Fishing Bluestone Lake
AKA: New River Lake
Popular Fish Species Bluestone Lake, WV
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Although largemouth bass fishing is quite popular here, Bluestone Lake also maintains a significant smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Catfish anglers have three species to to pursue at Bluestone Lake, and channel cats top the list. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish at Bluestone Lake, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 33 pounds, and Bluestone Lake holds some pretty big ones. Flathead catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Crappie Fishing
Crappie are a mainstay of many fisheries in the area. Bluestone Lake maintains a good crappie population. The lake has big schools of both black crappie and white crappie. These two species generally school by with their own, but once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, rock bass, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass and muskie at Bluestone Lake in West Virginia.
Bluestone Lake Fishing Video
The scenic natural beauty of Bluestone Lake draws campers and boaters to this 2,000 acre lake in southern WV, at Hinton. Great fishing is the draw for anglers wishing to explore its more than 30 miles of shoreline (even more at flood stage).
Bluestone Lake, located in West Virginia, is a premier fishing destination known for its scenic beauty and diverse fish population. With its expansive size of approximately 2,040 acres, Bluestone Lake offers ample opportunities for anglers to pursue their favorite fish species.
One of the most sought-after fish species in Bluestone Lake is the smallmouth bass. The lake is renowned for its excellent smallmouth bass fishery, attracting anglers from near and far. Smallmouth bass can be found near rocky shorelines, submerged structures, and drop-offs. Anglers can target them using various techniques, such as casting crankbaits, jerkbaits, or soft plastic lures. The lake's clear waters and rocky structure provide an ideal habitat for smallmouth bass to thrive.
Bluestone Lake is also home to a healthy population of crappie. Both black crappie and white crappie can be found in the lake, particularly near submerged brush piles and fallen trees. Spring and fall are prime seasons for crappie fishing, as they move closer to the shorelines to spawn and feed. Anglers can use live minnows, jigs, or small plastic baits to entice these tasty panfish.
Additionally, Bluestone Lake offers opportunities for anglers to target other popular fish species, including largemouth bass, catfish, and walleye. Largemouth bass can be found in the lake's shallow coves and weed beds, providing exciting action for bass enthusiasts. Catfish, particularly channel catfish, are abundant in Bluestone Lake and offer thrilling battles for anglers. The lake's deep sections and rocky structures also provide suitable habitat for walleye, making it a favorite target species for many anglers.
Bluestone Lake in West Virginia offers a combination of excellent fishing opportunities, breathtaking scenery, and recreational amenities. Whether you're targeting smallmouth bass, crappie, or other fish species, the lake provides a memorable fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.
The lake has resident populations of bass, white bass, striped bass, hybrid stripers, crappie, catfish, sunfish and muskie. In addition there are trout which flow into the lake from Indian Creek which are stocked by WV DNR. Bluestone Lake Marina offers boat rentals, gas and other marina services. There are various places along the lake/river where roads provide limited access to the shoreline for fishing from the bank.
Primary fish species residing in Bluestone Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Bluestone Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Apart from fishing, Bluestone Lake is a haven for boating and water-based recreational activities. Anglers and boaters can enjoy the lake's calm waters and explore its scenic shoreline. The lake features multiple boat ramps, allowing easy access for boating enthusiasts.
Marinas
Bluestone Lake Marina
661 Marina Lane
Hinton, WV 25951
304 466-1010
Fishing Guides On Bluestone Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a West Virginia Fishing License.
Camping facilities, including campgrounds and picnic areas, are available nearby, providing opportunities for visitors to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the beautiful surroundings.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Bluestone State Park Campground - 304 466-2805
Shanklin's Ferry Campground - 304 466-3398
Bluestone Lake WV Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Bluestone Lake
Bluestone Lake Marina
661 Marina Lane
Hinton, WV 25951
304 466-1010
Fishing lakes in each state.
071524
Bluestone Lake in West Virginia.
WEST VIRGINIA
Information about fishing lakes in West Virginia
Fishing in southern WV, for white bass, stripers, crappie, catfish, muskie and trout.
