Great Fishing In West Virginia

Guide to fishing in the Mountain State

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Last updated on January 17, 2026.

West Virginia is a paradise for anglers, offering a variety of fishing opportunities across its ponds, lakes, and rivers. The state boasts a diverse range of fish species, making it a haven for both warm water and cold-water fisheries. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing lakes in the state, plus the species found in each lake.

Great Fishing Options

In West Virginia's warm-water fisheries, anglers can target popular species such as bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass are abundant in the state's lakes and rivers, providing exciting opportunities for bass fishing enthusiasts. Crappie, including black crappie and white crappie, can be found near submerged structures and are a favorite target among anglers. Catfish, including channel catfish and flathead catfish, thrive in West Virginia's warm-water fisheries, and anglers can enjoy the thrill of landing these powerful fish. Additionally, sunfish species such as bluegill and redear sunfish are plentiful in ponds, lakes, and rivers, offering a great opportunity for family-friendly fishing.

West Virginia's cold-water fisheries are primarily focused on trout. The state's rivers and lakes are regularly stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. Anglers can enjoy fly fishing or bait fishing for trout in pristine mountain streams and lakes. Trout thrive in the colder waters and provide anglers with a rewarding fishing experience. The spring and fall seasons are particularly productive for trout fishing in West Virginia.

Beyond the lakes and rivers, West Virginia's ponds also offer great fishing opportunities. Many ponds are stocked with a variety of fish species, including bass, bluegill, and catfish. These smaller bodies of water are often easily accessible, making them ideal for family outings or casual fishing trips.

West Virginia's fishing scene is enhanced by its breathtaking natural landscapes. Anglers can enjoy the serene beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, pristine lakes, and meandering rivers as they pursue their favorite fish species. The state's abundance of public access points and fishing-friendly facilities, including boat ramps and fishing piers, further enhance the fishing experience for both locals and visitors.

Whether you prefer warm water or cold-water fishing, West Virginia's variety of fish species and fishing locations ensure there's something for every angler. Whether casting your line in a tranquil pond, exploring the scenic lakeshores, or wading in a pristine river, West Virginia's fishing opportunities are sure to provide memorable experiences and a deep appreciation for the state's natural wonders.

The number of fishing lakes in the state of West Virginia is limited but the quality of fishing makes up for it. Big bass, fat walleyes, plentiful crappie and monster stripers and catfish are available to anglers in their favorite lakes, ponds, streams and rivers. Here, you can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, rock bass, white bass, yellow perch, stripers, bowfin, chain pickerel, longnose gar, muskie, northern pike, sauger, saugeye and tiger muskie in local lakes, rivers, ponds and/or streams.

Major West Virginia Lakes & Species

Fishing lake sizes and locations in the state

State of WV Fishing Information

Click here for a West Virginia fishing license. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website offers a great deal of information about fishing in West Virginia.

There is a section dedicated to activities for kids in WV. It includes fishing stories, fish photos and tips for where and how to take a kid fishing in West Virginia.