Enjoy a peaceful fishing and boating trip at Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area.
Wildlife management areas are some of the most rugged and beautiful locations in the Mountain State and provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, hunting and fishing. This month, we’re featuring the Plum Orchard Lake WMA in Fayette County. This WMA’s lake is one of the most popular summer fishing spots in West Virginia and is enjoyed by avid and new anglers, families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. But did you know you can also bag some game during hunting seasons?
Here’s everything you need to know about Plum Orchard Lake WMA.
Plum Orchard Lake WMA At a Glance
- Open: All year
- Size: 3,253 acres
- Terrain: Gentle to steep slopes and dominated by oak-hickory forests.
- Big Game: Deer, Turkey, Bear
- Small Game: Waterfowl, Squirrel
- Fishing: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish (stocked), Crappie
- Accommodations: Primitive camping. Campsites and cabins available at nearby Babcock State Park
Clear water and abundant fish make Plum Orchard a great place to cast a line
Plum Orchard Lake WMA near Beckley is the place to be if you want to go fishing in the summer. The beautiful lake is one of the top producers of trophy-sized largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish in West Virginia. And while most impoundments have muddy water, Plum Orchard is clean and clear. The fish love it and you’ll love it too!
“This lake is absolutely stunning. It is nestled between the mountains and feels perfectly peaceful as if the world ends at their peaks.” — Curtis Franks, Google Reviews
Plum Orchard is also a great place to enjoy a fishing trip with your family. There’s plenty of access sites and there are several picnic tables around the lake, so bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after a morning of catching fish.
Before you go fishing, make sure you have a license. They are available online at wvfish.com. You may also call the DNR licensing unit at (304) 558-2758.
You can also go hunting at Plum Orchard Lake WMA
With more than 3,000 acres of public land to explore, there’s also plenty of hunting opportunities at Plum Orchard Lake WMA. The area is marked with gentle to steep slopes and dominated by an oak-hickory forest, meaning there’s plenty of mast for game. You can hunt for deer, turkey and bear at Plum Orchard, but you can also hunt for squirrel and waterfowl.
Now’s a good time to start planning your fall hunting trip. Campsites and cabins are available at nearby Babcock State Park, so you’ll have a place to stay if you’re traveling from out of town or want to get away for a few days. Visit wvstateparks.com to book your accommodations. And don’t forget to check for deals and discounts.
All hunters and anglers must be properly licensed and follow all regulations. If you need to purchase a hunting or fishing license, they are available online at wvhunt.com.
During the off-season, you can even practice at the shooting range. This outdoor range has six covered shooting benches and a 175-maximum backstop distance.
Plan a fishing trip to Plum Orchard Lake WMA
So, you’ve gone fishing and hunting at Plum Orchard Lake WMA, but did you know this lake is also a great place for other outdoor recreation? Bring your boat and enjoy a family outing in the great outdoors or explore a nearby hiking trail.
From high in the mountains to low in the valleys, West Virginia’s wildlife management areas conserve our natural resources while preserving public land for the public good. Whether you’re a hunter, angler or nature lover, Plum Orchard Lake WMA is a place where you can admire the Mountain State’s rugged beauty and get a little closer to Almost Heaven.
If you have any questions, be sure to contact the DNR District 4 office by calling (304) 256-6947. You also can learn more about Plum Orchard Lake WMA and other wildlife management areas by visiting wvdnr.gov and mapwv.gov/huntfish.