6 West Virginia lakes you need to explore this summer
Whether you’re looking for an easy-access lake for a family outing or a stream off-the-beaten-path for a weekend adventure, West Virginia has something for every angler. And with warm weather, consistent river flows and active fish populations, summer is the perfect time to cast a line in West Virginia’s lakes and streams. Whether you’re new to fishing, returning after a break or seeking to enhance your skills, the right techniques, knowledge of the target species and a sense of adventure can help you plan a successful and memorable fishing trip.
Summer Fishing Tips and Best Practices
Part of planning a successful summer fishing trip is understanding how seasonal and environmental factors affect fish behavior and adjusting your techniques accordingly.
As temperatures rise during summer, oxygen levels in water drop, which causes fish in rivers to gather below riffles where water is more oxygenated or near the mouths of tributaries, which are cooler. In lakes, fish move to deeper, cooler areas with adequate oxygen. Targeting these areas can increase your chances of success.
Other general tips for successful summer fishing include:
- Fish early in the morning or late in the evening and concentrate around riffles and tributary inflows.
- Fish deeper waters in lakes or areas with vegetation and submerged structure.
- Match your bait and technique to the species—worms under a bobber are always a winner for kids, while soft plastics and topwater lures are great for bass.
Target Species
West Virginia anglers can find a wide variety of fish during summer, including:
- Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
- Channel, Blue and Flathead Catfish
- Panfish (Bluegill, Crappie, Redear Sunfish)
Before you go, check the West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary to make sure you’re up to date on species-specific rules and creel limits. The WVDNR attempts to keep regulations uniform from waterbody to waterbody for most species. However, some waters require special regulations to better protect or enhance a specific fishery.
Top Summer Fishing Destinations
Ready for summer fishing adventures? Use our fishing map at mapwv.gov/huntfish to explore waters near you and plan a trip. If you’re a beginner or need help finding a fishing spot, check out the following lakes our district fisheries biologists selected.
Tomlinson Run Lake (Hancock County – WVDNR District 1)
Located in the northern panhandle at Tomlinson Run State Park, this 23-acre lake is ideal for a summer fishing getaway. With ADA-accessible piers, shoreline access and boat rentals, it’s a family-friendly destination that offers amenities and scenic beauty. Anglers of all ages can enjoy excellent fishing for bass, bluegill and crappie. The WVDNR also stocks catchable size channel catfish every June.
- Fish Species Available: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Channel Catfish
- Best Techniques: Fish points, weedbed edges and brush. Use soft plastics, crankbaits and topwater lures for bass, especially in early morning and late evening hours.
- Use jigs, spinners and live bait for crappie and bluegill. Topwater lures that imitate insects also are effective with bluegill. Use chicken liver, cut bait or nightcrawlers on the bottom for catfish. Targeting catfish at night is particularly effective.
- Regulations: The channel catfish daily limit is four. Only electric motors or non-motorized vessels are permitted.
Parker Hollow Lake (Hardy County – District 2)
Nestled in the Eastern Panhandle, Parker Hollow Lake’s 34 acres offer a peaceful fishing experience with excellent shoreline access and boat ramp. With the opportunity to catch trophy-size bluegill and abundant largemouth bass, it’s great for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
- Fish Species Available: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie
- Best Techniques: Use flukes, senkos, swimbaits and most other soft plastic bait for largemouth bass. In vegetation, use topwater frogs. Use slip bobbers to catch crappie and bluegill near standing timber. Use chicken liver, cut bait or nightcrawlers on the bottom for catfish. Targeting catfish at night is particularly effective.
- Regulations: The channel catfish daily limit is four. Only electric motors or non-motorized vessels are permitted. All black bass (smallmouth, largemouth and spotted) from 12 to 16 inches long must be returned to the water at once. Additionally, the daily creel limit for black bass is six.
Big Ditch Lake (Webster County – District 3)
Big Ditch Lake is a 65-acre mountain gem with shoreline access, a fishing pier and a peaceful setting. The lake holds a variety of species, such as largemouth bass and panfish species. The WVDNR also stocks channel catfish every June, and has stocked tiger musky, which can reach lengths of 40 inches, offering something exciting for every angler.
- Fish Species Available: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Black and White Crappie, Channel Catfish, Tiger Musky
- Best Techniques: Target weedbeds and brush for largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie using soft plastics, topwaters, jigs and worms. Use small jigs and spinners for crappie and bluegill. Use chicken liver, cut bait or nightcrawlers on the bottom for catfish. Targeting catfish at night is particularly effective. Use large hardbody fishing lures and swim baits for tiger musky.
- Regulations: Electric motors only.
Plum Orchard Lake (Fayette County – District 4)
Only 20 minutes from Beckley, Plum Orchard Lake is a 175-acre waterbody that’s perfect for introducing kids to fishing. With three boat ramps, abundant shoreline access and kayak-friendly zones, it’s a convenient and productive summer spot.
- Fish Species Available: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Redear Sunfish
- Best Techniques: Use nightcrawlers under a bobber and fish 3-4 feet deep for a tried-and-true method. Use circle hooks for catfish on the bottom.
- Regulations: No wake zones are marked and Doris Cove is electric motors only.
Barboursville Lake (Cabell County – District 5)
A favorite local fishing destination, Barboursville Lake features great amenities including handicap-accessible docks, restrooms and easy bank access. It’s an excellent option for family outings and relaxed summer fishing.
- Fish Species Available: Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish
- Best Techniques: Use bobbers and bait at dawn and dusk for catfish. Use soft plastics or topwaters for bass and worms or small jigs for bluegill.
- Regulations: The channel catfish daily limit is four.
Elk Fork Lake (Tyler County – District 6)
This lake is known for its abundant bank access and fish-holding structure. With healthy bass populations and panfish aplenty, Elk Fork Lake is great for both casual and serious anglers.
- Fish Species Available: Largemouth Bass
- Best Techniques: Fish areas with submerged vegetation, standing timber and overhanging tree limbs using chatter baits and shad-imitating lures. The old road bed between the boat ramp and the dam has a lot of structure. Use nightcrawlers for bluegill and catfish.
- Regulations: Anglers may only harvest six bass per day and only one may exceed 16 inches (New in 2025)
Plan Your Summer Fishing Trip
Make this summer one to remember. Just be sure to buy your fishing license and check the latest regulations before you cast your line. And don’t forget—West Virginia’s Free Fishing Days are coming up on June 7-8, giving you the perfect chance to invite a friend or try fishing for the first time without a license. For those looking for an added challenge, the Master Angler program is a great way to track your fishing accomplishments and earn recognition for trophy catches across different species.
So, buy your West Virginia fishing license today, grab your gear and explore a new lake or stream near you!