Fishing Report – 05.23.13

BEECH FORK
The reservoir level is slowly rising to summer pool.  Anglers should call the Beech Fork Corps of Engineers office at 304-525-4831 for more information.  Bass can be caught throughout the day.  Try fishing near downed trees, old stumps, and near points.  Crappie are abundant in Beech Fork and can be caught on a variety of light lures.  Hybrid striped bass and white bass can be caught using shad imitating lures or with live bait suspended below a bobber.

BLUESTONE
The lake is currently high and muddy so fishing is poor, however, once it begins to drop and clear fishing will pick up.  Spring is here and fish are moving and feeding in preparation for spawning.  Crappie may be found near any structure such as downed trees or brush piles.  They will be hitting small minnows or doll flies.  Bass are being caught off rocky points and around downed trees using live bait and artificials such as spinnerbaits and plastic worms.  Anglers should look for points that have some cover such as stumps, logs, or weed beds.  Try slow rolling a spinnerbait, bumping off the stumps.  Some hybrid striped bass may be caught using large minnows.  Anglers should try spots such as the mouth of Indian Creek or up the Bluestone Arm as these fish, even though infertile, still make mock spawning runs upstream.  Smallmouth bass are being caught in the tailwaters.  Successful anglers are using tube jigs in pumpkinseed or motor oil colors.  Anglers should be careful wading and wear your personal flotation devices.  A new boat launch was recently completed at ‘the Pit’.  The old launch was becoming silted in and will be off limits during the construction of the new bridge over the Bluestone arm of the lake.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304-466-0156.  Be aware that in the future, the access at the Pit will be reduced due to the construction on the Bluestone arm bridge.  Construction equipment and trucks will be on the site, be safe and be aware of your surroundings while using the Pit area to prevent any accidents.  Once the construction begins, inconveniences to anglers and users of the Pit area will be reduced as much as possible as problems are sorted out over time.  The construction will last through 2016.  Please be careful as mentioned, be prepared to possibly wait a little longer to launch and pick-up your boat, and be sure to be courteous of others.  Please bear with State Park personnel until issues can be worked out as they develop.

BURNSVILLE
The lake is at summer pool.  Fishing is good.  As water temperatures warm, fish are moving to shallow water.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also being caught on live bait in any type of cover.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.853.2398.

EAST LYNN
The reservoir level is at summer pool.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.849.9861.  Bass fishing should be picking up with the warmer weather.  Try fishing near logs, stumps and fish attracting brush piles.  Musky will begin moving toward the head of the lake.  Larger crappie can be caught using live minnows and slip bobbers near standing timber or trees that have fallen into the water.  Try fishing for walleye near the dam.  In the tailwater, trout and walleye should be actively feeding.

R.D. BAILEY
The lake is currently turbid but as the water clears, fishing will begin to pick up.  Fish are beginning to move and feed in preparation for the spawn.  Crappie will spawn around standing timber and brush piles and will hit small minnows.  For artificials, use doll flies in white and yellow.  Spotted bass are hitting plastic jigs in crawfish colors.  The spotted bass will be found along the rocky drops with points with downed trees another good spot to try.  Remember to fish slowly!  Hybrid striped bass will be making a mock spawning run up stream in May so anglers may want to concentrate their efforts in the upper lake.  The trout stocked in the tailwaters are providing good fishing.  Best baits are corn, salmon eggs, and small jigs.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.664.9587.

STONECOAL LAKE
The lake is at summer pool.  Fishing is good.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait and jigs around beaver huts and fish attractors.  Reports of perch being caught in the upper end on minnows.  Trout fishing has been great.  The lake was stocked with trout by the Stonecoal Lake Fishing Club a month ago.

STONEWALL JACKSON
The lake is at summer pool and clear.  Fishing is good.  As water temperatures warm, fish are moving to shallow water.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.269.7463.

SUMMERSVILLE
The lake is at summer pool.  Bass are being caught in 10 to 15 feet of water.  For walleye try rocky points, drop offs and at the mouth of small tributaries entering the lake.  If you are looking for a back country fishing experience, hike down in the Gauley River gorge and enjoy some fantastic fishing.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.872.3412.

SUTTON
The lake is at summer pool and clear.  Fishing is good.  As water temperatures warm, fish are moving to shallow water.  Bass are being caught in about 10 to 12 feet.  Most are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout April 25.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.765.2705.

TYGART LAKE
The lake is at the summer level.  Water temperatures are:  72 degrees at the surface; 68 at 10 feet, 63 at 25 feet and 57 degrees at 100 feet.  The coves will be warmer than the main lake and the heads of coves are a good place to target bass, crappies and sunfish.

The tailwater temperature is 57 degrees.  There are lots of trout and walleye in the tailwater.  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)
The river is in good fishing condition.  Bass tournament success rates have been good.  Largemouth bass will be nesting in the embayments where the water temperature is warmer than the main river.  Smallmouth bass are being caught in the tailwaters as well as sauger and walleye.  One hour before and after sunset is the best time to fish for sauger and walleye.  Minnows are the best bet but 3-inch plastic grubs are also good in white or chartreuse.  Hybrid striped bass will congregate in these areas.

MONONGAHELA RIVER
Fishing for all species is good and will only get better with increasing water temperatures.  Fish surveys also reveal good numbers of large muskies and drum in shallow water along the shore at this time of year.  Muskies can be caught by trolling or casting large crank baits throughout the river.  A good pattern now is to fish for sauger and walleye an hour before and after sunset.  Sauger and walleye usually begin feeding at dusk in the tailwaters.  Jigs with minnows are always good baits but 3-inch plastic grubs will also be productive.

CHEAT LAKE
The summer water level is now in effect and the Sunset Beach ramp is usable.  The new Ices Ferry Fishing and Boating Access Site is also open for bank anglers and canoes/car-top boats (no trailers) launching.  The best area for yellow perch is from the Sunset Beach Cove to the I-68 Bridge and also around the mouth of Morgans Run at the Cheat Lake Park.  The coves will warm up faster than the main lake and bass and sunfish will be more active in these areas.  Walleye are now more abundant from the town of Canyon upstream to the head of the lake.  Good walleye stockings in 2010 and 2012 should now be producing 13 to 15-inch fish.  Walleye are also being caught in the tailwater below the dam.

EASTERN PANHANDLE

South Branch and Cacapon Rivers
Flows in streams and rivers throughout the eastern panhandle are near normal flow and the water is clear.  Stream water temperatures are now in the 70’s and should be great fishing for the Memorial Day weekend.  The 2013 trout stocking season will come to a close next week so check the 2013 fishing regulations to see if your favorite water will receive trout stockings.

Shenandoah River
Flows in the Shenandoah River are near normal flow and in good fishing condition.  Try fishing crankbaits and topwaters near the head of pools around the bedrock ledges.

North Branch River
Flows in the North Branch are currently between 400 and 600cfs and projected to remain at that level for several more days.  No additional whitewater events are scheduled for this year.

Small Impoundments
Small impoundments are in great fishing condition.  Small impoundments are beginning to stratify.  That means oxygen levels are beginning to drop in deep water so you may need to start fishing more shallow.  Recent biological surveys have indicated largemouth bass over 8 pounds.  Some small impoundments have received adult channel catfish stockings which should provide angling opportunities throughout the summer.  Some impoundments will receive a final trout stocking next week so check the regulation and trout stocking hotline for up-to-date stocking information.

Jennings Randolph Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake is currently one foot above conservation pool.  Anglers have been doing well fishing for smallmouth bass and have been successful using both crankbaits and topwater lures.  Both the West Virginia and Maryland ramps are open for the season.  You can purchase seasonal launch permits from the Army Corp. of Engineers on the West Virginia side or from the Maryland DNR on the Maryland side of the lake.  Jennings Randolph Lake has a dedicated phone line for up-to-date recreational information 304.355.2890.

Mt. Storm Lake
Anglers at Mount Storm Lake should target striped bass, black bass and walleye.  Fish can be caught throughout the lake but many anglers do well fishing with chicken livers near the discharges.  Recent biological survey and bass tournaments have caught lots of nice largemouth and smallmouth bass.  Try fishing woody structure for largemouth bass and rocky shores for smallmouth bass.

CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Water levels are normal and clear.  If you are looking for a place to go, please check the fishing regulations and the WVDNR website for a list of public access sites or call your local WVDNR district office for some advice and a place to fish.  It is a great time of year to fish for walleye at the mouth of tributaries in our larger rivers.  Remember to buy your 2013 fishing license before heading out.

SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

Trout stockings will come to a close next week so anglers are encouraged to get their fill of trout fishing before the waters become too warm.  Anglers should check the fishing regulations to see which waters will be stocked.  For a more up-to-date list, please call the hotline at 304.558.3399.  The New and Greenbrier rivers are high and clear.  Some of our lakes remain clear year round and lake anglers can find some excellent bass and bluegill fishing at Plum Orchard Lake.  Best baits are plastic worms fished slowly along the bottom; spinnerbaits are also good choices for the bass while the bluegill will take small jigs, red worms, or other small live baits.

SOUTHWESTERN WEST VIRGINIA

Lower Ohio and Kanawha Rivers
Tailwater fishing should be really picking up.  Jigs with minnows or live minnows under a bobber could provide some excellent catches of sauger, white bass, hybrid striped bass and freshwater drum.  If artificial baits are your preference, white and chartreuse are good colors to try.

Guyandotte, Coal, Poca, Elk, and Mud Rivers
These rivers should be fishable this weekend.

Small Impoundments – Trout, bluegill and bass will be feeding and can be caught with night crawlers or artificial baits.

WEST-CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

This is an excellent time to fish Ohio River tailwaters.  Anglers fishing below the Belleville dam 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.  Clever anglers are tipping their jig hooks with minnows.  Fishing for white bass can be quite good this time of year and medium-sized white spinners work well also.  Hybrid striped bass are being caught on the surface, and agitator bobbers, and large surface plugs work well for these top water feeders.  Best spots to fish these areas include eddies and back-current sections, and anywhere that river flows are unusual.  Fishing along the Willow Island tailwaters is restricted due to hydro-power development.  Anglers now have access only to a point approximately 150 yards below the dam, and flows have changed significantly.

Fishing for largemouth bass in area lakes has been very good.  Slowly fished plastic worms or jig-and-pig combos, and spinner baits are good terminal tackle choices.  Area lakes with good angling opportunities include Mountwood in Wood County, Conaway Run in Tyler County, Charles Fork in Roane County, North Bend Lake in Ritchie County, and Elk Fork, Woodrum, and O’Brien lakes in Jackson County.

Crappie fishing has also been good at several lakes, these include North Bend and Elk Fork lakes, where angler are taking fish on minnows and small jigs or spinners.

Area trout fishing opportunities are winding down.  Conaway Run Lake in Tyler County is the only lake in the area that receives trout in May.  Trout anglers can use a variety of baits including small worms, mealworms, salmon eggs, cheese, or trout power bait.  Small spinners, joe type flies, and trout magnets also work well, for anglers casting the shoreline or fishing from boats.  Trolling small lures is also affective.

Musky streams are expected to be fishable this weekend, and muskies are quite active.  Hot spots this time of year include areas both upstream and downstream of fast moving water.  Musky anglers should try medium to large lures.  Middle Island Creek, the major streams in the Hughes River system, and the Little Kanawha River are good area musky waters.

 

Stream Conditions

NORTHERN	Levels			Conditions
Ohio River (Wheeling)			High		Milky
Fish Creek		Normal		Clear
Fishing Creek		Normal		Clear
Big Sandy (Preston)			High	Clear
Monongahela River			High		Milky
Wheeling Creek
Buffalo Creek		Normal		Clear
Blackwater River		Normal		Clear
EASTERN PANHANDLE	Levels			Conditions
S. Branch (Potomac)		Normal		Clear
S. Branch (Smoke Hole)		Normal		Clear
Shenandoah River		Normal		Clear
Patterson Creek		Normal		Clear
N. Fork S. Branch		Normal		Clear
Cacapon River		Normal		Clear
Back Creek		Normal		Clear
Opequon Creek		Normal		Clear
Lost River		Normal		Clear
CENTRAL	Levels			Conditions
Elk (Sutton)		Normal		Clear
Little Kanawha		Normal		Clear
Elk (Clay)		Normal		Clear
West Fork River		Normal		Clear
Gauley River		Normal		Clear
Cranberry River		Normal		Clear
Cherry River		Normal		Clear
Cherry River (N. Fork)		Normal		Clear
Cherry River (S. Fork)		Normal		Clear
Williams River		Normal		Clear
Knapps River		Normal		Clear
Greenbrier (E&W Forks)		Normal		Clear
Little River		Normal		Clear
Shavers Fork		Normal		Clear
Buckhannon River		Normal		Clear
Holly River		Normal		Clear
Elk River (Webster)		Normal		Clear
Elk River (Back Fork)		Normal		Clear
SOUTHERN	Levels			Conditions
New River (Hinton)			High	Clear
Greenbrier (Hinton)			High	Clear
Greenbrier (Ronceverte)			High	Clear
Anthony Creek			High	Clear
Big  Creek			High	Clear
Meadow River			High	Clear
Turkey Creek			High	Clear
Potts Creek			High	Clear
Second Creek			High	Clear
Pinnacle Creek			High	Clear
Horse Creek Lake			High	Clear
Big Huff Creek			High	Clear
Indian Creek			High	Clear
Glade Creek (New River)			High	Clear
Marsh Fork			High	Clear
New River (Gauley)			High	Clear
Glade Creek (Man)			High	Clear
Camp Creek			High	Clear
East River			High	Clear
Fork Creek			High	Clear
Dry Fork Creek			High	Clear
Berwind Lake			High	Clear
WESTERN & SOUTHWESTERN	Levels			Conditions
Little Kanawha River		Normal			Milky
Ohio River		Normal			Milky
Hughes River		Normal			Milky

 

Trout Stockings:

May 22, 2013
• Boley Lake
• Burnsville Tailwaters
• Cacapon Park Lake
• Clear Fork of Tug
• Glade Creek of Mann
• Glade Creek of New River
• Glady Fork
• Marsh Fork
• North Fork of South Branch
• Opequon Creek
• Rocky Marsh Run
• Shavers Fork (Bemis)
• Shavers Fork (lower section)
• South Fork of Cherry River
• Stonewall Jackson Tailwaters
• Sutton Tailwaters

May 21, 2013
• Buckhannon River
• Gandy Creek
• Laurel Fork (Randolph)
• Left Fork of Right Fork of Buckhannon River
• Lost River
• Seneca Lake
• Shavers Fork (upper section)
• Spruce Knob Lake
• Summit Lake
• Trout Run
• Waites Run
• Watoga Lake
• West Fork Greenbrier River (railroad grade)
• Williams River
• Williams River (C&R)

May 20, 2013
• Big Clear Creek
• Big Sandy Creek
• Coopers Rock Lake
• Cranberry River
• East Fork Greenbrier River
• Little Clear Creek
• Little River East Fork Greenbrier River
• Little River West Fork Greenbrier River
• West Fork Greenbrier River

May 17, 2013
• Berwind Lake
• Buffalo Fork Lake
• Cranberry River
• Cranberry River (Children & Class Q)
• Cranberry River (C&R) lower section from Woodbine to Camp Splinter
• Deer Creek (Pocahontas)
• Dry Fork (McDowell)
• Dry Fork (Randolph, Tucker)
• Glady Fork
• Greenbrier River
• Lost River
• Lower Cove Run
• North Fork of South Branch
• North River
• Paint Creek
• Pond Fork
• Shavers Fork (Bemis)
• Shavers Fork (lower section)
• Shavers Fork (upper section)
• Summit Lake
• Trout Run
• Waites Run
• Watoga Lake

May 16, 2013
• Buffalo Creek (Brooke)
• Castlemans Run Lake
• Cherry River
• Horse Creek Lake
• Horseshoe Run
• Little Kanawha Headwaters
• Middle Fork River
• Middle Wheeling Lake
• North Fork of Cherry River
• Red Creek
• Right Fork of Little Kanawha Headwaters
• Rockcliff Lake
• South Branch (Franklin)
• South Mill Creek Lake
• Spruce Knob Lake
• Teter Creek Lake
• Williams River

Inaugural WV Trout Festival Set for June

West Virginia’s trout anglers are gearing up for the first-ever celebration of the state’s trout-fishing heritage.

The inaugural Mountain State Trout Festival has been scheduled to begin June 01, 2013 at Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

The two-day event begins the day after the state’s final springtime trout stockings, and during the week when trout tend to feed most eagerly.

Event coordinator Phil Smith says the festival is a celebration of West Virginia’s sportsman’s heritage and the trout waters of the state.

West Virginia his home to more than 1,200 miles of trout streams.

The event is sponsored by the West Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited.

It will feature a fishing tournament and several presentations by trout-fishing experts.

Division of Natural Resources Seeks Input from Stonewall Jackson Anglers

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will be conducting an angler survey at Stonewall Jackson Lake, according to Bret Preston, assistant chief of the Wildlife Resources Section. The survey is part of the agency’s effort to evaluate two proposed fishing regulations.

Currently, a catch-and-release regulation is in effect for black bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass), and a 30-inch minimum size limit with a two fish daily creel limit is in place for muskellunge. DNR proposes to allow a six fish daily creel limit for all black bass, one of which may be 18 inches or greater; and a one fish daily creel limit with a 52-inch minimum size limit for muskellunge.

A stamped, self-addressed postcard containing questions about the proposed regulations will be placed on windshields of vehicles parked at the following public fishing and boating access areas: State Park, Vandalia, Little Skin Creek, Jacksonville, and Pen Run.  Anglers are encouraged to complete the brief survey and mail the postcard to the Division of Natural Resources.

State Record Rainbow Trout Caught in Berkeley County

A state record rainbow trout was recently caught by Tony Corbin of Gerrardstown, WV, according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the Division of Natural Resources.

Corbin caught the 30.5-inch, 17.31-pound fish from a private pond in Berkeley County on May 02, 2013.

He caught the record rainbow using a swimbait on 10-pound test line.

Corbin’s catch establishes a West Virginia record for weight.

The previous weight record for rainbow trout was a 15.65-pound fish caught by Aaron Propps from another private pond in 2005.

The state record length remains a 31.7-inch rainbow caught by John P. Arnett in 1993 at Stonecoal Lake.

Anglers who believe that they have caught a state record fish should check the record listing in the 2013 Fishing Regulations brochure.

The brochure also outlines the procedure to follow for reporting their catch.

This information is also available online at www.wvdnr.gov.

