West Virginia Stream Conditions

Weekly Fishing Report -- Updated every Wednesday afternoon

September 1, 2010 

FISHING

BEECH FORK – The reservoir is at summer pool. For more information call the Beech Fork Corps of Engineers office at 304-525-4831. Reports of a few bass and bluegill boated recently by anglers, mainly during low light and cooler periods of the day.

BLUESTONE – With the nights beginning to cool, the fishing on the lake should begin to pick up.   Anglers should try their luck around any downed trees or weed beds using worms, small minnows or jigs for sunfish.  Bass anglers should concentrate their efforts along areas with good structure such as downed timber, rocky drops, or weed beds.  Top water baits such as rapalas, tiny torpedoes and sluggoes are excellent choices but anglers will find the best topwater action early or late. Bluegills can provide anglers with some fast action.  Best baits are worms and small jigs.  Anglers can have a blast fishing for sunfish.  Channel catfish are also hitting in the lake primarily at night on chicken livers and worms.  Carp and channel catfish are hitting in the tailwaters with best baits being corn, and nightcrawlers, respectively.  Occasionally anglers have been catching some other species such as smallmouth bass in the tailwaters on jigs and minnows. 

BURNSVILLE – The lake is at summer pool and clear. Fishing is good. Bass are in about 10-15 feet of water.  Try early mornings and late evening for the best action.  Sunfish and crappie have been caught around cover with small jigs and live bait.  Getting reports of nice flathead catfish being caught as well.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304-853-2398.

EAST LYNN – The reservoir is at summer pool. Both the outflow and the reservoir are clear with a surface temperature of 82F degrees. For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304-849-9861.  Reports of bass and a few nice muskies being boated, mainly during low light and cooler periods of the day.

R.D. BAILEY – Some spotted bass should be hitting on the lake but as the cool nights increase in frequency, the fishing should pick up. The bass will be found along the rocky drops with points another good spot to try.  Good baits are plastic jigs in black and chartreuse colors or live shad.  Bluegill are providing consistent action in the standing timber.  Best baits are worms and small jigs.  Hybrid striper and channel catfish fishing is good off of shallow points at night.  Best baits are chicken liver and softshell crayfish.   Anglers should concentrate their efforts early and late during periods of extreme heat.  Carp are also providing a lot of fun for night anglers.   Best baits are corn and dough balls.

STONECOAL LAKE – The lake is at summer pool and clear. Fishing is great. Bass are in about 10-15 feet of water. Try early mornings and late evening for the best action.  Sunfish and crappie have been caught around cover using minnows and live bait. Summer bluegill fishing is still good.  Try live bait in shallow water (1-2 feet).  A few trout are still being caught on spinners.

STONEWALL JACKSON – The lake is approximately two feet below summer pool and milky.  Fishing is good.  Bass are active and in about 10-12 feet of water. Try early mornings and late evening in and around big timber for the best action. Sunfish and crappie have been caught around cover with small jigs and live bait. Some nice perch reported being caught this week in the tailwaters. Before heading to the lake please contact Corps of Engineers at 304-269-7463. 

SUMMERSVILLE – The lake is at summer pool and clear. Bass are in about 15-20 feet of water. Try early mornings and late evening for the best action.  Sunfish and crappie have been caught around cover. Try the upper end of the lake for walleye.  Brood trout were stocked in the tailwaters on August 12. If you are looking for a back country trout fishing experience hike down in and enjoy. For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304-872-5809.

SUTTON – The lake is at summer pool and clear. Fishing is good.  Try early mornings and late evening for the best action. Bass are moving into deeper water 20-25 feet and hitting plastic baits.  Crappie and bluegill have also been caught around standing timber with small jigs and live bait.  The tailwaters are normal and clear. Some trout are still being caught. Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304-765-2705.

