Angler's Guide
West Virginia Fishing: Best Rivers & Lakes
Few states offer West Virginia's mix of warm-water rivers, cold mountain lakes, and remote stocked streams. Smallmouth bass, walleye, muskie, catfish, and native brook trout all live within a couple hours of one another. Here is where to find them, when to go, and how to fish it.
Quick Info
- Best For
- Smallmouth bass, walleye, muskie, catfish, panfish and stocked trout
- Best Season
- April–June and September–November for bass; winter for walleye and muskie
- Difficulty
- Easy bank and dock access to technical river floats and muskie hunting
- Fees/Permits
- West Virginia fishing license required; trout stamp for designated trout waters
- Where
- New, Gauley, Greenbrier and Cheat rivers; Summersville, Stonewall Jackson and Bluestone lakes
The New River: Smallmouth Capital
The New River is the state's premier warm-water fishery and one of the best smallmouth bass rivers in the East. It is actually one of the oldest rivers on Earth, flowing north through deep Appalachian gorges, and its rocky, current-swept habitat produces fat, aggressive bronzebacks. The Sandstone Falls area, the stretch below Hinton, and the flats around Thurmond are local favorites. Float trips launch from Prince, Sandstone, and Meadow Creek, and summer topwater action on the New is legendary.
- Smallmouth bass — 2–4 pound fish are common; spring spawn shallow.
- Walleye — night fishing below dams in spring.
- Muskie — the New is a top muskie water; heavy tackle required.
- Flathead & channel catfish — summer nights on the slower pools.
The Gauley River & Summersville Lake
The Gauley River is famous for its fall whitewater releases, but between drawdown windows it is also a solid smallmouth and muskie fishery. Below Summersville Dam, the river's deep, cool pools hold walleye and big bass. Summersville Lake itself is the state's clearest lake, nicknamed the "Little Bahamas of the East" for its turquoise water, and it offers bass, crappie, and the deepest diving cliffs in the region. Spring drawdowns expose shoreline structure that anglers love to target.
Nearby Bluestone Lake and the Bluestone River add more warm-water opportunity in the south, with abundant white bass runs in spring and good catfishing all summer.
North-Central Lakes: Stonewall Jackson & Cheat
In the north, Stonewall Jackson Lake near Weston is a 2,650-acre reservoir with excellent largemouth bass, crappie, and hybrid striped bass, plus a marina and resort. Cheat Lake north of Morgantown is a warm-water impoundment on the Cheat River known for muskie, walleye, and bass fishing just minutes from town. Farther east, the tailwaters below Jennings Randolph Lake and the upper Potomac drainages offer a change of pace.
Licenses, Seasons & Regulations
Licenses
Resident and nonresident licenses are sold online and at retailers. A trout stamp is required to fish designated trout waters, and a conservation stamp supports habitat work.
Seasons
Most waters are open year-round for warm-water species. Trout season traditionally opens the last Saturday in March on stocked streams, with catch-and-release and special-regulation sections open longer.
Limits
Largemouth and smallmouth bass generally have a 12-inch minimum and daily creel limit. Check current regulations each year — rules vary by water and can change.
Top fishing spots in West Virginia
New River Gorge
Smallmouth, muskie and walleye in a world-class river gorge.
Bluestone Lake
Spring white bass runs and summer catfishing on a big southern reservoir.
Pipestem Resort
Trout and bass fishing on the Bluestone with a resort basecamp.
Snowshoe Area
Cold-water streams and lakes in the high Alleghenies.
Gauley River
Float the Gauley between whitewater releases for bass and walleye.
Outdoor Activities
Pair fishing with paddling, hiking and camping across the state.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to fish in West Virginia?
Yes. Anyone 15 and older needs a valid West Virginia fishing license. A trout stamp is also required for designated trout waters. Licenses can be purchased online or at many outdoor retailers.
What is the best river for beginners?
The New River offers plenty of accessible bank and boat access, and smallmouth bite readily on simple soft plastics and topwater in summer. Hire a local float guide to learn the water quickly.
Where can I catch muskie?
The New River, Cheat Lake, and Stonewall Jackson Lake all hold muskie. Fish large swimbaits and jerkbaits around deep structure in cool water, and use heavy line with a leader.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, within daily creel and size limits set for each species and water. Many anglers practice catch-and-release for bass and muskie. Always check the current year's regulations before keeping fish.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel guide to West Virginia's mountains, rivers, towns, and hidden corners. We publish practical, locally researched guides — from New River Gorge trails to Hatfield-McCoy ATV routes — so you can plan a better trip.
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