Fishing Report – 05.16.13

BEECH FORK
The reservoir level is slowly rising to summer pool.  Anglers should call the Beech Fork Corps of Engineers office at 304.525.4831 for more information.  Bass can be caught throughout the day.  Try fishing near downed trees, old stumps, and near points.  Crappie are abundant in Beech Fork and can be caught on a variety of light lures.  Hybrid striped bass and white bass can be caught using shad imitating lures or with live bait suspended below a bobber.

BLUESTONE
The lake is currently high and muddy so fishing is poor, however, once it begins to drop and clear fishing will pick up.  Spring is here and fish are moving and feeding in preparation for spawning.  Crappie may be found near any structure such as downed trees or brush piles.  They will be hitting small minnows or doll flies.  Bass are being caught off rocky points and around downed trees using live bait and artificials such as spinnerbaits and plastic worms.  Anglers should look for points that have some cover such as stumps, logs, or weed beds.  Try slow rolling a spinnerbait, bumping off the stumps.  Some hybrid striped bass may be caught using large minnows.  Anglers should try spots such as the mouth of Indian Creek or up the Bluestone Arm as these fish, even though infertile, still make mock spawning runs upstream.  Smallmouth bass are being caught in the tailwaters.  Successful anglers are using tube jigs in pumpkinseed or motor oil colors.  Anglers should be careful wading and wear your personal flotation devices.  A new boat launch was recently completed at ‘the Pit’.  The old launch was becoming silted in and will be off limits during the construction of the new bridge over the Bluestone arm of the lake.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.466.0156.  Be aware that in the future, the access at the Pit will be reduced due to the construction on the Bluestone arm bridge.  Construction equipment and trucks will be on the site, be safe and be aware of your surroundings while using the Pit area to prevent any accidents.  Once the construction begins, inconveniences to anglers and users of the Pit area will be reduced as much as possible as problems are sorted out over time.  The construction will last through 2016.  Please be careful as mentioned, be prepared to possibly wait a little longer to launch and pick-up your boat, and be sure to be courteous of others.  Please bear with State Park personnel until issues can be worked out as they develop.

BURNSVILLE
The lake is at summer pool.  Fishing is good.  As water temperatures warm, fish are moving to shallow water.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also being caught on live bait in any type of cover.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.853.2398.

EAST LYNN
The reservoir level is at summer pool.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.849.9861.  Bass fishing should be picking up with the warmer weather.  Try fishing near logs, stumps and fish attracting brush piles.  Musky will begin moving toward the head of the lake.  Larger crappie can be caught using live minnows and slip bobbers near standing timber or trees that have fallen into the water.  Try fishing for walleye near the dam.  In the tailwater, trout and walleye should be actively feeding.

R.D. BAILEY
The lake is currently turbid but as the water clears, fishing will begin to pick up.  Fish are beginning to move and feed in preparation for the spawn.  Crappie will spawn around standing timber and brush piles and will hit small minnows.  For artificials, use doll flies in white and yellow.  Spotted bass are hitting plastic jigs in crawfish colors.  The spotted bass will be found along the rocky drops with points with downed trees another good spot to try.  Remember to fish slowly!  Hybrid striped bass will be making a mock spawning run up stream in May so anglers may want to concentrate their efforts in the upper lake.  The trout stocked in the tailwaters are providing good fishing.  Best baits are corn, salmon eggs, and small jigs.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.664.9587.

STONECOAL LAKE
The lake is at summer pool.  Fishing is good.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait and jigs around beaver huts and fish attractors.  Reports of perch being caught in the upper end on minnows.  Trout fishing has been great.  The lake was stocked with trout by the Stonecoal Lake Fishing Club a month ago.

STONEWALL JACKSON
The lake is at summer pool and clear.  Fishing is good.  As water temperatures warm, fish are moving to shallow water.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.269.7463.

SUMMERSVILLE
The lake is at summer pool.  Bass are being caught in 10 to 15 feet of water.  For walleye try rocky points, drop offs and at the mouth of small tributaries entering the lake.  If you are looking for a back country fishing experience, hike down in the Gauley River gorge and enjoy some fantastic fishing.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.872.3412.

SUTTON
The lake is at summer pool and clear.  Fishing is good.  As water temperatures warm, fish are moving to shallow water.  Bass are being caught in about 10 to 12 feet.  Most are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout April 25.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.765.2705.

TYGART LAKE
The lake is at the summer level.  Water temperatures are finally starting to warm:  65 degrees at the surface; 63 at 10 feet, and 62 at 25 feet.  The coves will be warmer than the main lake and are a good place to target bass and sunfish.  In the main lake, fish are still in deeper water, 10-20 feet.
The tailwater temperature is 53 degrees.  There are lots of trout and walleye in the tailwater.  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)
The river is in good fishing condition.  Smallmouth bass are being caught in the tailwaters as well as sauger and walleye.  One hour before and after sunset is the best time to fish for sauger and walleye.  Minnows are the best bet but 3-inch plastic grubs are also good in white or chartreuse.  Hybrid striped bass will congregate in these areas.

MONONGAHELA RIVER
Fishing for all species is good and will only get better with increasing water temperatures.  Fish surveys also reveal good numbers of large muskies and drum in shallow water along the shore at this time of year.  Muskies can be caught by trolling or casting large crank baits throughout the river.  A good pattern now is to fish for sauger and walleye an hour before and after sunset.  Sauger and walleye usually begin feeding at dusk in the tailwaters.  Jigs with minnows are always good baits but 3-inch plastic grubs will also be productive.

CHEAT LAKE
The summer water level is now in effect and the Sunset Beach ramp is usable.  The new Ices Ferry Fishing and Boating Access Site is also open for bank anglers and canoes/car-top boats (no trailers) launching.  The best area for yellow perch is from the Sunset Beach Cove to the I-68 Bridge and also around the mouth of Morgans Run at the Cheat Lake Park.  The coves will warm up faster than the main lake and bass and sunfish will be more active in these areas.  Walleye are now more abundant upstream of Mt. Chateau than below the I-68 Bridge and are finished spawning.  Good walleye stockings in 2010 and 2012 should now be producing 13 to 15-inch fish.  Walleye are also being caught in the tailwater below the dam.

EASTERN PANHANDLE

South Branch and Cacapon Rivers
Flows in streams and rivers throughout the eastern panhandle are slightly higher than normal but the water is clear.  Stream water temperatures have dropped and are now in the 50’s but should get warmer by the weekend.  The 2013 trout stocking season is underway so check the 2013 fishing regulations to see if your favorite water will be receiving early trout stockings.

Shenandoah River
Flows in the Shenandoah River are slightly high but in good fishing condition.  Try fishing slow crankbaits and plastic near the head of pools around the bedrock ledges.

North Branch River
Flows in the North Branch are currently at 1000 cfs but projected to drop by the weekend.  No additional whitewater events are scheduled for this year.

Small Impoundments
Small impoundments are in great fishing condition.  Some some impoundments have received adult channel catfish stockings which should provide angling opportunities throughout the summer.  Some impoundments are still receiving spring trout stockings so check the regulation and trout stocking hotline for up-to-date stocking information.

Jennings Randolph Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake is currently near conservation pool and dropping slowly.  Anglers have been doing well fishing for smallmouth bass and have been successful using both crankbaits and topwater lures.  Both the West Virginia and Maryland ramps are open for the season.  You can purchase seasonal launch permits from the Army Corp. of Engineers on the West Virginia side or from the Maryland DNR on the Maryland side of the lake.  Jennings Randolph Lake has a dedicated phone line for up-to-date recreational information 304.355.2890.

Mt. Storm Lake
Anglers at Mount Storm Lake should target striped bass, black bass and walleye.  Dominion Power has reinstalled the floating courtesy dock at the public boat launch to assist boat anglers.  Fish can be caught throughout the lake but many anglers do well fishing with chicken livers near the discharges.  Recent biological survey and bass tournaments have caught lots of nice largemouth and smallmouth bass.  Try fishing woody structure for largemouth bass and rocky shores for smallmouth bass.

CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Water levels are normal and clear.  If you are looking for a place to go, please check the fishing regulations and the WVDNR website for a list of public access sites or call your local WVDNR district office for some advice and a place to fish.  It is a great time of year to fish for walleye at the mouth of tributaries in our larger rivers.  Remember to buy your 2013 fishing license before heading out.

SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

Trout stockings are winding down so anglers are encouraged to get their fill of trout fishing before the waters become too warm.  Anglers should check the fishing regulations to see which waters will be stocked.  For a more up-to-date list, please call the hotline at 304.558.3399.  The New and Greenbrier rivers are high and muddy and unfishable at present.  Some of our lakes remain clear year round and lake anglers can find some excellent bass and bluegill fishing at Plum Orchard Lake.  Best baits are plastic worms fished slowly along the bottom; spinnerbaits are also good choices for the bass while the bluegill will take small jigs, red worms, or other small live baits.

SOUTHWESTERN WEST VIRGINIA

Lower Ohio and Kanawha Rivers
Tailwater fishing should be really picking up with a return to lower flows.  Jigs with minnows or live minnows under a bobber could provide some excellent catches of sauger, white bass, hybrid striped bass and freshwater drum.  If artificial baits are your preference, white and chartreuse are good colors to try.

Guyandotte, Coal, Poca, Elk, and Mud Rivers
These rivers should be fishable this weekend.

Small Impoundments
Trout, bluegill and bass will be feeding and can be caught with night crawlers or artificial baits.  Check the daily trout stocking report at 304.558.

WEST-CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

This is an excellent time to fish Ohio River tailwaters.  Anglers fishing below the Belleville dam 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.  Clever anglers are tipping their jig hooks with minnows.  Fishing for white bass can be quite good this time of year and medium-sized white spinners work well also.  Hybrid striped bass are being caught on the surface, and agitator bobbers, and large surface plugs work well for these top water feeders.  Best spots to fish these areas include eddies and back-current sections, and anywhere that river flows are unusual.  Fishing along the Willow Island tailwaters is restricted due to hydro-power development.  Anglers now have access only to a point approximately 150 yards below the dam, and flows have changed significantly.

Fishing for largemouth bass in area lakes has been very good.  Slowly fished plastic worms or jig-and-pig combos, and spinner baits are good terminal tackle choices.  Area lakes with good angling opportunities include Mountwood in Wood County, Conaway Run in Tyler County, Charles Fork in Roane County, North Bend Lake in Ritchie County, and Elk Fork, Woodrum, and O’Brien lakes in Jackson County.

Crappie fishing has also been good at several lakes, these include North Bend and Elk Fork lakes, where angler are taking fish on minnows and small jigs or spinners.

Area trout fishing opportunities are winding down.  Conaway Run Lake in Tyler County is the only lake in the area that receives trout in May.  Trout anglers can use a variety of baits including small worms, mealworms, salmon eggs, cheese, or trout power bait.  Small spinners, joe type flies, and trout magnets also work well, for anglers casting the shoreline or fishing from boats.  Trolling small lures is also affective.

Musky streams are expected to be fishable this weekend, and muskies are quite active.  Hot spots this time of year include areas both upstream and downstream of fast moving water.  Musky anglers should try medium to large lures.  Middle Island Creek, the major streams in the Hughes River system, and the Little Kanawha River are good area musky waters.

 

Stream Conditions

NORTHERN	Levels			Conditions
Ohio River (Wheeling)		Normal		Clear
Fish Creek		Normal		Clear
Fishing Creek		Normal		Clear
Big Sandy (Preston)			High	Clear
Monongahela River			High		Milky
Wheeling Creek		Normal		Clear
Buffalo Creek		Normal		Clear
Blackwater River		Normal		Clear
EASTERN PANHANDLE	Levels			Conditions
S. Branch (Potomac)			High	Clear
S. Branch (Smoke Hole)			High	Clear
Shenandoah River			High	Clear
Patterson Creek			High	Clear
N. Fork S. Branch			High	Clear
Cacapon River			High	Clear
Back Creek			High	Clear
Opequon Creek			High	Clear
Lost River			High	Clear
CENTRAL	Levels			Conditions
Elk (Sutton)			High	Clear
Little Kanawha			High	Clear
Elk (Clay)			High	Clear
West Fork River			High	Clear
Gauley River			High	Clear
Cranberry River			High	Clear
Cherry River			High	Clear
Cherry River (N. Fork)			High	Clear
Cherry River (S. Fork)			High	Clear
Williams River			High	Clear
Knapps River			High	Clear
Greenbrier (E&W Forks)			High	Clear
Little River			High	Clear
Shavers Fork			High	Clear
Buckhannon River			High	Clear
Holly River			High	Clear
Elk River (Webster)			High	Clear
Elk River (Back Fork)		Normal		Clear
SOUTHERN	Levels			Conditions
New River (Hinton)			High		Milky
Greenbrier (Hinton)			High		Milky
Greenbrier (Ronceverte)			High		Milky
Anthony Creek			High		Milky
Big  Creek			High		Milky
Meadow River			High		Milky
Turkey Creek		Normal			Milky
Potts Creek		Normal			Milky
Second Creek		Normal			Milky
Pinnacle Creek		Normal		Clear
Horse Creek Lake		Normal		Clear
Big Huff Creek		Normal		Clear
Indian Creek		Normal		Clear
Glade Creek (New River)		Normal		Clear
Marsh Fork		Normal		Clear
New River (Gauley)			High			Muddy
Glade Creek (Man)			High			Muddy
Camp Creek		Normal		Clear
East River		Normal		Clear
Fork Creek		Normal		Clear
Dry Fork Creek		Normal		Clear
Berwind Lake		Normal		Clear
WESTERN & SOUTHWESTERN	Levels			Conditions
Little Kanawha River		Normal				Muddy
Ohio River		Normal			Milky
Hughes River		Normal			Milky

 

Trout Stockings:

May 15, 2013
• Anthony Creek
• Bear Rocks Lake
• Brandywine Lake
• Brushy Fork Lake
• Bullskin Run
• Cacapon Park Lake
• Camp Creek
• Cranberry River
• East River
• Elk River
• Evitts Run
• Gandy Creek
• Knapps Creek
• Laurel Fork (Randolph)
• Mash Fork
• Mash Fork of Camp Creek (Children & Class Q)
• New Creek
• North Fork of Lunice
• North Fork of Patterson Creek
• Opequon Creek
• Rocky Marsh Run
• Second Creek (C&R)
• Shavers Fork (lower section rail stocking) Bowden to Bemis
• South Branch (Smoke Hole)
• Wheeling Creek

May 14, 2013
• Blackwater River
• East Fork Greenbrier River
• Little River East Fork Greenbrier River
• Little River West Fork Greenbrier River
• Middle Creek
• Mill Creek of Opequon Creek
• Mill Run of Back Creek
• R.D. Bailey Tailwaters
• Shavers Fork (upper section)
• Tilhance Creek
• Tuscarora Creek
• Tygart Valley River Headwaters
• West Fork Greenbrier River

May 13, 2013
• Clear Fork of Guyandotte River
• Dillons Run
• Edwards Run
• Fort Ashby Reservoir
• French Creek Pond
• Jimmy Lewis Lake
• Kimsey Run Lake
• Laurel Fork of Holly River
• Left Fork of Holly River
• Meadow Creek of Anthony Creek
• Mill Creek of South Branch
• North Fork of Anthony Creek
• Pinnacle Creek (lower section)
• South Fork of Cranberry River
• Wallback Lake
• Warden Lake
• West Fork Greenbrier River (railroad grade)
• Williams River

May 10, 2013
• Anthony Creek
• Big Sandy Creek
• Buckhannon River
• Coopers Rock Lake
• Hills Creek
• Knapps Creek
• Left Fork of Right Fork of Buckhannon River
• Mill Creek Reservoir
• Paw Paw Creek
• Poorhouse Pond
• Potts Creek
• Right Fork of Buckhannon River
• Rockhouse Lake
• Seneca Lake
• Shavers Fork (upper section rail stocking) C&R section
• South Branch (Smoke Hole)
• South Fork of Potts Creek
• Spruce Laurel Fork
• Teter Creek Lake
• Tuckahoe Lake
• Whiteday Creek

Anglers and Boaters Asked to Help Protect West Virginia Waters

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is asking anglers and boaters to help prevent the movement of Asian Carp and other invasive species into West Virginia waters, according to WVDNR Director Frank Jezioro.

Aquatic invasive species pose threats to important recreational species, recreational fishing and boating, and ultimately, the economic benefits these activities provide.

In West Virginia, the economic impact of fishing alone represents more than $600 million to the state’s economy creating more than 7,000 jobs statewide.

“To prevent the movement and invasion of Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species, we are asking anglers and boaters not to transfer any live fish or water between water bodies,” said Chris O’Bara, DNR fisheries biologist. “We also ask them to properly clean and maintain all boats, live wells, and tackle after each boating or fishing trip.”

Anglers are asked not to release unused bait into any water body at the end of a fishing trip.  Bait that was collected from the water that they were fishing may be released back into that same water. Properly disposing of unused bait in the trash minimizes the movement of aquatic invasive species. These measures are especially important in the Ohio River where some species of Asian carp have been collected by Wildlife Resources Section biologists.

A second way to help prevent the spread of Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species is to learn about these organisms and how to distinguish these unwanted species from the state’s native species.

Anglers and all outdoor enthusiasts can learn more about aquatic invasive species at wvdnr.gov/Fishing/Invasive_Species.shtm.

Anglers and boaters also can provide information on potential sightings of Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species at the website.

Fishing Report – 05.09.13

BEECH FORK
The reservoir level is slowly rising to summer pool.  Anglers should call the Beech Fork Corps of Engineers office at 304.525.4831 for more information.  Bass can be caught throughout the day.  Try fishing near downed trees, old stumps, and near points.  Crappie are abundant in Beech Fork and can be caught on a variety of light lures.  Hybrid striped bass and white bass can be caught using shad imitating lures or with live bait suspended below a bobber.

BLUESTONE
The lake is currently high and muddy so fishing is poor, however, once it begins to drop and clear fishing will pick up.  Spring is here and fish are moving and feeding in preparation for spawning.  Crappie may be found near any structure such as downed trees or brush piles.  They will be hitting small minnows or doll flies.  Bass are being caught off rocky points and around downed trees using live bait and artificials such as spinnerbaits and plastic worms.  Anglers should look for points that have some cover such as stumps, logs, or weed beds.  Try slow rolling a spinnerbait, bumping off the stumps.  Some hybrid striped bass may be caught using large minnows.  Anglers should try spots such as the mouth of Indian Creek or up the Bluestone Arm as these fish, even though infertile, still make mock spawning runs upstream.  Smallmouth bass are being caught in the tailwaters.  Successful anglers are using tube jigs in pumpkinseed or motor oil colors.  Anglers should be careful wading and wear your personal flotation devices.  A new boat launch was recently completed at ‘the Pit’.  The old launch was becoming silted in and will be off limits during the construction of the new bridge over the Bluestone arm of the lake.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304-466-0156.  Be aware that in the future, the access at the Pit will be reduced due to the construction on the Bluestone arm bridge.  Construction equipment and trucks will be on the site, be safe and be aware of your surroundings while using the Pit area to prevent any accidents.  Once the construction begins, inconveniences to anglers and users of the Pit area will be reduced as much as possible as problems are sorted out over time.  The construction will last through 2016.  Please be careful as mentioned, be prepared to possibly wait a little longer to launch and pick-up your boat, and be sure to be courteous of others.  Please bear with State Park personnel until issues can be worked out as they develop.