TYGART LAKE – The lake is at the summer level.  White bass feed on minnows at dawn on the surface and can be seen breaking water in the coves.  Spinners, crank baits, and casting spoons are good baits for white bass.  Fish for largemouth and smallmouth bass using crank baits or tube jigs in 10 to 20 feet of water along the shoreline. Walleye will be scattered throughout the lake in 30 to 50-feet depths.  Night fishing success for channel and flathead catfish has been good for the past month.

There are lots of walleye and trout in the tailwater.  Large brood trout have been stocked this week.  Walleye fishing is best during higher flows (1,500 to 5,000 cubic feet per second) and trout fishing is best at low flows (less than 1,000 cubic feet per second).  Call the Corps of Engineers telephone hotline at 304-265-5953 for daily lake and tailwater conditions. 

NORTHERN WEST VIRGINIA  

OHIO RIVER (New Cumberland, Pike Island, and Hannibal pools and tailwaters): Fishing in all the tailwaters is very good. These are the best areas on the river to fish since most species of fish will be concentrated in these areas. The most convenient tailwater area is the Hannibal Lock and Dam tailwater at New Martinsville. Picnic and rest room facilities make this a good place to bring the family. Channel catfish are being caught using chicken livers throughout the day and night. Hybrid striped bass will also move in and out of the tailwaters and can be caught using large crank baits or chicken livers. Look for hybrids breaking the water on the surface as they chase bait fish. Walleye and sauger will start feeding about an hour before sunset and then throughout the night. Jigs with minnows are particularly good baits but 3-inch plastic grubs will also be productive. White or chartreuse are good colors. 

MONONGAHELA RIVER – Most species are attracted to the currents in the tailwaters of the locks and dams. Channel catfish can be caught on the Morgantown or Westover side of the dam using chicken livers or prepared stink baits. Start fishing for sauger and walleye about an hour before sunset because they will begin feeding at dusk. Jigs with minnows are particularly good baits but 3-inch plastic grubs will also be productive. White or chartreuse are good colors. Large drum and carp are common along the shoreline between Deckers Creek and the dam.  A pier at the Morgantown power plant makes fishing safe and convenient. This is also good area for channel catfish and carp. The discharge at the sewage treatment plant below the Star City Bridge also attracts lots of fish, particularly carp. Largemouth bass anglers should fish the weed beds along the shoreline between Star City and the state line. 

CHEAT LAKE – Fishing is good throughout the lake.  Largemouth bass are being caught off the shoreline in 15 feet of water using tube jigs. Channel catfish are doing well and 2 to 3 pounders are abundant throughout the lake, particularly in the area from Mt. Chateau upstream.  Boaters have been successful using chicken livers at depths of 20-feet.  The embayments at the Cheat Lake Park and Trail are good areas for bank fisherman to catch sunfish and largemouth bass.  The rock riprap on the lake side of the recreation area also holds lots of fish.  Fish for yellow perch in 10-15 feet along any shoreline using a piece of night crawler and several split shot.  Large sunfish are abundant along the shoreline across from the Sunset Beach cove up to the I-68 bridge.

Try the tailwater fishing pier for all species.  Jigs with minnows or 3-inch power grubs are the best baits.  White or chartreuse are good colors.  Start fishing at dark when sauger and walleye begin feeding.  The pier is located entirely in West Virginia about 25 minutes from Morgantown.  Take U.S.  Rt. 119 from Morgantown to Point Marion, PA, turn right after crossing the Cheat River and proceed 4 miles to Cheat Dam.  The parking lot is in Pennsylvania but the entire pier is in West Virginia.  The pier is lighted for night fishing and is handicapped accessible. Keep track of the lake elevation and predicted daily changes in elevation on the Cheat Lake website at www.cheatlaketoday.com . 

EASTERN PANHANDLE

South Branch and Cacapon Rivers - Flows in streams and rivers throughout the eastern panhandle are low for most streams and float trips will be difficult in most sections of the river. The water is clear and water temperatures have risen back to the lower 80’s during the day and the upper 70’s at night. Anglers have been successful fishing for smallmouth bass in the riffles and near the head of pools.  Anglers have been doing well on topwater lures in the shallows in the slow plastics in deep pools.  Recent biological surveys have indicated good smallmouth bass population and lots of nice channel catfish up to 5 pounds.  Several anglers have been catching nice channel catfish in large pools in the South Branch.  Many smallmouth bass in the South Branch have been tagged as part of a fish movement and fish health study. If you catch a tagged fish, please clip off the tag and return it to DNR for a reward.

