West Virginia is well-known as a trout fishing hub but did you know that the Mountain State is also a bass fisherman’s paradise? From the capital city to rural tucked-away towns, Almost Heaven offers many bass fishing spots.
It’s time to grab your reel and pack up your tackle box–we are heading to 5 of the state’s premier bass fishing locations:
Stonewall Jackson Lake
The 2,630-acre Stonewall Jackson Lake is one of the best largemouth bass fisheries in the state and has protected this rank for many years. When the lake was created in 1990, water was added directly over the many trees, structures and roadbeds that previously covered the area. This unique underground environment has become a bass utopia–providing protection that allows the fish to grow to trophy size. To enjoy a weekend of record-breaking catches book a stay at the Stonewall Resort State Park where you can fish the 82 miles of beautiful shoreline.
New River
All 320 miles of the New River run through multiple states as well as one of the nation’s newest national parks right here in Almost Heaven. The New River has the best smallmouth bass fishing in the state and is home to some of the best catches in the world. Book a New River fishing tour and a night stay with Adventures on the Gorge for a fishing experience like no other. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture every scenic landscape and adventure in the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.
Summersville Lake
Dubbed the Little Bahamas of the East, Summersville Lake is a must-try for every avid fisher in the Mountain State. With 60 miles of shoreline and some of the clearest freshwater east of the Mississippi River, there are countless spots to cast a line. Settle in for a day of adventure in this mountain paradise where you can find both smallmouth and largemouth bass. Better yet–rent a boat from Summersville Lake Marina for a fun-filled day of fishing on the water.
Plum Orchard Lake
This 202-acre Fayette County lake is a warm water fishery known for its trophy-size largemouth bass. Fishing in the waters of Plum Orchard Lake your odds of catching a photo-worthy bass are worth betting on. With a solid population of 4 to 5-pound bass, this oasis is the perfect place to find your next best catch. Travel + Leisure ranked Plum Orchard Lake as one of the best spots to see fall foliage in the United States! To really enjoy your time by the water, turn your adventure into a camping weekend in the Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area.
Greenbrier River
While also adjacent to the longest river trail in the state, the Greenbrier River is also a great spot for smallmouth bass fishing. The smallmouth and rock bass that call this waterway home are notorious for their tenacious fight, making for an exciting day on the water. During the summer months when the river runs warm, you just might catch one of these active swimmers on every cast. Book a cozy cabin at Watoga State Park to stay close to the river and ensure you enjoy an exhilarating fishing trip.
Looking for another way to get out on the water? Book a guided fishing trip on the New River with ACE Adventure for a true West Virginia fishing experience.
Where will your bass fishing adventure take you in Almost Heaven? Start planning by requesting a free copy of the 2021 Vacation Guide.