FISHING IN WEST VIRGINIA
For those looking for the thrill of outdoor sports, Southern West Virginia is the place. Their a sportsman’s paradise, with wonderful whitetail and other game available for all seasons. Some of the best smallmouth bass and trout fishing you’ll find anywhere exists throughout the area, just waiting for you to come ply the waters.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN WEST VIRGINIA
BEECH FORK STATE PARK
PEDLAR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
SUMMERSVILLE LAKE
GET A WEST VIRGINIA FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN WEST VIRGINIA
MUSKELLUNGE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
It was once believed that there were at least four species of muskellunge, but these varieties are now considered to be one species
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 8-foot, extra-heavy-power rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 80-pound-test braid fishing line |
| Lure | Small Jigs, Spoons, Spinnerbait, Jerkbait |
BROOK TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The brook trout is one of the most popular game fishes in northeastern North America.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 4-5 foot light weight flexible spinning or spin-cast rod |
| Reel | Spin-casting or spinning reel |
| Line | 6 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Gold or Silver Spoons (not longer than 2 inches), Night Crawlers, Minnow-like-spinner, Jig |
SMALLMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best) |
CHANNEL CATFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The channel catfish is very highly regarded for its food and sports value.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 14-pound or stronger abrasion-resistant monofilament line |
| Lure | Terminal tackle (circle or bait hooks, treble hooks, egg sinkers), live worms or minnows, cut-bait |
BLUEGILL
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Today the bluegill is one of the most popular panfish species in North America.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 4-or-5 weight fly rod (most effective) or ultra-light spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 3-4 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Small Worms, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Hotdog, Doughballs, Small Spinnerbaits like Beetlespins or Tiny jigs |
BLUE CATFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
This is the largest catfish of the family Ictaluridae, reported to grow to 120 lb. (54 kg).
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 14-pound or stronger abrasion-resistant monofilament line |
| Lure | Terminal tackle (circle or bait hooks, treble hooks, egg sinkers), live worms or minnows, cut-bait |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