Fall trout stocking season will begin in October so check the fishing regulations to determine if your favorite water receives fall stockings.   It is a great time for fly fishing the larger rivers like the upper South Branch, North Fork of South Branch, and the North Branch.   Up-to-date information regarding trout stocking can be found online at http://www.wvdnr.gov/Fishing/Stocking/DailyStock.shtm or by calling the hunting and fishing hotline at (304) 558-3399.  Hunting and fishing license can be purchased online at https://www.wvhunt.com/wizard/hflw000.asp and digital copies of the hunting and fishing regulations are also available online.

Shenandoah River – The flows in the Shenandoah River are below normal but anglers should target the riffle areas at the head of pools. Biological surveys have indicated great smallmouth populations and numerous channel catfish in the five pound range. Try fishing just before dark for smallmouth bass and just after dark for channel catfish.

North Branch River - The flows in the North Branch are currently near 125 cfs and are projected to remain at that level for several more days.  This is a great time for fly fishing in the North Branch.  Flows in the North Branch can be monitored by watching the USGS stream gages or the Jennings Randolph website (http://www.nab-wc.usace.army.mil/northBranch.html).

Small Impoundments - Bass, bluegill and catfish are biting in small impoundments and anglers are still catching largemouth bass on topwater lures.  Many anglers have been catching nice channel catfish on chicken livers.  Recent biological surveys indicate lots of bass, many over 4 pound, and several large catfish. 

Jennings Randolph Lake - Jennings Randolph Lake is currently 19 feet below conservation pool.  The WV and Maryland boat ramps are open.  Don’t forget to purchase a seasonal pass for boat launching either from the MDDNR on the MD side of the lake or the Corp of Engineers on the WV side.  It’s a great time for smallmouth bass fishing at Jennings Randolph, try crankbaits near the rocky shorelines.   Jennings Randolph Lake has a dedicated phone line for up-to-date recreational information (304) 355-2890.  Recreational information can also be found at http://www.nab.usace.army.mil/recreation/jenran.htm.

Mt. Storm Lake - Anglers at Mt. Storm should target hybrid striped bass, black bass, and walleye.  Fish can be caught throughout the lake and many anglers do well fishing with chicken livers near the discharges.  Anglers have been catching largemouth and smallmouth bass on topwater lures.

CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Water levels are normal and clear.  August is a great time to introduce a child to fishing.  The weather is nice and fish are very active.  If you are looking for a place to go please check the fishing regulations and the WVDNR website for a list of public access or call your local WVDNR district office for some advice and a place to take a youngster fishing.  Some tailwaters in the state have been stocked with brood trout in the month of August.  Always use sun block and drink plenty of fluids when out on the water.  If going alone, always tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Check the DNR webpage for statewide trout stockings and updated fishing information. www.wvdnr.gov .

SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

The New and Greenbrier rivers are providing some good fishing for smallmouth bass.  Anglers should try white/chartreuse buzzbaits, white plastic grubs, or small crankbaits or live bait such as helgrammites or softshell crayfish.  Spots below or above shoals are good spots to try your luck.  Fishing is still best early and late in all of the small impoundments in southern West Virginia and you should catch some fish.  Try spots at the end of points, weed beds, or fallen timber.  Best baits are plastic worms fished slowly along the bottom, spinnerbaits are also good choices.  Lakes such as Plum Orchard, Horse Creek, Hawks Nest, and Pipestem will all provide good bass fishing.  Channel catfishing is good in areas like Hawks Nest lake and some of the other small impoundments.  Best time to fish is late night and very early morning with chicken livers or softshells.  This is a prime time to take a child or anyone fishing!   There is no better way to introduce a child or novice to fishing than to take them out for an evening of carp fishing.  Try chumming with creamed corn upstream of where you are fishing and use shredded wheat doughballs or whole kernel corn for bait.  The secret to the doughballs is to mix in a little flavored jello powder as you make the doughball.  Make sure your rods are anchored down with a rock and the drag is loosened or a carp may take it!!!  Good spots to catch a carp are Bluestone and R.D.Bailey lakes, New River and Kanawha rivers. 