BURNSVILLE
The lake is at summer pool.  Fishing is good.  As water temperatures warm, fish are moving to shallow water.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also being caught on live bait in any type of cover.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on April 25.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.853.2398.

EAST LYNN
The reservoir level is at summer pool.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.849.9861.  Bass fishing should be picking up with the warmer weather.  Try fishing near logs, stumps and fish attracting brush piles.  Musky will begin moving toward the head of the lake.  Larger crappie can be caught using live minnows and slip bobbers near standing timber or trees that have fallen into the water.  Try fishing for walleye near the dam.  In the tailwater, trout and walleye should be actively feeding.

R.D. BAILEY
The lake is currently turbid but as the water clears, fishing will begin to pick up.  Fish are beginning to move and feed in preparation for the spawn.  Crappie will spawn around standing timber and brush piles and will hit small minnows.  For artificials, use doll flies in white and yellow.  Spotted bass are hitting plastic jigs in crawfish colors.  The spotted bass will be found along the rocky drops with points with downed trees another good spot to try.  Remember to fish slowly!  Hybrid striped bass will be making a mock spawning run up stream in May so anglers may want to concentrate their efforts in the upper lake.  The trout stocked in the tailwaters are providing good fishing.  Best baits are corn, salmon eggs, and small jigs.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.664.9587.

STONECOAL LAKE
The lake is at summer pool.  Fishing is good.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait and jigs around beaver huts and fish attractors.  Reports of perch being caught in the upper end on minnows.  Trout fishing has been great.  The lake was stocked with trout by the Stonecoal Lake Fishing Club three weeks ago.

STONEWALL JACKSON
The lake is at summer pool and clear.  Fishing is good.  As water temperatures warm, fish are moving to shallow water.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on April 25.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.269.7463.

SUMMERSVILLE
The lake is at summer pool.  Bass are being caught in 10 to 15 feet of water.  For walleye try rocky points, drop offs and at the mouth of small tributaries entering the lake.  If you are looking for a back country fishing experience, hike down in the Gauley River gorge and enjoy some fantastic fishing.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on April 26.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.872.3412.

SUTTON
The lake is at summer pool and clear.  Fishing is good.  As water temperatures warm, fish are moving to shallow water.  Bass are being caught in about 10 to 12 feet.  Most are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout April 25.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.765.2705.

TYGART LAKE
The lake is at the summer level.  Water temperatures are finally starting to warm:  65 degrees at the surface; 63 at 10 feet, and 62 at 25 feet.  The coves will be warmer than the main lake and are a good place to target bass and sunfish.  In the main lake, fish are still in deeper water, 10-20 feet.

The tailwater temperature is 53 degrees.  There are lots of trout and walleye in the tailwater.  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)
The river is in good fishing condition.  Smallmouth bass are being caught in the tailwaters as well as sauger and walleye.  One hour before and after sunset is the best time to fish for sauger and walleye.  Minnows are the best bet but 3-inch plastic grubs are also good in white or chartreuse.  Hybrid striped bass will congregate in these areas.

MONONGAHELA RIVER
Fishing for all species is good and will only get better with increasing water temperatures.  Fish surveys also reveal good numbers of large muskies and drum in shallow water along the shore at this time of year.  Muskies can be caught by trolling or casting large crank baits throughout the river.  A good pattern now is to fish for sauger and walleye an hour before and after sunset.  Sauger and walleye usually begin feeding at dusk in the tailwaters.  Jigs with minnows are always good baits but 3-inch plastic grubs will also be productive.

CHEAT LAKE
The summer water level is now in effect and the Sunset Beach ramp is usable.  The new Ices Ferry Fishing and Boating Access Site is also open for bank anglers and canoes/car-top boats (no trailers) launching.  The best area for yellow perch is from the Sunset Beach Cove to the I-68 Bridge and also around the mouth of Morgans Run at the Cheat Lake Park.  The coves will warm up faster than the main lake and bass and sunfish will be more active in these areas.  Walleye are now more abundant upstream of Mt. Chateau than below the I-68 Bridge and are finished spawning.  Good walleye stockings in 2010 and 2012 should now be producing 13 to 15-inch fish.  Walleye are also being caught in the tailwater below the dam.

EASTERN PANHANDLE

South Branch and Cacapon Rivers
Flows in streams and rivers throughout the eastern panhandle are very high and muddy.  Most streams are unfishable but flow should drop significantly by the weekend.  Stream water temperatures have dropped and are near 60 but will warm by the weekend.  The 2013 trout stocking season is underway so check the 2013 fishing regulations to see if your favorite water will be receiving early trout stockings.

Shenandoah River
Flows in the Shenandoah River are high and on the rise.  The flows may be adequate for fishing by the weekend.  Try fishing slow crankbaits and plastic near the head of pools around the bedrock ledges.

North Branch River
Flows in the North Branch are currently at 2500 cfs and too high for angling.  Flows are projected to drop over the next couple of days.  No additional whitewater events are scheduled for this year.

Small Impoundments
Small impoundments are in great fishing condition.  Select small impoundments are receiving spring trout stockings so check the regulation and trout stocking hotline for up-to-date stocking information.

Jennings Randolph Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake is currently five feet above conservation pool and rising slowly.  Both the West Virginia and Maryland ramps are open for the season.  You can purchase seasonal launch permits from the Army Corp. of Engineers on the West Virginia side or from the Maryland DNR on the Maryland side of the lake.  Jennings Randolph Lake has a dedicated phone line for up-to-date recreational information 304.355.2890.

Mt. Storm Lake
Anglers at Mount Storm Lake should target striped bass, black bass and walleye.  Dominion Power has reinstalled the floating courtesy dock at the public boat launch to assist boat anglers.  Fish can be caught throughout the lake but many anglers do well fishing with chicken livers near the discharges.  Recent biological survey and bass tournaments have caught lots of nice largemouth and smallmouth bass.  Try fishing woody structure for largemouth bass and rocky shores for smallmouth bass.

CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Water levels are normal and clear.  If you are looking for a place to go, please check the fishing regulations and the WVDNR website for a list of public access sites or call your local WVDNR district office for some advice and a place to fish.  It is a great time of year to fish for walleye at the mouth of tributaries in our larger rivers.  Remember to buy your 2013 fishing license before heading out.

SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

Trout stockings are in full gear now so anglers are encouraged to get their fill of trout fishing before the waters become too warm.  Anglers should check the fishing regulations to see which waters will be stocked.  For a more up-to-date list, please call the hotline at 304.558.3399.  The New and Greenbrier rivers are high and muddy and unfishable at present.  Some of our lakes remain clear year round and lake anglers can find some excellent bass and bluegill fishing at Plum Orchard Lake.  Best baits are plastic worms fished slowly along the bottom; spinnerbaits are also good choices for the bass while the bluegill will take small jigs, red worms, or other small live baits.

SOUTHWESTERN WEST VIRGINIA

Lower Ohio and Kanawha Rivers
Tailwater fishing should be really picking up with a return to lower flows.  Jigs with minnows or live minnows under a bobber could provide some excellent catches of sauger, white bass, hybrid striped bass and freshwater drum.  If artificial baits are your preference, white and chartreuse are good colors to try.

Guyandotte, Coal, Poca, Elk, and Mud Rivers
These rivers should be fishable this weekend.

Small Impoundments – Trout, bluegill and bass will be feeding and can be caught with night crawlers or artificial baits.

WEST-CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

This is an excellent time to fish Ohio River tailwaters.  Anglers fishing below the Belleville dam 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.  Clever anglers are tipping their jig hooks with minnows.  Fishing for white bass can be quite good this time of year and medium-sized white spinners work well also.  Hybrid striped bass are being caught on the surface with agitator bobbers, and large surface plugs work well for these top water feeders.  Best spots to fish these areas include eddies and back-current sections, and anywhere that river flows are unusual.  Fishing along the Willow Island tailwaters is restricted due to hydro-power development.  Anglers now have access only to a point approximately 150 yards below the dam, and flows have changed significantly.

Fishing for largemouth bass in area lakes has been very good.  Slowly fished plastic worms or jig-and-pig combos, and spinner baits are good terminal tackle choices.  Area lakes with good angling opportunities include Mountwood in Wood County, Conaway Run in Tyler County, Charles Fork in Roane County, North Bend Lake in Ritchie County, and Elk Fork, Woodrum, and O’Brien lakes in Jackson County.

Crappie fishing has also been good at several lakes; these include North Bend and Elk Fork lakes, where anglers are taking fish on minnows and small jigs or spinners.

Area trout fishing opportunities are winding down.  Conaway Run Lake in Tyler County is the only lake in the area that receives trout in May.  Trout anglers can use a variety of baits including small worms, mealworms, salmon eggs, cheese, or trout power bait.  Small spinners, joe type flies, and trout magnets also work well, for anglers casting the shoreline or fishing from boats.  Trolling small lures is also affective.

Musky streams are expected to be fishable this weekend, and muskies are quite active.  Hot spots this time of year include areas both upstream and downstream of fast moving water.  Musky anglers should try medium to large lures.  Middle Island Creek, the major streams in the Hughes River system, and the Little Kanawha River are good area musky waters.

 

Stream Conditions

NORTHERN	Levels			Conditions
Ohio River (Wheeling)	Low			Clear
Fish Creek	Low			Clear
Fishing Creek	Low			Clear
Big Sandy (Preston)	Low			Clear
Monongahela River	Low			Clear
Wheeling Creek	Low			Clear
Buffalo Creek	Low			Clear
Blackwater River	Low			Clear
EASTERN PANHANDLE	Levels			Conditions
S. Branch (Potomac)			High			Muddy
S. Branch (Smoke Hole)			High			Muddy
Shenandoah River			High			Muddy
Patterson Creek			High			Muddy
N. Fork S. Branch			High			Muddy
Cacapon River			High			Muddy
Back Creek			High			Muddy
Opequon Creek			High			Muddy
Lost River			High			Muddy
CENTRAL	Levels			Conditions
Elk (Sutton)		Normal		Clear
Little Kanawha		Normal		Clear
Elk (Clay)		Normal		Clear
West Fork River		Normal		Clear
Gauley River		Normal		Clear
Cranberry River		Normal		Clear
Cherry River		Normal		Clear
Cherry River (N. Fork)		Normal		Clear
Cherry River (S. Fork)		Normal		Clear
Williams River		Normal		Clear
Knapps River		Normal		Clear
Greenbrier (E&W Forks)		Normal		Clear
Little River		Normal		Clear
Shavers Fork		Normal		Clear
Buckhannon River		Normal		Clear
Holly River		Normal		Clear
Elk River (Webster)		Normal		Clear
Elk River (Back Fork)		Normal		Clear
SOUTHERN	Levels			Conditions
New River (Hinton)			High		Milky
Greenbrier (Hinton)			High	Clear
Greenbrier (Ronceverte)		Normal		Clear
Anthony Creek		Normal		Clear
Big  Creek		Normal		Clear
Meadow River		Normal		Clear
Turkey Creek		Normal			Milky
Potts Creek		Normal			Milky
Second Creek		Normal			Milky
Pinnacle Creek		Normal		Clear
Horse Creek Lake		Normal		Clear
Big Huff Creek		Normal		Clear
Indian Creek		Normal		Clear
Glade Creek (New River)		Normal		Clear
Marsh Fork		Normal		Clear
New River (Gauley)		Normal		Clear
Glade Creek (Man)		Normal		Clear
Camp Creek		Normal		Clear
East River		Normal		Clear
Fork Creek		Normal		Clear
Dry Fork Creek		Normal		Clear
Berwind Lake		Normal		Clear
WESTERN & SOUTHWESTERN	Levels			Conditions
Little Kanawha River	Low				Milky
Ohio River	Low				Milky
Hughes River	Low				Milky

 

Trout Stockings:

May 09, 2013
• Bullskin Run
• Clover Run
• Cranberry River
• East Fork Greenbrier River
• Evitts Run
• Gandy Creek
• Laurel Fork (Randolph)
• Left Fork of Buckhannon River (rail stocking)
• Little River East Fork Greenbrier River
• Little River West Fork Greenbrier River
• Long Marsh Run
• Newburg Lake
• North Fork of South Branch
• Right Fork of Middle Fork
• Rocky Marsh Run
• Spruce Knob Lake
• West Fork Greenbrier River
• Williams River

May 08, 2013
• Big Clear Creek
• Boley Lake
• Buckhannon River (rail stocking)
• Burnsville Tailwaters
• Glade Creek of Mann
• Glady Fork
• Little Clear Creek
• Middle Creek
• Mill Creek of Opequon Creek
• Opequon Creek
• Panther Creek
• R.D. Bailey Tailwaters
• Shavers Fork (Bemis)
• Shavers Fork (lower section)
• Shavers Fork (upper section rail stocking) downstream of C&R section to Bemis
• Stonewall Jackson Tailwaters
• Sutton Tailwaters

May 07, 2013
• Anawalt Lake
• Cranberry River
• Dog Run Lake
• Elk River
• Glade Creek of New River
• Lost River
• New Creek
• North Fork of Patterson Creek
• South Branch (Franklin)
• South Fork of Cherry River
• Summit Lake
• Trout Run
• Tygart Tailwaters
• Waites Run
• Watoga Lake

May 06, 2013
• Blackwater River
• Dunloup Creek
• Hopkins Fork
• Indian Rocks Lake
• Moores Run
• Shavers Fork (upper section)
• Summerville Tailwaters
• Warden Lake
• Williams River

May 03, 2013
• Brandywine Lake
• Brushy Fork Lake
• Conaway Run Lake
• Dillons Run
• Edwards Run
• Elk River
• Fort Ashby Reservoir
• Gandy Creek
• Indian Creek
• Laurel Fork (Randolph)
• Mason Lake
• Mill Creek of South Branch
• North Fork of Fishing Creek
• Rich Creek
• Rockcliff Lake
• South Fork of Fishing Creek
• Summit Lake
• Watoga Lake
• Westover Park Lake (Children & Class Q)
• Williams River

May 02, 1013
• Buffalo Creek (Brooke)
• Castlemans Run Lake
• Cherry River
• Deer Creek (Nicholas)
• Dunkard Fork Lake
• East Fork Greenbrier River
• Horseshoe Run
• Jimmy Lewis Lake
• Laurel Creek of Cherry River (Greenbrier, Nicholas)
• Little River East Fork Greenbrier River
• Little River West Fork Greenbrier River
• Lost River
• Middle Wheeling Lake
• North Fork of Cherry River
• North River
• Pipestem Lake
• Red Creek
• Spruce Knob Lake
• Trout Run
• Tygart Valley River Headwaters
• Waites Run
• West Fork Greenbrier River

May 01, 2013
• Bear Rocks Lake
• Beech Fork Tailwaters
• Bullskin Run
• Cranberry River
• Dry Fork (Randolph, Tucker)
• East Lynn Tailwaters
• Evitts Run
• Fall Run
• French Creek Pond
• Laurel Fork of Holly River
• Left Fork of Holly River
• Meadow Creek of New River (Summers)
• Middle Creek
• Mill Creek of Opequon Creek
• Milligan Creek
• Opequon Creek
• Rocky Marsh Run
• Rhine Creek
• Shavers Fork (upper section)
• South Branch (Smoke Hole)
• Thomas Park Lake
• Tilhance Creek
• Tuscarora Creek
• West Fork of Twelvepole
• Wheeling Creek

Fishing Report – 05.02.13

BEECH FORK
The reservoir level is slowly rising to summer pool.  Anglers should call the Beech Fork Corps of Engineers office at 304.525.4831 for more information.  Bass can be caught throughout the day.  Try fishing near downed trees, old stumps, and near points.  Crappie are abundant in Beech Fork and can be caught on a variety of light lures.  Hybrid striped bass and white bass can be caught using shad imitating lures or with live bait suspended below a bobber.

BLUESTONE
Spring is slowly approaching and some fish species are preparing to spawn as the water warms in the next few weeks.  Crappie will be showing up on brush piles, flooded timber or downed trees where they will spawn.  They will hit small minnows or doll flies.  Bass may be caught off rocky points and around downed trees using live bait and artificials such as spinnerbaits and plastic worms.  Anglers should look for points that have some cover such as stumps, logs, or weed beds.  Try slow rolling a spinnerbait, bumping off the stumps.  Some hybrid striped bass may be caught using large minnows.  Anglers should try spots such as the mouth of Indian Creek or up the Bluestone Arm as these fish, even though mostly infertile, still make mock spawning runs upstream.  Smallmouth bass are being caught in the tailwaters.  Successful anglers are using tube jigs in pumpkinseed or motoroil colors.  Anglers should be careful wading and wear your personal flotation devices.  A new boat launch was recently completed at ‘the Pit’.  The old launch was becoming silted in and will be off limits during the construction of the new bridge over the Bluestone arm of the lake.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.466.0156.  Be aware that in the future, the access at the Pit will be reduced due to the construction on the Bluestone arm bridge.  Construction equipment and trucks will be on the site, be safe and be aware of your surroundings while using the Pit area to prevent any accidents.  Once the construction begins, inconveniences to anglers and users of the Pit area will be reduced as much as possible as problems are sorted out over time.  The construction will last through 2016.  Please be careful as mentioned, be prepared to possibly wait a little longer to launch and pick-up your boat, and be sure to be courteous of others.  Please bear with State Park personnel until issues can be worked out as they develop.

BURNSVILLE
The lake is at summer pool.  Fishing is good.  As water temperatures warm, fish are moving to shallow water.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also being caught on live bait in any type of cover.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on April 25.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.853.2398.

EAST LYNN
The reservoir level is at summer pool.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.849.9861.  Bass fishing should be picking up with the warmer weather.  Try fishing near logs, stumps and fish attracting brush piles.  Musky will begin moving toward the head of the lake.  Larger crappie can be caught using live minnows and slip bobbers near standing timber or trees that have fallen into the water.  Try fishing for walleye near the dam.  In the tailwater, trout and walleye should be actively feeding.

