Fishing Report For Summersville Lake, WV

AKA: Summersville Reservoir

By Rick Seaman

Dec 19, 2024

Fishing Reports

Three good reasons to fish Summersville Lake, WV

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Smallmouth Bass

Summersville Lake is widely-known as an exceptional smallmouth bass fishery. According to local reports, rocky banks in the deeper sections of the Gauley River arm of the lake, as well as the vast number of rocky points and banks on the main lake have produced good stringers in recent years. Mid-range crankbaits, like the Rapala DT-6, are a good way to cover lots of water and the smallmouth here are prone to strike them aggressively.

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Black Crappie

Black crappie are being caught in good numbers with many fish over 2 pounds boated in 2024. Prime areas include brushy areas in the back of coves, the area where Muddlety Creek intersects with the Gauley River, and around bridge pilings like the ones on Hughes Bridge (Highway 79). Coves in the northern-most section of the main lake, near the Summersville Lake State Wildlife Area have brush and a deep creek channel. Local crappie enthusiasts report that minows are catching a lot of fish, as are crappie jigs and the Bass Pro Shops Uncle Buck's jig.

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Walleye

Walleye, which can be found in deeper water, near rocky points and structures nearby drop-offs into deep water. Trolling with crankbaits, like the Rapala Deep Tail Dancer shown here, or casting with jigs both work well here. Good reports are showing up from anglers working points and ledges in the area between the Summersville Lake Marina and the Summersville Dam. Starting in this area is a good way to establish ideal depth for the day.

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Summersville Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill and yellow perch at Summersville Lake in West Virginia.

If you enjoy catching and eating freshwater fish, Summersville Lake will fulfill both of your appetites. In April of 2024, the B.A.S.S. Nation of West Virginia tournament was won with nearly a 2 3/4 pound average weight per fish, and the big bass for the event was over 4 1/2 pounds. Tasty crappie and walleye also top the list of favorites. With a surface area of nearly 3,000 acres, this is the largest lake in the state.

Primary fish species residing in Summersville Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Summersville Lake Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
304 872-1331

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

View a complete list of boat ramps and landings for fishing boats on Summerville Lake.

Marinas

Summersville Lake Marina
1706 Airport Rd
Summersville, WV 26651
304 872-1331

Fishing Guides On Summersville Lake

Summersville Lake Fishing Trips - all species

Fishing License

Click here for a West Virginia Fishing License.

Summersville Lake WV Map - Fishing & Access

Check out the WV Dept of Natural Resources fishing guide map of Summersville Lake for further details.

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Rick Seaman is a fishing enthusiast with over five decades of fishing experience, a retired bass tournament fisherman, author of numerous published articles on fishing, and co-author of the book "Bass Fishing - It's not WHAT you throw, It's WHERE you throw it".

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Contact Information

Summersville Lake
Summersville Lake Marina
1706 Airport Road
Summersville, West Virginia 26651
304-872-1331

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