SOUTHWESTERN WEST VIRGINIA

Lower Ohio and Kanawha rivers – Fishing is good along the navigable rivers and their locks for multiple species (bass, drum, walleye, sauger, hybrids). Try fishing mainly at dawn, dusk and at night to beat the heat. Many anglers are finding success for hybrid and white bass using a variety of lures at the Winfield, Belleville, and RC Byrd locks. Try small jigs, shad darts, or shad imitating lures. Surface lures are also a good choice when you see fish break the surface to get at bait fish. Or try large spinners or jigs reeled deeper through the school, sometimes the bigger fish will be slightly deeper than the fish breaking the surface.  When fishing the various locks (or anywhere), please pick up after yourself and others don’t leave trash around.  Check locations visually or check online for flow levels http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt prior to fishing rather than wasting a trip. August is also a good time to hit the locks or your favorite ‘catfish hole’ for some all-night or evening catfish ‘sessions’. Try cut and live bait for large blues, flatheads and channels.

Guyandotte and Coal rivers – Reports of a few largemouth and muskie caught near the upper and lower falls.

Poca River – Reports of a few muskie being caught by anglers near the mouth and a few bass.

Elk River – Numerous reports of bass and muskie caught during the cooler parts of the day from the dam to the mouth in Charleston. Try soft plastics, buzz baits, spinnerbaits, and various crawfish imitating lures. Live bait is also a good choice if artificial prove to be ineffective. Turn rocks over along the river’s edge, or use a small seine to gather crawfish and hellgrammites. Large drum and channel catfish can also be taken this way, cast slightly ahead of cruising fish using light line and minimal weight with the live offering, then hang – on!  The WVDNR is conducting a muskie study on the Elk River currently. If an angler keeps a muskie with what appears to be a metal tag on the dorsal fin, please contact the district office in Pt. Pleasant immediately (304-675-0871). We would like to gather information (total length = tip of snout to maximum length with the tail fin lobes squeezed together, location of capture, tag number) from the tagged fish. Flyers have been placed at put-ins, and in small tackle/convenient stores along the Elk River in Braxton, Clay, and Kanawha counties. Your participation is much appreciated.

Mud River – Reports of muskie and bass caught recently. WVDNR surveys on Upper Mud recently revealed excellent populations of black bass in the main lake (Upper Mud). There are two public access sites and various facilities available for anglers and families at Upper Mud Lake and WMA. Give Upper Mud (river or lake) a try soon for a successful fishing trip or a family picnic/fishing trip. Reports also of nice muskies being caught in the main river downstream of Upper Mud Lake.

Small Impoundments – In most small impoundments at this time of the year (summer), fish will be partitioned in the upper shallower depths (1-5 ft.). This is mainly due to the thermocline developing restricting favorable water conditions for fish (temp., oxygen levels). Try using a bobber set-up rather than fishing on the bottom with bait and/or prepared catfish baits and adjust constantly until you locate fish. Be sure to adjust your tactics for all species or you will be fishing in water devoid of fish, which will be reflected in your catch rates! Try your favorite lures and bait for bass and bluegill.  For catfish, try chicken livers, hot dogs, bubble gum and even soap! Shelled shrimp available at any grocery store is also a good choice as is a “gob” of nightcrawlers. Liver and prepared ‘stink’ baits work well also. Take a kid or someone new to fishing and let them experience the fun as well! 