R.D. BAILEY
With the waters warming up, fish are becoming more and more active as they feed in preparation for the upcoming spawning.  Crappie are congregating near the habitats where they spawn such as around standing timber and brush piles and they will hit small minnows.  For artificials, use doll flies in white and yellow.  Spotted bass are hitting plastic jigs in crawfish colors.  The spotted bass will be found along the rocky drops with points with downed trees another good spot to try.  Hybrid striped bass will be making a mock spawning run up stream in April and May so anglers may want to concentrate their efforts in the upper lake.  The trout stocked in the tailwaters are providing good fishing.  Best baits are corn, salmon eggs, and small jigs.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.664.9587.

STONECOAL LAKE
The lake is at summer pool.  Fishing is good.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait and jigs around beaver huts and fish attractors.  Reports of perch being caught in the upper end on minnows.  Trout fishing has been great.  The lake was stocked with trout by the Stonecoal Lake Fishing Club three weeks ago.

STONEWALL JACKSON
The lake is at summer pool and clear.  Fishing is good.  As water temperatures warm, fish are moving to shallow water.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on April 25.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.269.7463.

SUMMERSVILLE
The lake is at summer pool.  Bass are being caught in 10 to 15 feet of water.  For walleye try rocky points, drop offs and at the mouth of small tributaries entering the lake.  If you are looking for a back country fishing experience, hike down in the Gauley River gorge and enjoy some fantastic fishing.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on April 26.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.872.3412.

SUTTON
The lake is at summer pool and clear.  Fishing is good.  As water temperatures warm, fish are moving to shallow water.  Bass are being caught in about 10 to 12 feet.  Most are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout April 25.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.765.2705.

TYGART LAKE
The lake is at the summer level.  Water temperatures are finally starting to warm:  65 degrees at the surface; 62 at 10 feet, and 59 at 25 feet.  The coves will be warmer than the main lake and are a good place to target bass and sunfish.  In the main lake, fish are still in deeper water, 10-20 feet.
There are lots of trout and walleye in the tailwater.  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)
The river is in good fishing condition.  Smallmouth bass are being caught in the tailwaters as well as sauger and walleye.  One hour before and after sunset is the best time to fish for sauger and walleye.  Minnows are the best bet but 3-inch plastic grubs are also good in white or chartreuse.  Hybrid striped bass will congregate in these areas.

MONONGAHELA RIVER
Fishing for all species is good and will only get better with increasing water temperatures.  Fish surveys also reveal good numbers of large muskies and drum in shallow water along the shore at this time of year.  Muskies can be caught by trolling or casting large crank baits throughout the river.  A good pattern now is to fish for sauger and walleye an hour before and after sunset.  Sauger and walleye usually begin feeding at dusk in the tailwaters.  Jigs with minnows are always good baits but 3-inch plastic grubs will also be productive.

CHEAT LAKE
The summer water level is now in effect and the Sunset Beach ramp is usable.  The new Ices Ferry Fishing and Boating Access Site is also open for bank anglers and canoes/car-top boats (no trailers) launching.  Walleye are now more abundant upstream of Mt. Chateau than below the I-68 Bridge and are finished spawning.  Good walleye stockings in 2010 and 2012 should now be producing 13 to 15-inch fish.  Walleye are also being caught in the tailwater below the dam.  Yellow perch are also abundant in the lake.  The best area for yellow perch is from the Sunset Beach Cove to the I-68 Bridge and also around the mouth of Morgans Run at the Cheat Lake Park.  The coves will warm up faster than the main lake and bass and sunfish will be more active in these areas.

EASTERN PANHANDLE

South Branch and Cacapon Rivers
Flows in streams and rivers throughout the eastern panhandle are near normal flow and the water is clear.  Stream water temperatures are near 60 and warm enough for smallmouth bass to begin hitting topwater lures.  The 2013 trout stocking season is underway so check the 2013 fishing regulations to see if your favorite water will be receiving early trout stockings. 

Shenandoah River
Flows in the Shenandoah River are near normal and should be in great fishing condition for the weekend.  Try fishing slow crankbaits and plastic near the head of pools and around the bedrock ledges.

North Branch River
Flows in the North Branch are currently at 900 cfs but projected to drop by the weekend.  No additional whitewater events are scheduled for this year.

Small Impoundments
Small impoundments are in great fishing condition.  Select small impoundments are receiving spring trout stockings so check the regulation and trout stocking hotline for up-to-date stocking information.

Jennings Randolph Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake is currently one foot above conservation pool and dropping slowly.  The West Virginia boat ramp opened on Saturday, March 30th.  So both the West Virginia and Maryland ramps should be open for the season.  You can purchase seasonal launch permits from the Army Corp. of Engineers on the West Virginia side or from the Maryland DNR on the Maryland side of the lake.  Jennings Randolph Lake has a dedicated phone line for up-to-date recreational information 304.355.2890.

Mt. Storm Lake
Anglers at Mount Storm Lake should target striped bass, black bass and walleye.  Dominion Power has reinstalled the floating courtesy dock at the public boat launch to assist boat anglers.  Fish can be caught throughout the lake but many anglers do well fishing with chicken livers near the discharges.  Try fishing woody structure for largemouth bass and rocky shores for smallmouth bass.

CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Water levels are normal and clear.  If you are looking for a place to go, please check the fishing regulations and the WVDNR website for a list of public access sites or call your local WVDNR district office for some advice and a place to fish.  It is a great time of year to fish for walleye at the mouth of tributaries in our larger rivers.  Remember to buy your 2013 fishing license before heading out.

SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

May trout stockings are in full swing and anglers should find plenty of waters stocked with trout and plenty of fish to catch.  Anglers should check this year’s fishing regulations to see which waters will be stocked.  For a more up-to-date list, please call the hotline at 558-3399.  The New and Greenbrier rivers are still somewhat high due to rains but persistent anglers may catch some smallmouth bass using tube jigs or spinnerbaits.  Best spots are just below a shoal or rapid or in any eddy.  Anglers may also want to try their luck at Kanawha Falls for musky or hybrid stripers (use big chubs and large white jigs for bait) or lake anglers can find some excellent bass and bluegill fishing at Plum Orchard Lake and Pipestem Lake.  Best baits are plastic worms fished slowly along the bottom; spinnerbaits are also good choices for the bass while the bluegill will take small jigs, red worms, or other small live baits.

SOUTHWESTERN WEST VIRGINIA

Lower Ohio and Kanawha Rivers
Tailwater fishing should be really picking up with a return to lower flows.  Jigs with minnows or live minnows under a bobber could provide some excellent catches of sauger, white bass, hybrid striped bass and freshwater drum.  If artificial baits are your preference, white and chartreuse are good colors to try.

Guyandotte, Coal, Poca, Elk, and Mud Rivers
These rivers should be fishable this weekend.

Small Impoundments
Trout, bluegill and bass will be feeding and can be caught with night crawlers or artificial baits.  Check the daily trout stocking report at 304.558.3399.

WEST-CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

This is an excellent time to fish Ohio River tailwaters.  Anglers fishing below the Belleville dam 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.  Clever anglers are tipping their jig hooks with minnows.  Fishing for white bass can be quite good this time of year and medium-sized white spinners work well also.  Hybrid striped bass are being caught on the surface, and agitator bobbers, and large surface plugs work well for these top water feeders.  Best spots to fish these areas include eddies and back-current sections, and anywhere that river flows are unusual.  Fishing along the Willow Island tailwaters is restricted due to hydro-power development.  Anglers now have access only to a point approximately 150 yards below the dam, and flows have changed significantly.

Fishing for largemouth bass in area lakes has been very good.  Slowly fished plastic worms or jig-and-pig combos, and spinner baits are good terminal tackle choices.  Area lakes with good angling opportunities include Mountwood in Wood County, Conaway Run in Tyler County, Charles Fork in Roane County, North Bend Lake in Ritchie County, and Elk Fork, Woodrum, and O’Brien lakes in Jackson County.

Crappie fishing has also been good at several lakes, these include North Bend and Elk Fork lakes, where angler are taking fish on minnows and small jigs or spinners.

Area trout fishing opportunities are winding down.  Conaway Run Lake in Tyler County is the only lake in the area that receives trout in May.  Trout anglers can use a variety of baits including small worms, mealworms, salmon eggs, cheese, or trout power bait.  Small spinners, joe type flies, and trout magnets also work well, for anglers casting the shoreline or fishing from boats.  Trolling small lures is also affective.

Musky streams are expected to be fishable this weekend, and muskies are quite active.  Hot spots this time of year include areas both upstream and downstream of fast moving water.  Musky anglers should try medium to large lures.  Middle Island Creek, the major streams in the Hughes River system, and the Little Kanawha River are good area musky waters.

 

Stream Conditions

NORTHERN	Levels			Conditions
Ohio River (Wheeling)		Normal		Clear
Fish Creek		Normal		Clear
Fishing Creek		Normal		Clear
Big Sandy (Preston)		Normal		Clear
Monongahela River		Normal		Clear
Wheeling Creek		Normal		Clear
Buffalo Creek		Normal		Clear
Blackwater River		Normal		Clear
EASTERN PANHANDLE	Levels			Conditions
S. Branch (Potomac)		Normal		Clear
S. Branch (Smoke Hole)		Normal		Clear
Shenandoah River		Normal		Clear
Patterson Creek		Normal		Clear
N. Fork S. Branch		Normal		Clear
Cacapon River		Normal		Clear
Back Creek		Normal		Clear
Opequon Creek		Normal		Clear
Lost River		Normal		Clear
CENTRAL	Levels			Conditions
Elk (Sutton)		Normal		Clear
Little Kanawha		Normal		Clear
Elk (Clay)		Normal		Clear
West Fork River		Normal		Clear
Gauley River		Normal		Clear
Cranberry River		Normal		Clear
Cherry River		Normal		Clear
Cherry River (N. Fork)		Normal		Clear
Cherry River (S. Fork)		Normal		Clear
Williams River		Normal		Clear
Knapps River		Normal		Clear
Greenbrier (E&W Forks)		Normal		Clear
Little River		Normal		Clear
Shavers Fork		Normal		Clear
Buckhannon River		Normal		Clear
Holly River		Normal		Clear
Elk River (Webster)		Normal		Clear
Elk River (Back Fork)		Normal		Clear
SOUTHERN	Levels			Conditions
New River (Hinton)			High		Milky
Greenbrier (Hinton)			High	Clear
Greenbrier (Ronceverte)		Normal		Clear
Anthony Creek		Normal		Clear
Big  Creek		Normal		Clear
Meadow River		Normal		Clear
Turkey Creek		Normal			Milky
Potts Creek		Normal			Milky
Second Creek		Normal			Milky
Pinnacle Creek		Normal		Clear
Horse Creek Lake		Normal		Clear
Big Huff Creek		Normal		Clear
Indian Creek		Normal		Clear
Glade Creek (New River)		Normal		Clear
Marsh Fork		Normal		Clear
New River (Gauley)	Low			Clear
Glade Creek (Man)	Low			Clear
Camp Creek		Normal		Clear
East River		Normal		Clear
Fork Creek		Normal		Clear
Dry Fork Creek		Normal		Clear
Berwind Lake		Normal		Clear
WESTERN & SOUTHWESTERN	Levels			Conditions
Little Kanawha River		Normal		Clear
Ohio River		Normal		Clear
Hughes River		Normal		Clear

 

Trout Stockings:

May 01, 2013
• Bear Rocks Lake
• Beech Fork Tailwaters
• Bullskin Run
• Cranberry River
• Dry Fork (Randolph, Tucker)
• East Lynn Tailwaters
• Evitts Run
• Fall Run
• French Creek Pond
• Laurel Fork of Holly River
• Left Fork of Holly River
• Meadow Creek of New River
• Middle Creek
• Mill Creek of Opequon Creek
• Milligan Creek
• Opequon Creek
• Rocky Marsh Run
• Rhine Creek
• Shavers Fork (upper section)
• South Branch (Smoke Hole)
• Thomas Park Lake
• Tilhance Creek
• Tuscarora Creek
• West Fork of Twelvepole
• Wheeling Creek

April 30, 2013
• Anthony Creek
• Blackwater River
• Buffalo Fork Lake
• Camp Creek
• East River
• Glady Fork
• Greenbrier River
• Knapps Creek
• Mash Fork
• Mash Fork of Camp Creek (Children & Class Q)
• North Fork of Anthony Creek
• North Fork of South Branch
• Shavers Fork (Bemis)
• Shavers Fork (lower section)
• South Fork of Cranberry River
• Warden Lake
• West Fork Greenbrier River (railroad grade)

April 29, 2013
• Clear Fork of Guyandotte River
• Cranberry River
• Kimsey Run Lake
• New Creek
• North Fork of Lunice
• North Fork of Patterson Creek
• Paint Creek
• Pinnacle Creek (lower section)
• Pond Fork
• South Branch (Franklin)
• South Mill Creek Lake
• Williams River

April 26, 2013
• Back Fork of Elk River
• Blackwater River
• BuckhannonRiver
• Bullskin Run
• Desert Fork
• Evitts Run
• Laurel Creek of New River
• Left Fork of Buckhannon River (rail stocking)
• Left Fork of Right Fork of Buckhannon River
• Middle Creek
• Mill Creek of New River
• Mill Creek of Opequon Creek
• Shavers Fork (upper section)
• South Branch (Smoke Hole)
• South Fork of Cherry River
• Sugar Creek
• Summersville Tailwaters

April 25, 2013
• Burnsville Tailwaters
• Cacapon Park Lake
• East Fork Greenbrier River
• Elk River
• Little River East Fork Greenbrier River
• Little River West Fork Greenbrier River
• New Creek
• North Fork of Patterson Creek
• North Fork of South Branch
• Opequon Creek
• Paw Paw Creek
• Rocky Marsh Run
• Seneca Lake
• Stonewall Jackson Tailwaters
• Summit Lake
• Sutton Tailwaters
• Watoga Lake
• West Fork Greenbrier River
• Whiteday Creek
• Williams River

April 24, 2013
• Anthony Creek
• Big Sandy Creek
• Coopers Rock Lake
• Glade Creek of New River
• Glady Fork
• Knapps Creek
• Lost River
• North Fork of South Branch (C&R)
• Pinch Creek
• Pinnacle Creek (upper section)
• Rock Cliff Lake
• Shavers Fork (Bemis)
• Shavers Fork (lower section)
• South Branch (C&R)
• South Branch (Franklin)
• Trout Run
• Waites Run

Catfish Stockings Begin in Mid-May 2013

Angler Rewards Possible at West Virginia State Parks

Catfish stocking begins in mid-May in West Virginia, and that provides another opportunity to encourage youth and families to get outdoors.

Others include Kids to Parks Day on May 18, National Get Outdoors Day on June 08, and National Fishing and Boating week, June 01 -09, 2013.

The latter includes Free Fishing days on June 08 and June 09 in West Virginia.

Fishing is especially attractive to youngsters and is a West Virginia tradition. Catfishing opportunities are available at many lakes in West Virginia’s State Parks in additional to stream and river fishing for other fish species.

“I got hooked on fishing at an early age,” said Kristi Steed, group sales coordinator at North Bend State Park. “My dad took me hunting and fishing as a child.  I watched my son catch his first fish and for our family, a tradition continues.”

“Catfishing is increasing in popularity with young people,” according Frank Jezioro, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. “Catchable-size catfish are stocked at user friendly lakes across the state as one of our warmwater fisheries programs.”

The DNR Wildlife Resources Section and West Virginia’s state parks have teamed to make catfishing even more rewarding. Tagged channel catfish will be stocked into lakes at these state parks in mid-May: Cacapon (Morgan County), Cedar Creek (Gilmer County), Chief Logan (Logan County), Pipestem (Summers County), and Tomlinson Run (Hancock County).

Anglers who catch a tagged fish are asked to return the tag or the tag number along with information on the date of capture, if the fish was kept or released, and the name and address of the angler to WVDNR, 2311 Ohio Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26101. Anglers also can call in the information 304.420.4550) or provide the information via e-mail .

Anglers who report a tagged fish will receive the “tagged reward,” park information, a certificate and a letter of congratulations via US mail after the information is received and recorded by DNR fisheries biologists. Each certificate has a choice of three prizes: a train ride at Cass Scenic Railroad, a boat ride on the sternwheeler “Island Belle” to Blennerhassett Island or a Recreational Activity Pass at Pipestem resort.

Other state park area lakes stocked with catfish but not tagged include: Berwind Lake (McDowell County), Laurel Lake (Mingo County), Little Beaver State Park Lake (Raleigh County), North Bend State Park Pond (Ritchie County), and Watoga State Park Lake (Pocahontas County).

Fishing at state parks and forests requires a West Virginia fishing license for anyone age 15 and older except for the free fishing days scheduled June 08 and 09, 2013. Also, residents who turn age 65 after January 01, 2012, are required to purchase a Senior Lifetime License.

There is no admission charge to state-operated parks and forests to go fishing. More than 30 areas in the West Virginia state parks system offer fishing opportunities onsite. Catfish stocking is in addition to spring trout stocking at many state park and forest locations.

Fishing Report – 04.25.13

BEECH FORK
The reservoir level is slowly rising to summer pool.  Anglers should call the Beech Fork Corps of Engineers office at 304.525.4831 for more information.  Bass can be caught throughout the day.  Try fishing near downed trees, old stumps, and near points.  Crappie are abundant in Beech Fork and can be caught on a variety of light lures.  Hybrid striped bass and white bass can be caught using shad imitating lures or with live bait suspended below a bobber.

BLUESTONE
Spring is slowly approaching and some fish species are preparing to spawn as the water warms in the next few weeks.  Crappie will be showing up on brush piles, flooded timber or downed trees where they will spawn.  They will hit small minnows or doll flies.  Bass may be caught off rocky points and around downed trees using live bait and artificials such as spinnerbaits and plastic worms.  Anglers should look for points that have some cover such as stumps, logs, or weed beds.  Try slow rolling a spinnerbait, bumping off the stumps.  Some hybrid striped bass may be caught using large minnows.  Anglers should try spots such as the mouth of Indian Creek or up the Bluestone Arm as these fish, even though mostly infertile, still make mock spawning runs upstream.  Smallmouth bass are being caught in the tailwaters.  Successful anglers are using tube jigs in pumpkinseed or motoroil colors.  Anglers should be careful wading and wear your personal flotation devices.  A new boat launch was recently completed at ‘the Pit’.  The old launch was becoming silted in and will be off limits during the construction of the new bridge over the Bluestone arm of the lake.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.466.0156.  Be aware that in the future, the access at the Pit will be reduced due to the construction on the Bluestone arm bridge.  Construction equipment and trucks will be on the site, be safe and be aware of your surroundings while using the Pit area to prevent any accidents.  Once the construction begins, inconveniences to anglers and users of the Pit area will be reduced as much as possible as problems are sorted out over time.  The construction will last through 2016.  Please be careful as mentioned, be prepared to possibly wait a little longer to launch and pick-up your boat, and be sure to be courteous of others.  Please bear with State Park personnel until issues can be worked out as they develop.

