Fishing Jennings Randolph Lake

AKA: Jennings Randolph Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Jennings Randolph Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Boat Launch Ramps
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Jennings Randolph Lake, WV

Popular Fish Species Jennings Randolph Lake, WV

Jennings Randolph Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Jennings Randolph Lake is home to an excellent population of smallmouth bass. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Jennings Randolph Lake Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

Walleye are thriving in Jennings Randolph Lake again this year thanks to a plenty of forage in the lake. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rocky and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Jennings Randolph Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Stocking programs by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout for anglers at Jennings Randolph Lake. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Jennings Randolph Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, walleye, saugeye, brown trout, bluegill and hybrid striped bass at Jennings Randolph Lake in West Virginia.

Splitting the northern border of the state, Jennings Randolph Lake is a 950-acre lake in northeast WV. More than half of the 15 miles of shoreline are in West Virginia with two boat ramps for launching.

This water is shared with Maryland anglers in search of bass, catfish, hybrid stripers, walleye, saugeye, sunfish and trout. The bass fishing is good enough to attract numerous fishing tournaments annually.

Primary fish species residing in Jennings Randolph Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Jennings Randolph Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Howell Run, Jennings Randolph Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Shaw Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.