When it comes to fishing, West Virginia has plenty of great lakes and rivers to choose from. So much so that it may be difficult to pick the best spot to fish. While everyone has their own list of characteristics they prefer, here are what we think of as some of the best places to go fishing in West Virginia.

These are in no particular order, and this is by no means an exhaustive list.

 

1. Sutton Lake
Sutton Lake, West Virginia 26601, USA
J. Stephen Conn
The state Division of Natural Resources says it's a favorite for catching largemouth bass. 
2. Burnsville Lake
Burnsville Lake, West Virginia, USA
Brian M. Powell, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
It’s a great place to fish bass, but it’s often overlooked by fisherman. The DNR report says it's also a great place for musky.
3. Beech Fork State Park in Wayne County
Beech Fork State Park, 5601 Long Branch Rd, Barboursville, WV 25504, USA
Flickr/Matt
The WV DNR says it has largemouth and spotted bass, hybrid striped bass, walleye, channel catfish, and bluegill. Trout are stocked monthly February through May. 
4. The Cheat River
Cheat River, West Virginia, USA
Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant), CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons
Located in the eastern part of the state, the Cheat is a great place to fish brooke trout.
5. Summersville Lake
Summersville Lake, West Virginia, USA
Flickr/Random Michelle
The WVDNR states that the lake was stocked last month with 650 pounds of rainbow trout.
6. The Greenbrier River
Greenbrier River, West Virginia, USA
Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant), CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Located in in Greenbrier, Monroe,Pocahontas, Summers counties, this river is great for fishing trout and smallmouth bass.

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7. Plum Orchard Lake
Plum Orchard Lake, West Virginia 25917, USA
Flickr/Gene
Game and Fish Magazine said July is a great month for fishing bluegills there and that it’s the best impoundment in the state for fishing bluegills. It’s a fishing lake, so other types of boating are not allowed.
8. Bluestone Lake near Hinton
Bluestone Lake, West Virginia, USA
Brian M. Powell, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Someone once caught a record breaking 29-pound striped bass there.
9. Spruce Knob Lake
Spruce Knob Lake, West Virginia 26296, USA
Pytheas at the English-language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Monongahela National Forest, the lake is stocked with trout once in January, twice in February, weekly March through May, and twice in October, the DNR reports.
10. Summit Lake in Greenbrier County
Summit Lake, West Virginia 26261, USA
http://www.ForestWander.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 US , via Wikimedia Commons
It has "abundant supplies of panfish and bass" says Wikipedia. 
11. The Potomac River
South Branch, West Virginia 26283, USA
Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant), CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons
West Virginia DNR says it's a favorite for fishing channel catfish, small mouth bass and trout. Pictured above is the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River.
12. Sandstone Falls on the New River
Sandstone Falls, West Virginia 25918, USA
Frank Kovalchek from Anchorage, Alaska, USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
A popular fishing spot for smallmouth bass and catfish.

How many of these have you fished at? Do you agree that these are some of the best places to fish in West Virginia? If you have other spots you enjoy, please share in the comments. We would love to hear from you!

If you’re looking for more information, you may appreciate this article regarding fishing in West Virginia, and this list from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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The Great Outdoors of West Virginia

Katie Feldkamp | January 06, 2023

Where are some of the best rivers in West Virginia?

Choosing the best river in West Virginia is a pretty personal decision. But should you ever find yourself considering this question, be sure to include the following rivers when making your evaluation. They are some of the best for West Virginians' love of all things water-related.

  • Blackwater River
  • Buckhannon River
  • Cherry River
  • Middle Fork River
  • New River Gorge National River
  • Shenandoah River

 

What are some must-take trails in West Virginia?

If looking for an activity on dry land, there are some amazing trails in West Virginia that are certainly worth your time. See how many of the following you have hiked, and how many you should put on your bucket list.

  • Rend (Thurmond-Minden) Trail through the New River Gorge
  • Endless Wall Trail that partly overlooks the New River
  • Overlook Rock Trail in Kanawha State Forest
  • Laurel Creek Trail at Little Beaver State Park
  • The Appalachian Trail at Harpers Ferry
  • Breathed Mountain Loop in the Dolly Sods Wilderness
  • Allegheny Mountain Trail at Spruce Knob

 

What are some favorite outdoor activities and places in West Virginia?

One of the best things about West Virginia is all the outdoor adventures to be had and the endless beauty of the state itself. Check out this list of outdoor activities in West Virginia and see how many you’ve experienced for yourself:

  • Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory in Monroe County
  • Summersville Lake for sailing and other water activities
  • The New River Gorge is THE spot for whitewater rafting
  • The Highland Scenic Highway makes for a gorgeous drive
  • Seneca Caverns may not technically be outdoors, but it’s worth the trip
  • Go horseback riding in Canaan Valley State Park

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