BURNSVILLE
The lake is at summer pool.  Fishing is good.  As water temperatures warm, fish are moving to shallow water.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also being caught on live bait in any type of cover.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on April 10.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.853.2398.

EAST LYNN
The reservoir level is at summer pool.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.849.9861.  Bass fishing should be picking up with the warmer weather.  Try fishing near logs, stumps and fish attracting brush piles.  Musky will begin moving toward the head of the lake.  Larger crappie can be caught using live minnows and slip bobbers near standing timber or trees that have fallen into the water.  Try fishing for walleye near the dam.  In the tailwater, trout and walleye should be actively feeding.

R.D. BAILEY
With the waters warming up, fish are becoming more and more active as they feed in preparation for the upcoming spawning.  Crappie are congregating near the habitats where they spawn such as around standing timber and brush piles and they will hit small minnows.  For artificials, use doll flies in white and yellow.  Spotted bass are hitting plastic jigs in crawfish colors.  The spotted bass will be found along the rocky drops with points with downed trees another good spot to try.  Hybrid striped bass will be making a mock spawning run up stream in April and May so anglers may want to concentrate their efforts in the upper lake.  The trout stocked in the tailwaters are providing good fishing.  Best baits are corn, salmon eggs, and small jigs.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.664.9587.

STONECOAL LAKE
The lake is at summer pool.  Fishing is good.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait and jigs around beaver huts and fish attractors.  Reports of perch being caught in the upper end on minnows.  Trout fishing has been great.  The lake was stocked with trout by the Stonecoal Lake Fishing Club three weeks ago.

STONEWALL JACKSON
The lake is at summer pool and clear.  Fishing is good.  As water temperatures warm, fish are moving to shallow water.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on April 10.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.269.7463.

SUMMERSVILLE
The lake is 30 feet below summer pool.  Bass are being caught in 10 to 15 feet of water.  For walleye try rocky points, drop offs and at the mouth of small tributaries entering the lake.  If you are looking for a back country fishing experience, hike down in the Gauley River gorge and enjoy some fantastic fishing.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on April 9.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.872.3412.

SUTTON
The lake is at summer pool and clear.  Fishing is good.  As water temperatures warm, fish are moving to shallow water.  Bass are being caught in about 10 to 12 feet.  Most are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout April 10.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.765.2705.

TYGART LAKE
The lake is at the summer level.  Water temperatures cooled again this week.  The coves will be warmer than the main lake and are a good place to target bass and sunfish.  In the main lake, fish are still in deeper water, 10-20 feet.

There are lots of trout and walleye in the tailwater.  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)
Smallmouth bass are being caught in the tailwaters as well as sauger and walleye.  One hour before and after sunset is the best time to fish for sauger and walleye.  Minnows are the best bet but 3.inch plastic grubs are also good in white or chartreuse.

MONONGAHELA RIVER
Water temperatures decreased again last week but is now warming.  Fishing for all species will be improving, especially smallmouth bass.  Fish surveys also reveal good numbers of large muskies and drum in shallow water along the shore at this time of year.  Muskies can be caught by trolling or casting large crank baits throughout the river.  A good pattern now is to fish for sauger and walleye an hour before and after sunset.  Sauger and walleye usually begin feeding at dusk in the tailwaters.  Jigs with minnows are always good baits but 3.inch plastic grubs will also be productive.

CHEAT LAKE
Walleye are now more abundant upstream of Mt. Chateau than below the I.68 Bridge and finished spawning.  Good walleye stockings in 2010 and 2012 should now be producing 13 to 15.inch fish.  Walleye are also being caught in the tailwater below the dam.  Yellow perch are also abundant in the lake.  The best area for yellow perch is from the Sunset Beach Cove to the I.68 Bridge and also around the mouth of Morgans Run at the Cheat Lake Park.  The coves will warm up faster than the main lake and bass and sunfish will be more active in these areas.  The April water level can only fluctuate seven feet until the summer level is maintained starting May 01.

EASTERN PANHANDLE

South Branch and Cacapon Rivers
Flows in streams and rivers throughout the eastern panhandle are near normal flow and the water is clear.  Stream water temperatures are holding in the 50’s and warm enough for smallmouth bass to begin hitting topwater lures.  The 2013 trout stocking season is underway so check the 2013 fishing regulations to see if your favorite water will be receiving early trout stockings.

Shenandoah River
Flows in the Shenandoah River are slightly above normal and should be in great fishing condition by the weekend.  Try fishing slow moving plastic in deep pools and between bedrock ledges.

North Branch River
Flows in the North Branch are currently between 600.800 cfs and expected to remain at that level for several more days.  The next whitewater event will be conducted on the North Branch this weekend of Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28.

Small Impoundments
Small impoundments are in great fishing condition.  Select small impoundments are receiving spring trout stockings so check the regulation and trout stocking hotline for up.to.date stocking information.

Jennings Randolph Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake is currently two feet above conservation pool and dropping slowly.  The West Virginia boat ramp opened on Saturday, March 30th.  So both the West Virginia and Maryland ramps should be open for the season.  You can purchase seasonal launch permits from the Army Corp. of Engineers on the West Virginia side or from the Maryland DNR on the Maryland side of the lake.  Jennings Randolph Lake has a dedicated phone line for up-to-date recreational information 304.355.2890.

Mt. Storm Lake
Anglers at Mount Storm Lake should target striped bass, black bass and walleye.  Dominion Power has reinstalled the floating courtesy dock at the public boat launch to assist boat anglers.  Fish can be caught throughout the lake but many anglers do well fishing with chicken livers near the discharges.  Try fishing woody structure for largemouth bass and rocky shores for smallmouth bass.

CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Water levels are normal and clear.  If you are looking for a place to go, please check the fishing regulations and the WVDNR website for a list of public access sites or call your local WVDNR district office for some advice and a place to fish.  It is a great time of year to fish for walleye at the mouth of tributaries in our larger rivers.  The following areas were stocked with trout this week:  Watoga and Indian Rock lakes; Dry Fork, Holly, Elk and Gandy.  The Shavers Fork was stocked from rail last week from Bowden to the upper catch and release area.  Remember to buy your 2013 fishing license before heading out.

SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

April trout stockings are in full swing and anglers should find plenty of waters stocked with trout and plenty of fish to catch.  Anglers should check this year’s fishing regulations to see which waters will be stocked.  For a more up-to-date list, please call the hotline at 558.3399.  The New and Greenbrier rivers are still somewhat high due to rains but persistent anglers may catch some smallmouth bass using tube jigs or spinnerbaits.  Best spots are just below a shoal or rapid or in any eddy.  Anglers may also want to try their luck at Kanawha Falls for musky or hybrid stripers use big chubs and large white jigs for bait or lake anglers can find some excellent bass and bluegill fishing at Plum Orchard Lake and Pipestem Lake.  Best baits are plastic worms fished slowly along the bottom; spinnerbaits are also good choices for the bass while the bluegill will take small jigs, red worms, or other small live baits.

SOUTHWESTERN WEST VIRGINIA

Lower Ohio and Kanawha Rivers
Tailwater fishing should be really picking up with a return to lower flows.  Jigs with minnows or live minnows under a bobber could provide some excellent catches of sauger, white bass, hybrid striped bass and freshwater drum.  If artificial baits are your preference, white and chartreuse are good colors to try.

Guyandotte, Coal, Poca, Elk, and Mud Rivers
These rivers should be fishable this weekend.

Small Impoundments
Trout, bluegill and bass will be feeding and can be caught with night crawlers or artificial baits.  Check the daily trout stocking report at 304.558.3399.

WEST-CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Trout have been stocked into several lakes throughout the area.  These include Tracy Lake and Pennsboro Water Supply Reservoir in Ritchie County, Mountwood Park Lake in Wood County, Rollins Lake and Turkey Run Lake in Jackson County, Mile Tree Lake in Roane County, Cedar Creek State Park Ponds in Gilmer County, and Conaway Run Lake in Tyler County.  Check the Daily Trout Stocking report for the latest at 304.558.3399.  This information is updated daily at 4:00 PM, January through May.  Trout anglers can use a variety of baits including small worms, mealworms, salmon eggs, cheese, or trout power bait.  Small spinners, joe type flies, and trout magnets also work well, for anglers casting the shoreline or fishing from boats.  Trolling these small lures is also affective.

This is an excellent time to fish Ohio River tailwaters.  Anglers fishing below the Belleville dam are catching sauger, walleye, 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.  Clever anglers are tipping their jig hooks with minnows.  Fishing for white bass can be quite good this time of year and medium-sized white spinners work well.  Crappie can also be found in Ohio River tailwaters.  These fish are generally suspended and jigs should be counted-down to find the correct depth to fish.  Best spots to fish these areas include eddies and back-current sections, and anywhere that river flows are unusual.  Fishing along the Willow Island tailwaters is restricted due to hydro-power development.  Anglers now have access only to a point approximately 150 yards below the dam, and flows have changed significantly.

Fishing for largemouth bass and crappie in area lakes has been very good.  Slowly fished rubber worms or jig-and-pig combos, and spinner baits are good terminal tackle choices for bass.  Crappie anglers use small jigs or minnows fished in areas of good cover.  Area lakes with good angling opportunities include Mountwood in Wood County, Conaway Run in Tyler County, Charles Fork in Roane County, North Bend Lake in Ritchie County, and Elk Fork, Woodrum, O’Brien lakes in Jackson County.

Musky streams are expected to be fishable this weekend, and muskies are quite active.  Hot spots this time of year include areas both upstream and downstream of fast moving water. Musky anglers should try medium to large lures.  Middle Island Creek, the major streams in the Hughes River system, and the Little Kanawha River are good area musky waters.  Those interested in trying their luck with muskies in a lake should try North Bend Lake.

 

Stream Conditions

NORTHERN	Levels			Conditions
Ohio River (Wheeling)		Normal			Milky
Fish Creek		Normal		Clear
Fishing Creek		Normal		Clear
Big Sandy (Preston)		Normal		Clear
Monongahela River		Normal		Clear
Wheeling Creek		Normal		Clear
Buffalo Creek		Normal		Clear
Blackwater River		Normal		Clear
EASTERN PANHANDLE	Levels			Conditions
S. Branch (Potomac)		Normal		Clear
S. Branch (Smoke Hole)		Normal		Clear
Shenandoah River			High	Clear
Patterson Creek		Normal		Clear
N. Fork S. Branch		Normal		Clear
Cacapon River		Normal		Clear
Back Creek		Normal		Clear
Opequon Creek		Normal		Clear
Lost River		Normal		Clear
CENTRAL	Levels			Conditions
Elk (Sutton)		Normal		Clear
Little Kanawha		Normal		Clear
Elk (Clay)		Normal		Clear
West Fork River		Normal		Clear
Gauley River		Normal		Clear
Cranberry River		Normal		Clear
Cherry River		Normal		Clear
Cherry River (N. Fork)		Normal		Clear
Cherry River (S. Fork)		Normal		Clear
Williams River		Normal		Clear
Knapps River		Normal		Clear
Greenbrier (E&W Forks)		Normal		Clear
Little River		Normal		Clear
Shavers Fork		Normal		Clear
Buckhannon River		Normal		Clear
Holly River		Normal		Clear
Elk River (Webster)		Normal		Clear
Elk River (Back Fork)		Normal		Clear
SOUTHERN	Levels			Conditions
New River (Hinton)			High		Milky
Greenbrier (Hinton)			High		Milky
Greenbrier (Ronceverte)		Normal		Clear
Anthony Creek		Normal		Clear
Big  Creek		Normal		Clear
Meadow River		Normal		Clear
Turkey Creek			High		Milky
Potts Creek			High		Milky
Second Creek			High		Milky
Pinnacle Creek		Normal		Clear
Horse Creek Lake		Normal		Clear
Big Huff Creek		Normal		Clear
Indian Creek		Normal		Clear
Glade Creek (New River)			High		Milky
Marsh Fork			High		Milky
New River (Gauley)		Normal		Clear
Glade Creek (Man)		Normal		Clear
Camp Creek			High		Milky
East River			High		Milky
Fork Creek			High		Milky
Dry Fork Creek			High		Milky
Berwind Lake			High		Milky
WESTERN & SOUTHWESTERN	Levels			Conditions
Little Kanawha River		Normal		Clear
Ohio River		Normal		Clear
Hughes River		Normal		Clear

 

 

Trout Stockings:

April 24, 2013
• Anthony Creek
• Big Sandy Creek
• Coopers Rock Lake
• Glade Creek of New River
• Glady Fork
• Knapps Creek
• Lost River
• North Fork of South Branch (C&R)
• Pinch Creek
• Pinnacle Creek (upper section)
• Rock Cliff Lake
• Shavers Fork (Bemis)
• Shavers Fork (lower section)
• South Branch (C&R)
• South Branch (Franklin)
• Trout Run
• Waites Run

April 23, 2013
• Boley Lake
• Buckhannon River (rail stocking)
• Clear Fork of Tug
• Cranberry River
• Cranberry River (C&R - upper section above Dogway Fork)
• Elk River (C&R)
• Gandy Creek
• Glade Creek of Mann
• Laurel Fork (Randolph)
• Middle Fork River
• Spruce Knob Lake

April 22, 2013
• Bear Rocks Lake
• Big Clear Creek
• Horse Creek Lake
• Little Clear Creek
• Logan County Airport Pond (Children & Class Q)
• Wheeling Creek
• Williams River

April 19, 2013
• Chief Logan Pond
• Dillons Run
• Dry Fork (Randolph, Tucker)
• Edwards Run
• Fort Ashby Reservoir
• French Creek Pond
• Laurel Lake
• Left Fork of Holly River
• Little Kanawha Headwaters
• Mill Creek of South Branch
• Poorhouse Pond
• Potts Creek
• Right Fork of Little Kanawha Headwaters
• Shavers Fork (upper section)
• South Fork of Potts Creek
• West Fork Greenbrier River (Railroad Grade)

April 18, 2013
• Blackwater River
• Buffalo Fork Lake
• Cranberry River
• Glady Fork
• Greenbrier River
• Indian Creek
• Knapps Creek
• Rich Creek
• Shavers Fork (Bemis)
• Shavers Fork (lower section rail stocking) Bowden to Bemis
• Shavers Fork (lower section)
• South Branch (Smoke Hole)
• South Mill Creek Lake
• Watoga Lake

West Virginia DNR to Discuss New Hunting, Trapping Rules

State wildlife officials will meet in Morgantown this month to discuss new regulations for hunting, trapping and fishing.

The quarterly meeting of the West Virginia Natural Resources Commission is set for April 28, 2013 at the Lakeview Resort and Conference Center.

The public is invited to attend and offer comments.

Agenda items include discussion of this year’s section meetings and a questionnaire for sportsmen and landowners.

The commission will also discuss new 2013 regulations for big game, and reptiles and amphibians.

It will also discuss proposed changes for hunting and trapping regulations in 2014-15, and fishing regulations for next year.

Fishing Report – 04.18.13

BEECH FORK
The reservoir level is slowly rising to summer pool.  Anglers should call the Beech Fork Corps of Engineers office at 304.525.4831 for more information.  Bass can be caught throughout the day.  Try fishing near downed trees, old stumps, and near points.  Crappie are abundant in Beech Fork and can be caught on a variety of light lures.  Hybrid striped bass and white bass can be caught using shad imitating lures or with live bait suspended below a bobber.

BLUESTONE
Stripers and hybrids have been seen schooling and chasing shad occasionally still around the pit area.  Try shad like lures and surface lures to garner strikes when they appear at the surface.  A few bass being caught both smallmouth and largemouth.have been reported.  Successful anglers are using slow moving lures soft plastics and minnow like jerkbaits.along sun warmed banks and close to drop.offs along the main channel later in the day.  No recent reports from catfish anglers.  A new boat launch was recently completed at ‘the Pit’.  The old launch was becoming silted in and will be off limits during the construction of the new bridge over the Bluestone arm of the lake.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.466.0156.  Be aware that in the future, the access at the Pit will be reduced due to the construction on the Bluestone arm bridge.  Construction equipment and trucks will be on the site, be safe and be aware of your surroundings while using the Pit area to prevent any accidents.  Once the construction begins, inconveniences to anglers and users of the Pit area will be reduced as much as possible as problems are sorted out over time.  The construction will last through 2016.  Please be careful as mentioned, be prepared to possibly wait a little longer to launch and pick.up your boat, and be sure to be courteous of others.  Please bear with State Park personnel until issues can be worked out as they develop.

BURNSVILLE
The lake is two feet below summer pool.  Fishing is good.  Fish are becoming more active as water temperatures increase.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also being caught on live bait in any type of cover.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on April 10.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.853.2398.

EAST LYNN
The reservoir level is slowly rising towards summer pool.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.849.9861.  Big bass will continue to feed during the colder months.  Try fishing near logs, stumps and fish attracting brush piles.  Musky will begin moving toward the head of the lake.  Larger crappie can be caught using live minnows and slip bobbers near standing timber or trees that have fallen into the water.  Try fishing for walleye near the dam.  In the tailwater, trout and walleye should be actively feeding.

R.D. BAILEY
The winter launch ramp is closed.  No recent reports from anglers.  Trout were recently stocked in the tailwaters.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.664.9587.

STEPHENS LAKE
With warmer weather, anglers are having luck fishing later in the afternoon in the shallows for bass using slow moving lures and soft plastics.

STONECOAL LAKE
The lake is at summer pool.  Fishing is good.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait and jigs around beaver huts and fish attractors.  Trout fishing has been great.  The lake was stocked with trout by the Stonecoal Lake Fishing Club two weeks ago.  A few perch have been caught in the upper end on minnows.

STONEWALL JACKSON
The lake is at summer pool and clear.  Fishing is good.  Fish are becoming more active as water temperatures increase.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on April 10.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.269.7463.