Reservoirs – Check the USACOE website (http://www.lrh.usace.army.mil/) and the USGS website (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt) for reservoir and tailrace conditions.  Fishing in area reservoirs is good right now. Conditions are close to optimal for many preferred gamefish but temperature is a big factor. When the water temperature levels reach into the 80s, bass avoid exerting too much energy by spending considerable time holding or suspending around cover or a structural edge, then limiting their feeding to short binges, mainly during cooler and low-light periods. Use large lures capable of probing deep cover, such as long-billed crankbaits, big Carolina rigged worms and lizards and heavy spinnerbaits. Look for deepest weeds you can find. Bass often stack up in large numbers on weeds on the end of a long point or hump. If you have one use your graph and a deep diving crankbait to pinpoint weedbeds. A thermocline often forms in reservoirs during hot weather. When this happens the temperature of the water will lower gradually until a certain depth is reached, and then the temperature drops quickly. This temperature band can be fairly shallow in some lakes and deep in others. Cast crankbaits to catch bass holding above shallow thermoclines (East Lynn, Beech Fork and small WV impoundments) or vertical jig spoons, or troll crankbaits on weighted lines to reach bass holding on deeper thermoclines. Often the best bass fishing in midsummer will be found in rivers and river-run reservoirs, where current is present. Flowing water is cooler and better oxygenated than static water. Night-time fishing or during low-light periods will also help your success, and the lakes will be less crowded.  A jitterbug or zara spook worked slowly in close to cover after dark is deadly on bass. To target walleye and saugeye concentrate during the low light periods of dusk and dawn and/or fish at night using shad imitations and jigs around rocky points and drop-offs. Hybrids can also be taken on shad imitating lures or minnows in Beech Fork and East Lynn. Try these tips on your next outing. Try to pick up any trash you might see and keep things clear for the next anglers, and be safe!

Rivers and Streams –Check the USGS website (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt) for river/stream conditions and check local landings visually before wasting a trip.

This is an excellent time to try a float trip. The Coal River and the Elk River below Sutton to its mouth are two good choices. Take a friend and use a shuttle so you can float through from one launch to another downstream. Be sure to check with private individuals about access if needed. Temperature is a big factor in determining your success still right now. Make sure you start early and fish late for improved success. Temperatures are starting to come down but fish will still be concentrating their feeding during low-light periods (dawn, dusk, night) and during overcast cloudy days. Try to target shoal areas, creek mouths, and instream ‘seams’ where fish can hold in calmer water while having the option of darting into faster water to pick off food as it comes by. A ‘seam’ or shoal area by a small tributary delivering cooler water is a hot spot for most species right now.

WEST-CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Late summer is an excellent time to fish Ohio River Tailwaters.  Anglers fishing below the Belleville and Willow Island dams are catching white bass, hybrid striped bass, and a few other species.  Lead headed jigs with twister tails (white or chartreuses), which are fished along the bottom, are the lure of choice.  Recently, heavy metal lures have also been successful.  Best spots to fish these areas include eddies and back-current sections, and anywhere that river flows are unusual. Schools of hybrid striped bass will periodically move up to the surface to ambush prey, so keep a look out for this activity.  When this activity is seen, agitator bobbers fished with rubber minnow imitations or fresh bait fished with surf casting equipment, generally provides the best result.     

Elsewhere on the Ohio River fishing for catfish has been good.  Channel catfish anglers should use night crawlers, chicken liver, or prepared catfish type baits. Live fish should be used for flatheads.  Good fishing sites for catfish include deep areas along islands and tributary mouths.

Fishing has been good for largemouth bass in area lakes. Spinner baits, rubber worms, crank baits, and surface lures are producing bass in areas of good cover.   Good choices for area lakes include Mountwood in Wood County, Conaway Run in Tyler, Charles Fork in Roane, North Bend Lake in Ritchie County, and Elk Fork, Woodrum, and O’Brien lakes in Jackson County.   These lakes can also supply good bluegill fishing.  For these sunfish use trout magnets or spinners, small jigs, or small worms.   

Local musky streams should be fishable this weekend.  This time of year musky anglers use large crank baits or jerk baits and best spots are usually around fallen trees or riffle areas.