reservoirs – Check the USACOE website (http://www.lrh.usace.army.mil/) and the USGS website
(http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt) for reservoir and tailrace conditions.
Fishing in area reservoirs is good. Due to rising water temperature levels and intense heat and
light during the day, concentrate our efforts for greater success early, late and during nighttime
excursions for all gamefish. As we progress into the summer carp can be found in the shallow
backwater areas of reservoirs spawning. Anglers can target these strong fighting fish with either
bows or with rod and reels.
Rivers and Streams – Check the USGS website (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt) for river/stream
conditions and check local landings visually before wasting a trip. This is an excellent time to try a
float trip. The Coal River, and the Elk below Sutton to its mouth are two good choices. Take a friend
and use a shuttle so you can float through from one launch to another downstream.
WEST-CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA - Summer is an excellent time to fish for catfish in area lakes and
streams. The high water we now have, plus the possibility for more makes fishing for catfish the best
bet for this weekend. Chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and prepared catfish baits work best for channel
catfish. Live or freshly dead fish, in the larger sizes, work best for flathead, or as they are locally
known – mud cats. Fishing at night is generally better than fishing in the day for catfish. Deep holes
in rivers and streams are hot spots, but remember most deep spots in lakes this time of year will
have little or no oxygen, so shallow areas are more productive in lakes.
High water has slowed things down along Ohio River tailwaters. Lead headed jigs with twister tails
(white or chartreuse), that are tipped with minnows are the lure of choice. Best spots to fish
tailwaters during high flows include eddies and back-current sections, and anywhere that river flows
are unusual. Schools of hybrid striped bass will periodically move up to the surface to ambush prey,
so keep a look out for this activity. When this activity is seen, agitator bobbers fished with rubber
minnow imitations or fresh bait fished with surf casting equipment, generally provides the best result.
Fresh bait (small skipjack) can be caught from these areas using “Sabiki” rigs.
Fishing has been good for largemouth bass in area lakes. Spinner baits, rubber worms, crankbaits,
and surface lures are producing bass in areas of good cover. Good choices for area lakes include
Mountwood in Wood County, Conaway Run in Tyler, Charles Fork in Roane, North Bend Lake in
Ritchie County, and Elk Fork, Woodrum, and O’Brien lakes in Jackson County. These lakes can
also supply good bluegill fishing. For these sunfish are trout magnets or spinners, small jigs, or
small worms.
Local musky streams are not expected to be fishable this weekend.
Report By: WVDNR