SUMMERSVILLE
The lake is 30 feet below summer pool.  Bass are being caught in 10 to 15 feet of water.  For walleye try rocky points, drop offs and at the mouth of small tributaries entering the lake.  If you are looking for a back country fishing experience, hike down in the Gauley River gorge and enjoy some fantastic fishing.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on April 9.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.872.3412.

SUTTON
The lake is at summer pool and clear.  Fishing is good.  Fish are becoming more active as water temperatures increase.  Bass are being caught in about 10 to 12 feet.  Most are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout April 10.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.765.2705.

TYGART LAKE
The lake is at the summer level.  Walleye are finished spawning and will move into shallow water to feed at dusk.  Try casting large Rapalas along the shoreline about an hour before and after sunset.  All species are getting more active in response to the fast rising water temperatures this past week.  The coves will be warmer than the main lake and are a good place to target bass and sunfish.

There are lots of trout and walleye in the tailwater.  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)
Smallmouth bass are being caught in the tailwaters as well as sauger and walleye.  One hour before and after sunset is the best time to fish for sauger and walleye.  Minnows are the best bet but 3.inch plastic grubs are also good in white or chartreuse.  Other good spots at this time of year are heated discharges at power plants.  Hybrid striped bass will congregate in these areas.

MONONGAHELA RIVER
Water temperatures are finally warming up and fishing for all species is improving.  Fish surveys reveal good numbers of large muskies in shallow water along the shore at this time of year.  Muskies can be caught by trolling or casting large crank baits throughout the river.  Walleye and sauger are finished spawning.  A good pattern now is to fish for sauger and walleye an hour before and after sunset.  Sauger and walleye usually begin feeding at dusk in the tailwaters.  Jigs with minnows are always good baits but 3.inch plastic grubs will also be productive.

CHEAT LAKE
Walleye are now more abundant upstream of Mt. Chateau than below the I.68 Bridge and finished spawning.  Good walleye stockings in 2010 and 2012 should now be producing 13 to 15.inch fish.  Walleye are also being caught in the tailwater below the dam.  Yellow perch are also abundant in the lake.  The best area for yellow perch is from the Sunset Beach Cove to the I.68 Bridge and also around the mouth of Morgans Run at the Cheat Lake Park.  The coves will warm up faster than the main lake and bass and sunfish will be more active in these areas.  The April water level can only fluctuate seven feet until the summer level is maintained starting May 01.

EASTERN PANHANDLE

South Branch and Cacapon Rivers
Flows in streams and rivers throughout the eastern panhandle are near normal flow and the water is clear.  Stream water temperatures are now in the 50’s and warm enough for smallmouth bass to begin hitting topwater lures.  The 2013 trout stocking season is underway so check the 2013 fishing regulations to see if your favorite water will be receiving early trout stockings.

Shenandoah River
Flows in the Shenandoah River are near normal and should be in great fishing condition by the weekend.  Try fishing slow moving plastic in deep pool and between bedrock ledges.

North Branch River
Flows in the North Branch are currently near 1,000 cfs and high for wade fishing.  The fish whitewater event will be conducted on the North Branch the weekend of Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28.

Small Impoundments
Small impoundments are in great fishing condition.  Select small impoundments are receiving spring trout stockings so check the regulation and trout stocking hotline for up-to-date stocking information.

Jennings Randolph Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake is currently 1.5 feet above conservation pool and dropping slowly.  The West Virginia boat ramp opened on Saturday, March 30th.  So both the West Virginia and Maryland ramps should be open for the season.  You can purchase seasonal launch permits from the Army Corp. of Engineers on the West Virginia side or from the Maryland DNR on the Maryland side of the lake.  Jennings Randolph Lake has a dedicated phone line for up-to-date recreational information 304.355.2890.

Mt. Storm Lake
Anglers at Mount Storm Lake should target striped bass, black bass and walleye.  Dominion Power has reinstalled the floating courtesy dock at the public boat launch to assist boat anglers.  Fish can be caught throughout the lake but many anglers do well fishing with chicken livers near the discharges.  Try fishing woody structure for largemouth bass and rocky shores for smallmouth bass.

CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Water levels are normal and clear.  If you are looking for a place to go, please check the fishing regulations and the WVDNR website for a list of public access sites or call your local WVDNR district office for some advice and a place to fish.  It is a great time of year to fish for walleye at the mouth of tributaries in our larger rivers.  Watoga and Indian Rock lakes; French Creek Pond; Elk, Gandy and Shavers Fork are a few areas that were stocked with trout the past few weeks.  Remember to buy your 2013 fishing license before heading out.

SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

A number of exceptional smallmouth bass and walleye have recently been caught in the Hinton area.  Be sure to check flows with recent rains, fishing opportunities will be dictated by flows and if levels are low enough to fish.  Fish slow and expect fish to be in slower or slack water areas with depth and/or cover nearby.  Muskie anglers have reported fish being caught on large plugs fished slowly in the New and Greenbrier rivers.  Please be aware of the special regulations in the New River for walleye.  A slot limit is in place from Hawks Nest dam in Fayette County upstream to the VA/WV line in Summers County.  Within the slot limit area, all walleye between 20 and 30 inches must be released.  Two walleye may be kept; only one walleye may exceed 30 inches.  If kept, the other must be below 20 inches.  Within this zone, exists a catch and release zone.  The catch and release zone exists from Meadow Creek upstream to the base of Sandstone Falls 5 miles).  No walleye may be in an angler’s possession in this zone.  Trout anglers are having success on local streams when flows are fishable.  Call 304.558.3399 for a recent stocking report.  But remember, don’t let the stocking report dictate your destination, larger rivers and streams hold trout year.round or fish carry over from fall stockings if they received fish.  Spinners, micro jigs and bait all do well at this time of the year.  Slow your retrieve if using spinners, etc. to match temperature levels.  Try salmon eggs, powerbait, worms and other baits fished slow and close to the bottom for greater success this time of the year.  Small impoundments offer good bass fishing during the early spring as well.  Successful anglers pick warm days and target fish mainly during the late afternoon after waters have warmed from the sun.  Try soft plastics, spinnerbaits and your bait of choice, fished slowly for success.

SOUTHWESTERN WEST VIRGINIA

Lower Ohio and Kanawha Rivers
Tailwater fishing should be really picking up with a return to lower flows.  Jigs with minnows or live minnows under a bobber could provide some excellent catches of sauger, white bass, hybrid striped bass and freshwater drum.  If artificial baits are your preference, white and chartreuse are good colors to try.

Guyandotte, Coal, Poca, Elk, and Mud Rivers
These rivers should be fishable this weekend.

Small Impoundments
Trout, bluegill and bass will be feeding and can be caught with night crawlers or artificial baits.  Check the daily trout stocking report at 304.558.3399.

WEST-CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Trout have been stocked into several lakes throughout the area.  These include Tracy Lake and Pennsboro Water Supply Reservoir in Ritchie County, Mountwood Park Lake in Wood County, Rollins Lake and Turkey Run Lake in Jackson County, Mile Tree Lake in Roane County, Cedar Creek State Park Ponds in Gilmer County, and Conaway Run Lake in Tyler County.  Check the Daily Trout Stocking report for the latest at 304.558.3399.  This information is updated daily at 4:00 PM, January through May.  Trout anglers can use a variety of baits including small worms, mealworms, salmon eggs, cheese, or trout power bait.  Small spinners, joe type flies, and trout magnets also work well, for anglers casting the shoreline or fishing from boats.  Trolling these small lures is also affective.

This is an excellent time to fish Ohio River Tailwaters.  Anglers fishing below the Belleville dam are catching sauger, walleye, 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.  Clever anglers are tipping their jig hooks with minnows.  Fishing for white bass can be quite good this time of year and medium-sized white spinners work well.  Crappie can also be found in Ohio River tailwaters.  These fish are generally suspended and jigs should be counted-down to find the correct depth to fish.  Best spots to fish these areas include eddies and back-current sections, and anywhere that river flows are unusual.  Fishing along the Willow Island tailwaters is restricted due to hydro-power development.  Anglers now have access only to a point approximately 150 yards below the dam, and flows have changed significantly.

Fishing for largemouth bass in area lakes has been very good.  Slowly fished rubber worms or jig-and-pig combos, and spinner baits are good terminal tackle choices.  Area lakes with good angling opportunities include Mountwood in Wood County, Conaway Run in Tyler County, Charles Fork in Roane County, North Bend Lake in Ritchie County, and Elk Fork lakes in Jackson County.

Musky streams are expected to be fishable this weekend, and muskies are quite active.  Hot spots this time of year include areas both upstream and downstream of fast moving water.  Musky anglers should try medium to large lures.  Middle Island Creek, the major streams in the Hughes River system, and the Little Kanawha River are good area musky waters.  Those interested in trying their luck with muskies in a lake should try North Bend Lake.

 

Stream Conditions

NORTHERN	Levels			Conditions
Ohio River (Wheeling)			High			Muddy
Fish Creek		Normal		Clear
Fishing Creek		Normal		Clear
Big Sandy (Preston)		Normal		Clear
Monongahela River		Normal		Clear
Wheeling Creek		Normal		Clear
Buffalo Creek		Normal		Clear
Blackwater River		Normal		Clear
EASTERN PANHANDLE	Levels			Conditions
S. Branch (Potomac)		Normal		Clear
S. Branch (Smoke Hole)		Normal		Clear
Shenandoah River		Normal		Clear
Patterson Creek		Normal		Clear
N. Fork S. Branch		Normal		Clear
Cacapon River		Normal		Clear
Back Creek		Normal		Clear
Opequon Creek		Normal		Clear
Lost River		Normal		Clear
CENTRAL	Levels			Conditions
Elk (Sutton)			High	Clear
Little Kanawha			High	Clear
Elk (Clay)			High	Clear
West Fork River			High	Clear
Gauley River			High	Clear
Cranberry River			High	Clear
Cherry River			High	Clear
Cherry River (N. Fork)			High	Clear
Cherry River (S. Fork)			High	Clear
Williams River			High	Clear
Knapps River			High	Clear
Greenbrier (E&W Forks)			High	Clear
Little River			High	Clear
Shavers Fork			High	Clear
Buckhannon River			High	Clear
Holly River			High	Clear
Elk River (Webster)			High	Clear
Elk River (Back Fork)			High	Clear
SOUTHERN	Levels			Conditions
New River (Hinton)			High		Milky
Greenbrier (Hinton)			High		Milky
Greenbrier (Ronceverte)			High		Milky
Anthony Creek		Normal		Clear
Big  Creek		Normal		Clear
Meadow River		Normal		Clear
Turkey Creek			High		Milky
Potts Creek			High		Milky
Second Creek			High		Milky
Pinnacle Creek		Normal		Clear
Horse Creek Lake		Normal		Clear
Big Huff Creek		Normal		Clear
Indian Creek		Normal		Clear
Glade Creek (New River)		Normal		Clear
Marsh Fork		Normal		Clear
New River (Gauley)		Normal		Clear
Glade Creek (Man)		Normal		Clear
Camp Creek		Normal			Milky
East River		Normal			Milky
Fork Creek		Normal			Milky
Dry Fork Creek		Normal			Milky
Berwind Lake		Normal			Milky
WESTERN & SOUTHWESTERN	Levels			Conditions
Little Kanawha River		Normal			Milky
Ohio River		Normal			Milky
Hughes River		Normal			Milky

 

 

Trout Stockings:

April 18, 2013
• Blackwater River
• Buffalo Fork Lake
• Cranberry River
• Glady Fork
• Greenbrier River
• Indian Creek
• Knapps Creek
• Rich Creek
• Shavers Fork (Bemis)
• Shavers Fork (lower section rail stocking) Bowden to Bemis
• Shavers Fork (lower section)
• South Branch (Smoke Hole)
• South Mill Creek Lake
• Watoga Lake

April 17, 2013
• Buffalo Creek (Brooke)
• Bullskin Run
• Camp Creek
• Castlemans Run Lake
• East River
• Elk River
• Evitts Run
• Fitzpatrick Lake
• Horseshoe Run
• Marsh Fork
• Mash Fork
• Mash Fork of Camp Creek (Children & Class Q)
• Middle Wheeling Lake
• Opequon Creek
• Red Creek
• Rocky Marsh Run
• Shavers Fork (upper section rail stocking) downstream of C&R section to Bemis
• South Branch (Franklin)
• South Fork of Cranberry River
• Spruce Knob Lake
• Tygart Valley River Headwaters

April 16, 2013
• Brandywine Lake
• Brushy Fork Lake
• Cacapon Park Lake
• Kimsey Run Lake
• Middle Creek
• Mill Creek of Opequon Creek
• Paint Creek
• Pond Fork
• Right Fork of Middle Fork River
• Shavers Fork (upper section rail stocking) C&R section
• Summit Lake
• Teter Creek Lake
• Tilhance Creek
• Tuscarora Creek
• Wheeling Creek
• Williams River

April 15, 2013
• Anthony Creek
• Cherry River
• Clear Fork of Guyandotte River
• Clear Fork of Guyandotte River (C&R)
• Curtisville Lake
• East Fork Greenbrier River
• Gandy Creek
• Laurel Fork (Randolph)
• Little River East Fork Greenbrier River
• Little River West Fork Greenbrier River
• Lost River
• Lower Cove Run
• New Creek
• North Fork of Anthony Creek
• North Fork of Cherry River
• North Fork of Lunice
• North Fork of Patterson Creek
• North Fork of South Branch
• North River
• Pinnacle Creek (upper and lower sections)
• R.D. Bailey Tailwaters
• Trout Run
• Waites Run
• West Fork Greenbrier River

April 12, 2013
• Anawalt Lake
• Blackwater River
• Coonskin Park Lake (Children & Class Q)
• Hills Creek
• Lost River
• Mountwood Park Lake
• Rock Cliff Lake
• South Branch (Franklin)
• South Fork of Cranberry River
• Spruce Knob Lake
• Trout Run
• Waites Run
• Wallback Lake

April 11, 2013
• Anthony Creek
• Elk River
• Gandy Creek
• Knapps Creek
• Laurel Fork (Randolph)
• New Creek
• North Fork of Patterson Creek
• Rockhouse Lake
• Shavers Fork (upper section)
• South Branch (Smoke Hole)
• Spruce Laurel Fork
• Tygart Tailwaters
• Williams River

Fishing Report – 04.11.13

BEECH FORK
The reservoir level is slowly rising to summer pool.  Anglers should call the Beech Fork Corps of Engineers office at 304.525.4831 for more information.  Bass can be caught throughout the day.  Try fishing near downed trees, old stumps, and near points.  Crappie are abundant in Beech Fork and can be caught on a variety of light lures.  Hybrid striped bass and white bass can be caught using shad imitating lures or with live bait suspended below a bobber.

BLUESTONE
Stripers and hybrids have been seen schooling and chasing shad occasionally still around the pit area.  Try shad like lures and surface lures to garner strikes when they appear at the surface.  A few bass being caught (both smallmouth and largemouth) have been reported.  Successful anglers are using slow moving lures (soft plastics and minnow like jerkbaits-along sun warmed banks and close to drop) offs along the main channel later in the day.  No recent reports from catfish anglers.  A new boat launch was recently completed at ‘the Pit’.  The old launch was becoming silted in and will be off limits during the construction of the new bridge over the Bluestone arm of the lake.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.466.0156.  Be aware that in the future, the access at the Pit will be reduced due to the construction on the Bluestone arm bridge.  Construction equipment and trucks will be on the site, be safe and be aware of your surroundings while using the Pit area to prevent any accidents.  Once the construction begins, inconveniences to anglers and users of the Pit area will be reduced as much as possible as problems are sorted out over time.  The construction will last through 2016.  Please be careful as mentioned, be prepared to possibly wait a little longer to launch and pick-up your boat, and be sure to be courteous of others.  Please bear with State Park personnel until issues can be worked out as they develop.

BURNSVILLE
The lake is two feet below summer pool.  Fishing is fair.  Fish are becoming more active as water temperatures increase.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also being caught on live bait in any type of cover.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on March 21.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.853.2398.

EAST LYNN
The reservoir level is slowly rising towards summer pool.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.849.9861.  Big bass will continue to feed during the colder months.  Try fishing near logs, stumps and fish attracting brush piles.  Musky will begin moving toward the head of the lake.  Larger crappie can be caught using live minnows and slip bobbers near standing timber or trees that have fallen into the water.  Try fishing for walleye near the dam.  In the tailwater, trout and walleye should be actively feeding.

R.D. BAILEY
The winter launch ramp is closed.  No recent reports from anglers.  Trout were recently stocked in the tailwaters.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.664.9587.

STEPHENS LAKE
With warmer weather, anglers are having luck fishing later in the afternoon in the shallows for bass using slow moving lures and soft plastics.

STONECOAL LAKE
The lake is at summer pool.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait and jigs around beaver huts and fish attractors.  Trout fishing has been great.  A few perch have been caught in the upper end on minnows.

STONEWALL JACKSON
The lake is at summer pool and clear.  Fish are becoming more active as water temperatures increase.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on March 21.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.269.7463.

SUMMERSVILLE
The lake is 30 feet below summer pool.  Bass are being caught in 10 to 15 feet of water.  For walleye try rocky points, drop offs and at the mouth of small tributaries entering the lake.  If you are looking for a back country fishing experience, hike down in the Gauley River gorge and enjoy some fantastic fishing.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on March 15.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.872.3412.

SUTTON
The lake is at summer pool and clear.  Fish are becoming more active as water temperatures increase.  Bass are being caught in about 10 to 12 feet.  Most are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout March 21.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.765.2705.

TYGART LAKE
The lake is near the summer level.  Walleye should be nearly finished spawning and will move into shallow water to feed or spawn at dusk.  Try casting large Rapalas along the shoreline about an hour before and after sunset.  Some walleye will also move up into river at the head of the lake to spawn.  Drive into Cove Run and fish the river from the shore.  All species are getting more active in response to the fast rising water temperatures this past week.  The coves will be warmer than the main lake and are a good place to target bass and sunfish.

There are lots of trout and walleye in the tailwater.  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)
There are a lot of sauger and walleye in the dam tailwaters.  One hour before and after sunset is the best time to fish for sauger and walleye.  Minnows are the best bet but 3.inch plastic grubs are also good in white or chartreuse.  Other good spots at this time of year are heated discharges at power plants.  Hybrid striped bass will congregate in these areas.

MONONGAHELA RIVER
Water temperatures are finally warming up and fishing is improving.  Fish surveys reveal good numbers of large muskies in shallow water along the shore at this time of year.  Muskies can be caught by trolling or casting large crank baits throughout the river.  Walleye and sauger should be nearly finished spawning.  A good pattern now is to fish for sauger and walleye an hour before and after sunset.  Sauger and walleye usually begin feeding at dusk in the tailwaters but will be active during the day when the water is turbid.  Jigs with minnows are always good baits but 3.inch plastic grubs will also be productive.

