West Virginia · Fishing
Fishing in West Virginia
West Virginia's fishing runs the full range, from easy reservoir days at Tygart Lake near Grafton — where walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and northern pike share the same water at around 1,150 feet elevation — to wading the Elk
82 spots9 townsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 82 spots
Featured spots
riverWild TroutFly fishing
Cranberry River
Hillsboro, WV
brook trout, brown trout
riverWild TroutFly fishing
North Fork South Branch Potomac River
Cabins, WV
brown trout, brook trout
riverWild TroutFly fishing
Williams River
Hillsboro, WV
brook trout, brown trout
River fishing
Battle Run
Summersville, WV
River fishing
Big Bend
WV
All spots · 82
lakeLake fishing
Beech Fork Lake
EAST LYNN, WV
largemouth bass, smallmouth bass
River fishing
Beech Fork State Park (Lower Bowen)
WV
River fishing
Blue Bend Rec Area
Blue Bend, WV
River fishing
Blue Meadow
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV
Pier fishing
Bluestone Lake Picnic Shelter
HINTON, WV
Lake fishing
Bluestone State Park
Nimitz, WV
Lake fishing
Brandywine Lake
Brandywine, WV
Lake fishing
Buffalo Creek Reservoir
Lost Creek, WV
Lake fishing
Buffalo Lake
BARTOW, WV
reservoirLake fishing
Burnsville Lake
BURNSVILLE, WV
largemouth bass, smallmouth bass
Lake fishing
Burnsville Lake Shelters
WV
riverRiver fishing
Cacapon River (Great Cacapon Section)
Great Cacapon, WV
smallmouth bass, largemouth bass
Lake fishing
Castleman Run Lake
Bethany, WV
Lake fishing
Cheat Lake
Cheat Lake, WV
Lake fishing
Christian Fork Lake
Princeton, WV
Lake fishing
Conner Run
Proctor, WV
Lake fishing
Crystal Lake
West Union, WV
Lake fishing
Dry Fork Lake
Weston, WV
River fishing
East Fork
WV
Lake fishing
East Lynn Lake Shelters
WV
Lake fishing
Elder Swamp
Davis, WV
riverFly fishing
Elk River (Slatyfork Section)
Slatyfork, WV
rainbow trout, brown trout
Lake fishing
Fairfax Pond
Reedsville, WV
Lake fishing
Gatewood Group
Harman, WV
West Virginia's fishing runs the full range, from easy reservoir days at Tygart Lake near Grafton — where walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and northern pike share the same water at around 1,150 feet elevation — to wading the Elk River's Slatyfork section at 2,700 feet for rainbow, brown, and brook trout on a fly rod. The state's 82 listed fishing spots include everything from small managed ponds like the McClintic Pond sites near Point Pleasant and Fairfax Pond near Reedsville to larger impoundments like Summersville Lake and Mill Creek Reservoir near Belington. Lake fishing tends to be the most accessible entry point, with spots like Yukon Lake near Sissonville and Kimsey Run Lake near Lost City requiring minimal gear and no boat. River anglers have options spread across the state, including Blue Bend Rec Area, the Jess Judy stretch near Petersburg, and the Gerald Freeman Campground water near Sutton. If you're planning a dedicated trip, matching your target species to the right water type makes a real difference — trout water in the highlands fishes differently, and at different times, than the bass and pike reservoirs in the lower elevations.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a West Virginia fishing license, and are there separate trout stamps required?
Yes, a valid West Virginia fishing license is required for anyone 15 and older. If you're targeting trout — including on waters like the Elk River Slatyfork section — you'll also need a trout fishing license in addition to your base license. Check the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website for current fees and any special regulations tied to specific waters before you go.
What's the best time of year to fish Tygart Lake near Grafton?
Spring and fall are the most productive seasons at Tygart Lake for walleye and bass, when water temperatures push fish into shallower structure. Northern pike can be caught year-round but tend to be more active in cooler water from late fall through early spring. Summer fishing is still viable, especially early morning and evening when surface temperatures drop.
Is the Elk River Slatyfork section suitable for beginner fly fishers?
It's listed as easy difficulty, which means the wading is manageable and the access is straightforward, but fly fishing itself has a learning curve regardless of location. If you're new to fly fishing, the open water and relatively gentle current here are forgiving compared to tighter mountain streams. Going with someone experienced or hiring a local guide for your first visit will save you a lot of frustration.
Are there fishing spots near Point Pleasant that don't require a boat?
Yes, the McClintic Pond sites near Point Pleasant — including McClintic Pond Number 11 and Pond Number Nine — are bank-fishing ponds managed for public access. These are good options for families or anyone who wants a low-commitment outing without trailering a boat.
What gear setup makes sense for a multi-day West Virginia fishing trip covering both lakes and rivers?
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6 to 7 foot range handles most lake species at spots like Summersville Lake or Buffalo Creek Reservoir near Lost Creek. If you're also planning to hit the Elk River Slatyfork section or other trout streams, bring a 9-foot 5-weight fly rod or a light ultralight spinning setup with 4 to 6 pound monofilament. Pack layers regardless of season — elevation swings between low-country reservoirs around 1,150 feet and highland trout water at 2,700 feet mean temperatures can differ significantly in the same day.
