Guide To The Best Fishing Lakes In West Virginia

Top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in WV.

Bluestone Lake, Cheat Lake, Stonewall Jackson Lake, Summersville Lake and Tygart Lake are the most popular places for fishing in West Virginia, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species.

Bass Lakes
Catfish Lakes
Crappie Lakes
Sunfish & Perch Lakes
Walleye Lakes
Trout Lakes
Striped Bass Lakes

West Virginia is home to a variety of fishing lakes that cater to both warm water and cold water fisheries, providing anglers with diverse fishing opportunities.

Warm water lakes in West Virginia offer excellent fishing for species such as bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Lakes such as Stonewall Jackson Lake, Summersville Lake, and Tygart Lake are popular warm water destinations. These lakes provide ample habitat for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass, making them ideal for bass fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can also target crappie near submerged structures, while catfish and sunfish can be found in abundance throughout the lakes. The warmer months, particularly spring and summer, are the prime seasons to fish these warm water lakes.

On the other hand, West Virginia is also home to cold water lakes that offer excellent trout fishing. Lakes such as Cheat Lake, Mount Storm Lake, and Watoga Lake are popular cold water fisheries. These lakes are stocked with various trout species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. Anglers can enjoy fly fishing or bait fishing for trout in these lakes, with the cooler seasons of spring, fall, and even winter being the best times to fish for trout in cold water lakes.

Both warm water and cold water lakes in West Virginia provide anglers with ample boating and camping opportunities. Anglers can launch their boats from public ramps and explore the lakes' waters while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Campgrounds near these lakes offer amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities, providing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts with a comfortable and convenient camping experience.

Whether you prefer fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish, or trout, West Virginia's fishing lakes offer a wide range of species and fishing experiences. The state's warm water lakes provide thrilling action for warm water species, while the cold water lakes offer exciting opportunities for trout anglers. Regardless of your fishing preferences, West Virginia's fishing lakes are sure to satisfy your angling desires and provide memorable fishing adventures.

Trout Lakes

Cheat Lake, East Lynn Lake, Jennings Randolph Lake and Summersville Lake are the favorite options for rainbow, brook and brown trout. More...

Striped Bass Lakes

Beech Fork Lake, Bluestone Lake, East Lynn Lake and Mt Storm Lake are the best options for striped bass and hybrid striped bass. More...

Visit the West Virginia fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the West Virginia map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating in WV at many of the most popular destinations in the state.