CHEAT LAKE
Walleye are now more abundant upstream of Mt. Chateau than below the I.68 Bridge and should be nearly finished spawning.  Good walleye stockings in 2010 and 2012 should now be producing 13 to 15.inch fish.  Walleye are also being caught in the tailwater below the dam.  Yellow perch are also abundant in the lake.  The best area for yellow perch is from the Sunset Beach Cove to the I.68 Bridge and also around the mouth of Morgans Run at the Cheat Lake Park.  The coves will warm up faster than the main lake and bass and sunfish will be more active in these areas.  The April water level can only fluctuate seven feet until the summer level is maintained starting May 01.

EASTERN PANHANDLE

South Branch and Cacapon Rivers
Flows in streams and rivers throughout the eastern panhandle are near normal flow and the water is clear.  Stream water temperatures are now in the 50’s and warm enough for smallmouth bass to begin hitting top water lures.  The 2013 trout stocking season is underway so check the 2013 fishing regulations to see if your favorite water will be receiving early trout stockingstay up.

Shenandoah River
Flows in the Shenandoah River are near normal and should be in great fishing condition by the weekend.  Try fishing slow moving plastic in deep pools and between bedrock ledges.

North Branch River
Flows in the North Branch are currently near 1,200 cfs and too high for wade fishing.  The fish whitewater event will be conducted on the North Branch this weekend on Saturday, April 13th and Sunday, April 14th.

Small Impoundments
Small impoundments are in great fishing condition.  Select small impoundments are receiving spring trout stockings so check the regulation and trout stocking hotline for up.to.date stocking information.

Jennings Randolph Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake is currently two feet above conservation pool and dropping slowly.  The West Virginia boat ramp opened on Saturday, March 30th.  So both the West Virginia and Maryland ramps should be open for the season.  You can purchase seasonal launch permits from the Army Corp. of Engineers on the West Virginia side or from the Maryland DNR on the Maryland side of the lake.  Jennings Randolph Lake has a dedicated phone line for up-to-date recreational information (304.355.2890.

Mt. Storm Lake
Anglers at Mount Storm Lake should target striped bass, black bass and walleye.  Dominion Power has reinstalled the floating courtesy dock at the public boat launch to assist boat anglers.  Fish can be caught throughout the lake but many anglers do well fishing with chicken livers near the discharges.  Try fishing woody structure for largemouth bass and rocky shores for smallmouth bass.

CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Water levels are normal and clear.  If you are looking for a place to go, please check the fishing regulations and the WVDNR website for a list of public access sites or call your local WVDNR district office for some advice and a place to fish.  It is a great time of year to fish for walleye at the mouth of tributaries in our larger rivers.  Watoga and Indian Rock lakes; French Creek Pond; Elk, Gandy and Shavers Fork are a few areas that were stocked with trout the past few weeks.  Remember to buy your 2013 fishing license before heading out.

SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

A number of exceptional smallmouth bass and walleye have recently been caught in the Hinton area.  Be sure to check flows with recent rains and increased snow melt, fishing opportunities will be dictated by flows and if levels are low enough to fish.  Fish slow and expect fish to be in slower or slack water areas with depth and/or cover nearby. Muskie anglers have reported fish being caught on large plugs fished slowly in the New and Greenbrier rivers.  Please be aware of the special regulations in the New River for walleye.  A slot limit is in place from Hawks Nest dam in Fayette County upstream to the VA/WV line in Summers County.  Within the slot limit area, all walleye between 20 and 30 inches must be released.  Two walleye may be kept; only one walleye may exceed 30 inches.  If kept, the other must be below 20 inches.  Within this zone, exists a catch and release zone.  The catch and release zone exists from Meadow Creek upstream to the base of Sandstone Falls (5 miles).  No walleye may be in an angler’s possession in this zone.  Trout anglers are having some success on local streams during warmer days and when flows are fishable.  District Four waters stocked recently include Anthony, Paint and Knapps creeks.  Call 304.558.3399 for a recent stocking report.  But remember, don’t let the stocking report dictate your destination, larger rivers and streams hold trout year-round or fish carry over from fall stockings if they received fish.  Spinners, micro jigs and bait all do well at this time of the year.  Slow your retrieve if using spinners, etc. to match temperature levels.  Try salmon eggs, powerbait, worms and other baits fished slow and close to the bottom for greater success this time of the year.  Small impoundments offer good bass fishing during the early spring as well.  Successful anglers pick warm days and target fish mainly during the late afternoon after waters have warmed from the sun.  Try soft plastics, spinnerbaits and your bait of choice, fished slowly for success.

SOUTHWESTERN WEST VIRGINIA

Lower Ohio and Kanawha Rivers
Tailwater fishing should be really picking up with a return to lower flows.  Jigs with minnows or live minnows under a bobber could provide some excellent catches of sauger, white bass, hybrid striped bass and freshwater drum.  If artificial baits are your preference, white and chartreuse are good colors to try.

Guyandotte, Coal, Poca, Elk, and Mud Rivers
These rivers should be fishable this weekend.

Small ImpoundmentsTrout, bluegill and bass will be feeding and can be caught with night crawlers or artificial baits.  Check the daily trout stocking report at (304.558.3399.

WEST-CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Trout have been stocked into several lakes throughout the area.  These include Tracy Lake and Pennsboro Water Supply Reservoir in Ritchie County, Mountwood Park Lake in Wood County, Rollins Lake and Turkey Run Lake in Jackson County, Mile Tree Lake in Roane County, Cedar Creek State Park Ponds in Gilmer County, and Conaway Run Lake in Tyler County.  Check the Daily Trout Stocking report for the latest at 304.558.3399.  This information is updated daily at 4:00 PM, January through May.  Trout anglers can use a variety of baits including small worms, mealworms, salmon eggs, cheese, or trout power bait.  Small spinners, joe type flies, and trout magnets also work well, for anglers casting the shoreline or fishing from boats.  Trolling these small lures is also affective.

This is an excellent time to fish Ohio River tailwaters.  Anglers fishing below the Belleville dam are catching sauger, walleye, 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.  Clever anglers are tipping their jig hooks with minnows.  Fishing for white bass can be quite good this time of year and medium-sized white spinners work well.  Crappie can also be found in Ohio River tailwaters.  These fish are generally suspended and jigs should be counted-down to find the correct depth to fish.  Best spots to fish these areas include eddies and back-current sections, and anywhere that river flows are unusual.  Fishing along the Willow Island tailwaters is restricted due to hydro-power development.  Anglers now have access only to a point approximately 150 yards below the dam, and flows have changed significantly.

Fishing for largemouth bass in area lakes has been very good.  Slowly fished rubber worms or jig-and-pig combos, and spinner baits are good terminal tackle choices.  Area lakes with good angling opportunities include Mountwood in Wood County, Conaway Run in Tyler County, Charles Fork in Roane County, North Bend Lake in Ritchie County, and Elk Fork lakes in Jackson County.

Musky streams are expected to be fishable this weekend, and muskies are quite active.  Hot spots this time of year include areas both upstream and downstream of fast moving water.  Musky anglers should try medium to large lures.  Middle Island Creek, the major stream in the Hughes River system, and the Little Kanawha River are good area musky waters.  Those interested in trying their luck with muskies in a lake should try North Bend Lake.

Stream Conditions

NORTHERN	Levels			Conditions
Ohio River (Wheeling)		Normal		Clear
Fish Creek		Normal		Clear
Fishing Creek		Normal		Clear
Big Sandy (Preston)		Normal		Clear
Monongahela River		Normal		Clear
Wheeling Creek		Normal		Clear
Buffalo Creek		Normal		Clear
Blackwater River		Normal		Clear
EASTERN PANHANDLE	Levels			Conditions
S. Branch (Potomac)		Normal		Clear
S. Branch (Smoke Hole)		Normal		Clear
Shenandoah River		Normal		Clear
Patterson Creek		Normal		Clear
N. Fork S. Branch			High	Clear
Cacapon River		Normal		Clear
Back Creek		Normal		Clear
Opequon Creek		Normal		Clear
Lost River		Normal		Clear
CENTRAL	Levels			Conditions
Elk (Sutton)		Normal		Clear
Little Kanawha		Normal		Clear
Elk (Clay)		Normal		Clear
West Fork River		Normal		Clear
Gauley River		Normal		Clear
Cranberry River		Normal		Clear
Cherry River		Normal		Clear
Cherry River (N. Fork)		Normal		Clear
Cherry River (S. Fork)		Normal		Clear
Williams River			High	Clear
Knapps River			High	Clear
Greenbrier (E&W Forks)			High	Clear
Little River			High	Clear
Shavers Fork		Normal		Clear
Buckhannon River		Normal		Clear
Holly River			High	Clear
Elk River (Webster)			High	Clear
Elk River (Back Fork)			High	Clear
SOUTHERN	Levels			Conditions
New River (Hinton)		Normal		Clear
Greenbrier (Hinton)			High		Milky
Greenbrier (Ronceverte)		Normal			Milky
Anthony Creek		Normal			Milky
Big  Creek		Normal			Milky
Meadow River		Normal			Milky
Turkey Creek			High		Milky
Potts Creek			High		Milky
Second Creek			High		Milky
Pinnacle Creek		Normal			Milky
Horse Creek Lake		Normal		Clear
Big Huff Creek		Normal		Clear
Indian Creek		Normal		Clear
Glade Creek (New River)		Normal		Clear
Marsh Fork		Normal			Milky
New River (Gauley)		Normal			Milky
Glade Creek (Man)		Normal			Milky
Camp Creek		Normal			Milky
East River		Normal			Milky
Fork Creek		Normal			Milky
Dry Fork Creek		Normal			Milky
Berwind Lake		Normal			Milky
WESTERN & SOUTHWESTERN	Levels			Conditions
Little Kanawha River		Normal			Milky
Ohio River		Normal			Milky
Hughes River		Normal			Milky

 

Trout Stockings:

April 11, 2013
• Anthony Creek
• Elk River
• Gandy Creek
• Knapps Creek
• Laurel Fork (Randolph)
• New Creek
• North Fork of Patterson Creek
• Rockhouse Lake
• Shavers Fork (upper section)
• South Branch (Smoke Hole)
• Spruce Laurel Fork
• Tygart Tailwaters
• Williams River

April 10, 2013
• Big Clear Creek
• Burnsville Tailwaters
• Clover Run
• Glade Creek of New River
• Glady Fork
• Kings Creek
• Little Beaver Lake
• Little Clear Creek
• Newburg Lake
• North Fork of South Branch
• Shavers Fork (Bemis)
• Shavers Fork (lower section)
• Stonewall Jackson Tailwaters
• Sutton Tailwaters
• Tomlinson Run
• Tomlinson Run Lake

April 09, 2013
• Berwind Lake
• Big Sandy Creek
• Bullskin Run
• Coopers Rock Lake
• Cranberry River
• Dry Fork (McDowell)
• East Fork of Greenbrier River
• Evitts Run
• Indian Rocks Lake
• Left Fork of Right Fork of Buckhannon River
• Little River East Fork Greenbrier River
• Little River West Fork Greenbrier River
• Mason Lake
• Middle Creek
• Mill Creek of Opequon Creek
• North Fork of South Branch (C&R)
• Paw Paw Creek
• Right Fork of Buckhannon River
• Summersville Tailwaters
• West Fork of Greenbrier River
• Whiteday Creek

April 08, 2013
• Beech Fork Tailwaters
• Blackwater River
• Buckhannon River
• Cacapon Park Lake
• East Lynn Tailwaters
• Lick Creek Pond
• Opequon Creek
• Rocky Marsh Run
• Rollins Lake
• Seneca Lake
• South Fork of Cherry River
• Summit Lake
• Watoga Lake
• Wayne Dam
• West Fork Twelvepole

April 05, 2013
• Buffalo Creek (Logan)
• Bullskin Run
• Evitts Run
• Glady Fork
• Kimsey Run Lake
• Long Marsh Run
• Meadow Creek of Anthony Creek (Greenbrier)
• Middle Creek
• Mill Creek of Opequon Creek (Berkeley)
• New Creek
• North Fork of Anthony Creek
• North Fork of Lunice
• North Fork of Patterson Creek
• Shavers Fork (Bemis)
• Shavers Fork (lower section)
• Shavers Fork (Stuarts Park C&R)
• Tuscarora Creek

April 04, 2013
• Big Run Lake
• Cacapon Park Lake
• Fall Run
• French Creek Pond
• Horseshoe Run
• Jimmy Lewis Lake
• Left Fork of Holly River
• Mill Run of Back Creek
• North Fork of South Branch
• Opequon Creek
• Pipestem Lake
• Red Creek
• Rocky Marsh Run
• South Branch (Franklin)
• Summit Lake
• Tilhance Creek
• Tygart Valley River Headwaters
• Watoga Lake

Fishing Report – 04.04.13

BEECH FORK
The reservoir level is slowly rising to summer pool.  Anglers should call the Beech Fork Corps of Engineers office at 304.525.4831 for more information.  Bass can be caught throughout the day.  Try fishing near downed trees, old stumps, and near points.  Crappie are abundant in Beech Fork and can be caught on a variety of light lures.  Hybrid striped bass and white bass can be caught using shad imitating lures or with live bait suspended below a bobber.

BLUESTON
Stripers and hybrids have been seen schooling and chasing shad occasionally still around the pit area.  Try shad like lures and surface lures to garner strikes when they appear at the surface.  A few bass being caught both smallmouth and largemouth have been reported.  Successful anglers are using slow moving lures soft plastics and minnow like jerkbaits-along sun warmed banks and close to drop-offs along the main channel later in the day.  No recent reports from catfish anglers.  A new boat launch was recently completed at ‘the Pit’.  The old launch was becoming silted in and will be off limits during the construction of the new bridge over the Bluestone arm of the lake.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.466.0156.  Be aware that in the future, the access at the Pit will be reduced due to the construction on the Bluestone arm bridge.  Construction equipment and trucks will be on the site, be safe and be aware of your surroundings while using the Pit area to prevent any accidents.  Once the construction begins, inconveniences to anglers and users of the Pit area will be reduced as much as possible as problems are sorted out over time.  The construction will last through 2016.  Please be careful as mentioned, be prepared to possibly wait a little longer to launch and pick.up your boat, and be sure to be courteous of others.  Please bear with State Park personnel until issues can be worked out as they develop.

BURNSVILLE
The lake is seven feet below summer pool.  The Corps of Engineers began the process of raising the lake level to summer pool on April 1.  Fishing is fair.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also being caught on live bait in any type of cover.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on March 21.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.853.2398.

EAST LYNN
The reservoir level is slowly rising towards summer pool.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.849.9861.  Big bass will continue to feed during the colder months.  Try fishing near logs, stumps and fish attracting brush piles.  Musky will begin moving toward the head of the lake.  Larger crappie can be caught using live minnows and slip bobbers near standing timber or trees that have fallen into the water.  Try fishing for walleye near the dam.  In the tailwater, trout and walleye should be actively feeding.

R.D. BAILEY
The winter launch ramp is closed.  No recent reports from anglers.  Trout were recently stocked in the tailwaters.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.664.9587.

STEPHENS LAKE
With warmer weather, anglers are having luck fishing later in the afternoon in the shallows for bass using slow moving lures and soft plastics.

STONECOAL LAKE
The lake is two feet below summer pool.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait and jigs around beaver huts and fish attractors.  Trout fishing has been fair.  A few perch have been caught in the upper end on minnows.

STONEWALL JACKSON
The lake is at two feet below summer pool and clear.  The Corps of Engineers began the process of raising the lake level to summer pool on April 01.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on March 21.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.269.7463.

SUMMERSVILLE
The lake is 20 feet above winter pool.  The Corps of Engineers began the process of raising the lake level to summer pool on April 01.  Bass are being caught in 10 to 15 feet of water.  For walleye try rocky points, drop offs and at the mouth of small tributaries entering the lake A few have been caught as deep as 50 feet).  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on March 15.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.872.3412.

SUTTON
The lake is 12 feet below summer pool and clear.  The Corps of Engineers began the process of raising the lake level to summer pool on April 01.  Fishing is fair.  Bass are being caught in about 10 to 12 feet.  Most are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout March 21.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.765.2705.

TYGART LAKE
The lake is near the summer level.  Water temperatures are much colder than this time last year.  Walleye should be in the middle of spawning and will move into shallow water to feed or spawn at dusk.  Try casting large Rapalas along the shoreline about an hour before and after sunset.  Some walleye will also move up into river at the head of the lake to spawn.  Drive into Cove Run and fish the river from the shore. 
Walleye will have been moving through the dam during the recent high water discharges.  There are also lots of trout in the tailwater.  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)
There are a lot of sauger in the dam tailwaters and walleye and sauger are also being caught at the mouths of tributaries, particularly Fishing Creek.  Minnows are the best bet but jigging spoons have also been productive.  Other good spots at this time of year are heated discharges at power plants.  One hour before and after sunset is the best time for sauger and walleye.  Hybrid striped bass will congregate in these areas.

MONONGAHELA RIVER
Water temperatures are still10 degrees colder than this time last year.  Fish surveys reveal good numbers of large muskies in shallow water along the shore at this time of year.  Muskies can be caught by trolling or casting large crank baits throughout the river.  Walleye and sauger should be in the middle of spawning.  A good pattern now is to fish for sauger and walleye an hour before and after sunset.  Sauger and walleye usually begin feeding at dusk in the tailwaters but will be active during the day when the water is turbid.  They may also concentrate at the mouths of larger tributaries like Deckers, Buffalo, PawPaw and Pricket’s creeks.  Jigs with minnows are always good baits but 3-inch plastic grubs will also be productive.

CHEAT LAKE
Colder than normal water temperatures have slowed walleye spawning activity.  Walleye are now more abundant upstream of Mt. Chateau than below the I-68 Bridge.  Good walleye stockings in 2010 and 2012 should now be producing 13 to 15.inch fish.  Yellow perch are also abundant in the lake.  The best area for yellow perch is from the Sunset Beach Cove to the I-68 Bridge and also around the mouth of Morgans Run at the Cheat Lake Park.  Channel catfish can be caught at the Cheat Lake Park even during this cold weather.  The April water level can only fluctuate seven feet until the summer level is maintained starting May 01.

EASTERN PANHANDLE

South Branch and Cacapon Rivers
Flows in streams and rivers throughout the eastern panhandle are higher than normal and the water is clear.  Stream water temperatures are in the mid 40’s and anglers are still catching lots of big smallmouth bass.  The 2013 trout stocking season is underway so check the 2013 fishing regulations to see if your favorite water will be receiving early trout stockings.

