Fishing Cheat Lake
AKA: Cheat Lake Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Cheat Lake, WV
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Cheat Lake is notorious for decent largemouth bass fishing. Cheat Lake has a nice population of large bass which can give anglers a thrill on any cast. Effective fisheries management by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has maintained a quality bass fishery for some time now. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. 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 weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Cheat Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Cheat Lake, again this year, supports a very healthy population of channel catfish. In Spring channel these cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. 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. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Cheat Lake continues to have a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake as well. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line. They make for an excellent fish fry, and are a food source for many of the larger predator fish in the lake.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Cheat Lake in West Virginia.
Cheat Lake Fishing Video
Cheat Lake, located in northern West Virginia, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a variety of fish species and a picturesque outdoor experience. With its expansive size of approximately 1,730 acres, Cheat Lake offers abundant fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
One of the most sought-after fish species in Cheat Lake is the smallmouth bass. The lake is renowned for its excellent smallmouth bass fishery, attracting anglers from near and far. Smallmouth bass can be found near rocky shorelines, submerged structures, and drop-offs. Anglers can target them using various techniques such as casting crankbaits, jigs, or soft plastic lures. The lake's clear waters and rocky structure provide an ideal habitat for smallmouth bass to thrive.
Cheat Lake also offers excellent fishing opportunities for other popular fish species, including largemouth bass, walleye, and muskellunge. Largemouth bass can be found near weed beds and submerged vegetation, providing anglers with exciting angling opportunities. Walleye, known for their delicious flavor and hard-fighting nature, can be targeted using techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or jigging with live bait. Muskellunge, the apex predators of the lake, offer thrilling battles for dedicated muskie anglers.
When visiting Cheat Lake, it's essential to be aware of fishing regulations, including size and creel limits, as well as any special regulations specific to the lake. Anglers should obtain a valid fishing license and follow the state's fishing rules and regulations to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.
Public boat ramps and two marinas welcome visitors for boating and fishing at Cheat Lake, a 1,770-acre lake in the northeast part of the state, at Morgantown. Walleye, bass, perch and catfish are popular here.
Cheat Lake in West Virginia offers a captivating fishing experience with its diverse fish species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, and muskellunge. Whether you're casting a line from the shore or exploring the lake's scenic beauty by boat, Cheat Lake provides an unforgettable outdoor experience for fishing enthusiasts. Its boating and camping amenities further enhance the overall appeal, making it a popular destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking relaxation and adventure amidst nature.
The lake also has nice populations of northern pike, white bass and sunfish. Much of the 26 miles of shoreline is lined with homes and boat docks, other areas are open.
Primary fish species residing in Cheat Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Cheat Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Cheat Lake is a popular destination for boating and water-based recreational activities. Boaters can enjoy the lake's calm waters and explore its scenic beauty. The lake features multiple boat ramps, allowing easy access for boating enthusiasts.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Sunset Beach Marina
Rentals: Kayaks and pontoon boats
304 594-0050
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Sunset Beach Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Sunset Beach Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Cheat 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.
Camping facilities, such as campgrounds and picnic areas, are available nearby, providing opportunities for visitors to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
McCollum Camping Area - 800 225-5982
Sand Springs Camping Area - 304 594-2415
Rhododendron Camping Area - 304 594-1561
Cheat Lake WV Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Cheat Lake
Sunset Beach Marina
Sunset Beach Rd
Morgantown, WV 26508
304 594-0050
Fishing lakes in each state.
061924
Cheat Lake in WV
WEST VIRGINIA
Fishing for bass, white bass and perch in northeast WV.
