Fishing Beech Fork Lake
AKA: Beech Fork State Park Lake
Popular Fish Species Beech Fork Lake, WV
Crappie Fishing
Beech Fork Lake has been providing good crappie fishing for some time now. The lake has decent populations of both black crappie and white crappie. These two species generally school by with their own, but once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Beech Fork Lake continues to please expectations of bass anglers, with largemouth bass leading the way for several years now. Thorough fisheries management by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has maintained a quality bass fishery providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding lately. A significant number of larger bass also roam these waters, so there is always the potential for catching a lunker. Bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If you find them shallow, and they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Beech Fork Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish at Beech Fork Lake, as long as the line is strong enough. However, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 33 pounds, and Beech Fork Lake holds some pretty big ones. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, saugeye, bluegill, hybrid striped bass and tiger muskellunge at Beech Fork Lake in West Virginia.
Beech Fork Lake Fishing Video
Surrounded by lush green oak-hickory-pine forest, Beech Fork Lake is a 720-acre lake in the west-central part of the state. Anglers can travel over 30 miles of shoreline by water in search of bass, catfish, crappie, saugeye, sunfish, wipers and tiger musky.
Beech Fork Lake, located in West Virginia, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a variety of fish species and recreational activities. The lake spans approximately 720 acres and provides ample opportunities for anglers to pursue their favorite fish.
One of the most popular fish species found in Beech Fork Lake is largemouth bass. The lake has a healthy population of largemouth bass, offering anglers the chance to reel in some impressive catches. Anglers can target these prized game fish using a variety of techniques such as casting plastic worms, crankbaits, or topwater lures. The lake's structure, including submerged trees and weed beds, provides ideal habitat for largemouth bass.
Beech Fork Lake is also known for its excellent crappie fishing. Both black crappie and white crappie can be found in the lake, with the spring and fall seasons being particularly productive. Anglers can locate crappie near submerged structures, including brush piles and fallen trees. Fishing with live minnows or small jigs is a popular method to entice these tasty panfish.
Other fish species that anglers can target in Beech Fork Lake include channel catfish, bluegill, and redear sunfish. Channel catfish are abundant in the lake and can provide exciting fishing opportunities, especially during the summer months. Bluegill and redear sunfish, often referred to as "panfish," are plentiful and offer a fun experience for anglers of all ages, particularly for youth or beginner anglers.
Beech Fork Lake in West Virginia provides a picturesque setting for fishing and outdoor recreation. With its diverse fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and panfish, anglers of all skill levels can enjoy a successful day on the water. The lake's boating and camping amenities further enhance the overall experience, making Beech Fork Lake a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
A marina, rental boats, camping, lodging, shopping and supplies are located at or nearby the lake. Boat ramps and parking are open to the public.
Primary fish species residing in Beech Fork Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Beech Fork Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Aside from fishing, Beech Fork Lake offers a range of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Boating is a popular pastime, with boaters enjoying the calm waters of the lake. Anglers can launch their boats from the lake's multiple boat ramps.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Beech Fork Lake Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoon boats
304 522-9374
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Beech Fork Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off State Route 30, this is a seven-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Beech Fork State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Bowen Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Marinas
Beech Fork Lake Marina
3930 Beech Fork Road
Lavalette, West Virginia 25535
304 522-9374
Fishing Guides On Beech Fork Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a West Virginia Fishing License.
The lake also has camping facilities, including campsites equipped with amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and restroom facilities, allowing visitors to enjoy overnight stays and fully immerse themselves in the outdoor experience.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Beech Fork State Park Campground - 304 528-5794
Beech Fork Lake WV Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Beech Fork Lake
Beech Fork State Park
5601 Long Branch Rd
Barboursville, WV 25504
304 528-5794
Fishing lakes in each state.
070324
Beech Fork Lake in WV
WEST VIRGINIA
Fishing for bass, saugeye and wipers in west-central WV.