Shenandoah River
Flows in the Shenandoah River are near normal and should be in great fishing condition by the weekend.  Try fishing slow moving plastic in deep pools and between bedrock ledges.

North Branch River
Flows in the North Branch are currently near 1,600 cfs and too high for wade fishing.  The flows are projected to start dropping by the weekend.

Small Impoundments
Small impoundments are in great fishing condition.  Select small impoundments are receiving spring trout stockings so check the regulation and trout stocking hotline for up-to-date stocking information.

Jennings Randolph Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake is currently two feet above conservation pool and rising slowly.  The West Virginia boat ramp opened Saturday, March 30.  So both the West Virginia and Maryland ramps should be open for the season.  You can purchase seasonal launch permits from the Army Corp. of Engineers on the West Virginia side or from the Maryland DNR on the Maryland side of the lake.  Jennings Randolph Lake has a dedicated phone line for up-to-date recreational information 304.355.2890.

Mt. Storm Lake
Anglers at Mount Storm Lake should target striped bass, black bass and walleye.  Mount Storm Lake is a great early season fishing opportunity.  Dominion Power has reinstalled the floating courtesy dock at the public boat launch to assist boat anglers.  Fish can be caught throughout the lake but many anglers do well fishing with chicken livers near the discharges.  Try fishing woody structure for largemouth bass and rocky shores for smallmouth bass.

CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Water levels are normal and clear.  If you are looking for a place to go, please check the fishing regulations and the WVDNR website for a list of public access sites or call your local WVDNR district office for some advice and a place to fish.  It is a great time of year to fish for walleye at the mouth of tributaries in our larger rivers.  Watoga and Indian Rock lakes; French Creek Pond; Elk, Gandy and Shavers Fork are a few areas that were stocked with trout the past few weeks.  Remember to buy your 2013 fishing license before heading out.

SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

A number of exceptional smallmouth bass and walleye have recently been caught in the Hinton area.  Be sure to check flows with recent rains and increased snow melt, fishing opportunities will be dictated by flows and if levels are low enough to fish.  Fish slow and expect fish to be in slower or slack water areas with depth and/or cover nearby.  Muskie anglers have reported fish being caught on large plugs fished slowly in the New and Greenbrier rivers.  Please be aware of the special regulations in the New River for walleye.  A slot limit is in place from Hawks Nest dam in Fayette County upstream to the VA/WV line in Summers County.  Within the slot limit area, all walleye between 20 and 30 inches must be released.  Two walleye may be kept; only one walleye may exceed 30 inches.  If kept, the other must be below 20 inches.  Within this zone, exists a catch and release zone.  The catch and release zone exists from Meadow Creek upstream to the base of Sandstone Falls 5 miles).  No walleye may be in an angler’s possession in this zone.  Trout anglers are having some success on local streams during warmer days and when flows are fishable.  District Four waters stocked recently include Anthony, Paint and Knapps creeks.  Call 304.558.3399 for a recent stocking report.  But remember, don’t let the stocking report dictate your destination, larger rivers and streams hold trout year-round or fish carry over from fall stockings if they received fish.  Spinners, micro jigs and bait all do well at this time of the year.  Slow your retrieve if using spinners, etc. to match temperature levels.  Try salmon eggs, powerbait, worms and other baits fished slow and close to the bottom for greater success this time of the year.  Small impoundments offer good bass fishing during the early spring as well.  Successful anglers pick warm days and target fish mainly during the late afternoon after waters have warmed from the sun.  Try soft plastics, spinnerbaits and your bait of choice, fished slowly for success.

SOUTHWESTERN WEST VIRGINIA

Lower Ohio and Kanawha Rivers
Tailwater fishing should be really picking up with a return to lower flows.  Jigs with minnows or live minnows under a bobber could provide some excellent catches of sauger, white bass, hybrid striped bass and freshwater drum.  If artificial baits are your preference, white and chartreuse are good colors to try.

Guyandotte, Coal, Poca, Elk, and Mud Rivers
These rivers should be fishable this weekend.

Small Impoundments
Trout, bluegill and bass will be feeding and can be caught with night crawlers or artificial baits.  Check the daily trout stocking report at 304.558.3399.

WEST-CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Trout have been stocked into several lakes throughout the area.  These include Tracy Lake and Pennsboro Water Supply Reservoir in Ritchie County, Mountwood Park Lake in Wood County, Rollins Lake and Turkey Run Lake in Jackson County, Mile Tree Lake in Roane County, Cedar Creek State Park Ponds in Gilmer County, and Conaway Run Lake in Tyler County.  Check the Daily Trout Stocking report for the latest at 304.558.3399.  This information is updated daily at 4:00 PM, January through May.  Trout anglers can use a variety of baits including small worms, mealworms, salmon eggs, cheese, or trout power bait.  Small spinners, joe type flies, and trout magnets also work well, for anglers casting the shoreline or fishing from boats.  Trolling these small lures is also affective.

This is an excellent time to fish Ohio River tailwaters.  Anglers fishing below the Belleville dam are catching sauger, walleye, 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.  Clever anglers are tipping their jig hooks with minnows.  Fishing for white bass can be quite good this time of year and medium-sized white spinners work well.  Crappie can also be found in Ohio River tailwaters.  These fish are generally suspended and jigs should be counted-down to find the correct depth to fish.  Best spots to fish these areas include eddies and back-current sections, and anywhere that river flows are unusual.  Fishing along the Willow Island tailwaters is restricted due to hydro-power development.  Anglers now have access only to a point approximately 150 yards below the dam, and flows have changed significantly.

Fishing for largemouth bass in area lakes has been very good.  Slowly fished rubber worms or jig-and-pig combos, and spinner baits are good terminal tackle choices.  Area lakes with good angling opportunities include Mountwood in Wood County, Conaway Run in Tyler County, Charles Fork in Roane County, North Bend Lake in Ritchie County, and Elk Fork lakes in Jackson County.

Musky streams are expected to be fishable this weekend, and muskies are quite active.  Hot spots this time of year include areas both upstream and downstream of fast moving water.  Musky anglers should try medium to large lures.  Middle Island Creek, the major stream in the Hughes River system, and the Little Kanawha River are good area musky waters.  Those interested in trying their luck with muskies in a lake should try North Bend Lake.

 

Stream Conditions

NORTHERN	Levels			Conditions
Ohio River (Wheeling)		Normal		Clear
Fish Creek		Normal		Clear
Fishing Creek		Normal		Clear
Big Sandy (Preston)		Normal		Clear
Monongahela River		Normal		Clear
Wheeling Creek		Normal		Clear
Buffalo Creek		Normal		Clear
Blackwater River		Normal		Clear
EASTERN PANHANDLE	Levels			Conditions
S. Branch (Potomac)			High	Clear
S. Branch (Smoke Hole)			High	Clear
Shenandoah River			High	Clear
Patterson Creek			High	Clear
N. Fork S. Branch			High	Clear
Cacapon River			High	Clear
Back Creek			High	Clear
Opequon Creek			High	Clear
Lost River			High	Clear
CENTRAL	Levels			Conditions
Elk (Sutton)		Normal		Clear
Little Kanawha		Normal		Clear
Elk (Clay)		Normal		Clear
West Fork River		Normal		Clear
Gauley River		Normal		Clear
Cranberry River			High		Milky
Cherry River			High		Milky
Cherry River (N. Fork)			High		Milky
Cherry River (S. Fork)			High		Milky
Williams River			High		Milky
Knapps River			High		Milky
Greenbrier (E&W Forks)			High		Milky
Little River			High		Milky
Shavers Fork			High		Milky
Buckhannon River		Normal		Clear
Holly River			High		Milky
Elk River (Webster)			High		Milky
Elk River (Back Fork)			High		Milky
SOUTHERN	Levels			Conditions
New River (Hinton)			High	Clear
Greenbrier (Hinton)			High	Clear
Greenbrier (Ronceverte)		Normal		Clear
Anthony Creek		Normal		Clear
Big  Creek		Normal		Clear
Meadow River		Normal		Clear
Turkey Creek		Normal		Clear
Potts Creek		Normal		Clear
Second Creek		Normal		Clear
Pinnacle Creek		Normal		Clear
Horse Creek Lake		Normal		Clear
Big Huff Creek		Normal		Clear
Indian Creek		Normal		Clear
Glade Creek (New River)			High		Milky
Marsh Fork			High		Milky
New River (Gauley)			High		Milky
Glade Creek (Man)			High		Milky
Camp Creek			High		Milky
East River			High		Milky
Fork Creek			High		Milky
Dry Fork Creek			High		Milky
Berwind Lake			High		Milky
WESTERN & SOUTHWESTERN	Levels			Conditions
Little Kanawha River		Normal		Clear
Ohio River		Normal		Clear
Hughes River		Normal		Clear

 

Trout Stockings:

April 05, 2013
• Buffalo Creek (Logan)
• Bullskin Run
• Evitts Run
• Glady Fork
• Horse Creek Lake
• Kimsey Run Lake
• Long Marsh Run
• Meadow Creek of Anthony Creek (Greenbrier)
• Middle Creek
• Mill Creek of Opequon Creek (Berkeley)
• New Creek
• North Fork of Anthony Creek
• North Fork of Lunice
• North Fork of Patterson Creek
• Shavers Fork (Bemis)
• Shavers Fork (lower section)
• Shavers Fork (Stuarts Park C&R)
• Tuscarora Creek

April 04, 2013
• Big Run Lake
• Cacapon Park Lake
• Fall Run
• French Creek Pond
• Horseshoe Run
• Jimmy Lewis Lake
• Left Fork of Holly River
• Mill Run of Back Creek
• North Fork of South Branch
• Opequon Creek
• Pipestem Lake
• Red Creek
• Rocky Marsh Run
• South Branch (Franklin)
• Summit Lake
• Tilhance Creek
• Tygart Valley River Headwaters
• Watoga Lake

April 03, 2013
• Anthony Creek
• Bear Rocks Lake
• Blackwater River
• Dillons Run
• Dog Run Lake
• Dunkard Fork Lake
• Dunloup Creek
• Edwards Run
• Fort Ashby Reservoir
• Hopkins Fork
• Knapps Creek
• Meadow Creek of New River (Summers)
• Mill Creek of South Branch (Hampshire)
• Milligan Creek
• Paint Creek
• Pond Fork
• Rhine Creek
• South Branch (Smoke Hole)
• Thomas Park Lake
• Wheeling Creek

April 02, 2013
• Buffalo Creek (Brooke)
• Camp Creek
• Castlemans Run Lake
• Cherry River
• Cranberry River
• East River
• Elk River
• Gandy Creek
• Laurel Fork (Randolph) *due to snow, stocked at bridge on Rt. 33 only
• Lost River
• Mash Fork
• Mash Fork of Camp Creek (Children & Class Q)
• Middle Wheeling Lake
• Mill Creek Reservoir
• North Fork of Cherry River
• North Fork of Fishing Creek
• South Fork of Fishing Creek
• South Mill Creek Lake
• Teter Creek Lake
• Trout Run
• Waites Run

April 01, 2013
• Brandywine Lake
• Brushy Fork Lake
• Buffalo Fork Lake
• Clear Fork of Guyandotte River
• Conaway Run Lake
• Deer Creek (Nicholas)
• Deer Creek (Pocahontas)
• Dry Fork (Randolph, Tucker)
• East Fork Greenbrier River
• Greenbrier River
• Laurel Creek of Cherry River (Greenbrier, Nicholas)
• Little River East Fork Greenbrier River
• Moores Run
• North River
• Panther Creek
• Pinnacle Creek (lower section)
• R.D. Bailey Tailwaters
• Tuckahoe Lake
• Warden Lake

March 29, 2013
• Big Clear Creek
• Blackwater River
• Chief Logan Lake
• Curtisville Lake
• Elk River
• Laurel Lake
• Little Clear Creek
• Lost River
• North fork of South Branch
• Summit Lake
• Trout Run
• Waites Run

March 28, 2013
• Anderson Lake
• Anthony Creek
• Big Sandy Creek
• Buckhannon River
• Bullskin Run
• Clear Fork of Guyandotte River
• Coopers Rock Lake
• Evitts Run
• Gandy Creek
• Glady Fork *due to road conditions, stockings were not done behind gates
• Left Fork of Right Fork of Buckhannon River
• Middle Creek
• Miletree Lake
• Mill Creek of Opequon Creek (Berkeley)
• New Creek
• North Fork of Patterson Creek
• Pinnacle Creek (lower section)
• Potts Creek
• South Fork of Cherry River
• South Fork of Potts Creek
• Tuscarora Creek

March 27, 2013
• Cacapon Park Lake
• Glade Creek of New River
• Middle Fork River
• Opequon Creek
• Rocky Marsh Run
• Shavers Fork (lower section)
• South Branch (Smoke Hole)
• South Branch (Smoke Hole) C&R
• Tilhance Creek

Fishing Report – 03.28.13

BEECH FORK

The reservoir level is at winter pool.  Anglers should call the Beech Fork Corps of Engineers office at 304.525.4831 for more information.  Bass can be caught throughout the day.  Try fishing near downed trees, old stumps, and near points.  Crappie are abundant in Beech Fork and can be caught on a variety of light lures.  Hybrid striped bass and white bass can be caught using shad imitating lures.

BLUESTONE

Stripers and hybrids have been seen schooling and chasing shad occasionally still around the pit area.  Try shad like lures and surface lures to garner strikes when they appear at the surface.  A few bass being caught both smallmouth and largemouth have been reported.  Successful anglers are using slow moving lures soft plastics and minnow like jerkbaits-along sun warmed banks and close to drop-offs along the main channel later in the day.  No recent reports from catfish anglers.  A new boat launch was recently completed at ‘the Pit’.  The old launch was becoming silted in and will be off limits during the construction of the new bridge over the Bluestone arm of the lake.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.466.0156.  Be aware that in the future, the access at the Pit will be reduced due to the construction on the Bluestone arm bridge.  Construction equipment and trucks will be on the site, be safe and be aware of your surroundings while using the Pit area to prevent any accidents.  Once the construction begins, inconveniences to anglers and users of the Pit area will be reduced as much as possible as problems are sorted out over time.  The construction will last through 2016.  Please be careful as mentioned, be prepared to possibly wait a little longer to launch and pick-up your boat, and be sure to be courteous of others.  Please bear with State Park personnel until issues can be worked out as they develop.

BURNSVILLE

The lake is at winter pool.  Fishing is fair.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also being caught on live bait in any type of cover.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on March 21.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.853.2398.

EAST LYNN

The reservoir level is at winter pool.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.849.9861.  Big bass will continue to feed into the colder months.  Try fishing near logs, stumps and fish attracting brush piles.  Musky will be found near bush piles and fallen trees.  Channel and flathead catfish will be good throughout the day.  Larger crappie can be caught using live minnows and slip bobbers near standing timber or trees that have fallen into the water.  Try fishing for walleye near the dam.

R.D. BAILEY – The winter launch ramp is closed.  No recent reports from anglers.  Trout were recently stocked in the tailwaters.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.664.9587.

STEPHENS LAKE

With warmer weather, anglers are having luck fishing later in the afternoon in the shallows for bass using slow moving lures and soft plastics.

STONECOAL LAKE

The lake is two feet below summer pool.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait and jigs around beaver huts and fish attractors.  Trout fishing has been fair.  A few perch have been caught in the upper end on minnows.

STONEWALL JACKSON

The lake is at winter pool and clear.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on March 21.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.269.7463.

SUMMERSVILLE

The lake is at winter pool.  Bass are being caught in 10 to 15 feet of water.  For walleye try rocky points, drop offs and at the mouth of small tributaries entering the lake A few have been caught as deep as 50 feet).  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on March 15.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.872.3412.

SUTTON

The lake is at winter pool and clear.  Fishing is fair.  Bass are being caught in about 10 to 12 feet.  Most are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout March 21.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.765.2705.

TYGART LAKE

The lake is about 30 feet below the summer level.  Water temperatures are much colder than this time last year.  Walleye have started to spawn and will move into shallow water to feed or spawn at dusk.  Try casting large Rapalas along the shoreline about an hour before and after sunset.  Some walleye will also move up into river at the head of the lake to spawn.  Drive into Cove Run and fish the river from the shore.

Walleye will have been moving through the dam during the recent high water discharges.  There are also lots of trout in the tailwater.  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)

There are a lot of sauger in the dam tailwaters and walleye are also being caught at the mouths of tributaries, particularly Fishing Creek.  Minnows are the best bet but jigging spoons have also been productive.  Other good spots at this time of year are heated discharges at power plants.  One hour before and after sunset is the best time for sauger and walleye.  Hybrid striped bass will congregate in these areas.

MONONGAHELA RIVER

Water temperatures are 18 degrees colder than this time last year.  Fish surveys reveal good numbers of large muskies in shallow water along the shore at this time of year.  Muskies can be caught by trolling or casting large crank baits throughout the river.  Walleye and sauger are starting to spawn.  A good pattern now is to fish for sauger and walleye an hour before and after sunset.  Sauger and walleye usually begin feeding at dusk in the tailwaters but will be active during the day when the water is turbid.  They may also concentrate at the mouths of larger tributaries like Deckers, Buffalo, PawPaw and Pricket’s creeks.  Jigs with minnows are always good baits but 3-inch plastic grubs will also be productive.

CHEAT LAKE

Channel catfish can be caught at the Cheat Lake Park even during this cold weather.  Good walleye stockings in 2010 and 2012 should now be producing 13 to 15.inch fish.  Larger walleye should be getting ready to spawn and are concentrated between Canyon and Sunset Beach.  Try casting large Rapalas along the shoreline about an hour before and after sunset.  Yellow perch are also abundant in the lake.  The best area is also between Canyon and Sunset Beach and upstream to the I-68 Bridge.

EASTERN PANHANDLE

South Branch and Cacapon Rivers

Flow in most streams and rivers throughout the eastern panhandle vary depending on location.  The South Branch and tributaries are near normal flow but could rise by the weekend due to snow melt.  Opequon and Back creeks are currently on the rise so watch the USGS stream gages before planning a fishing trip.  Stream water temperatures are in the lower 40’s but anglers have been catching lots of big smallmouth bass.  The 2013 trout stocking season is underway so check the 2013 fishing regulations to see if your favorite water will be receiving early trout stockings.

Shenandoah River

Flows in the Shenandoah River are near normal and should be in great fishing condition by the weekend.  Try fishing slow moving plastic in deep pools and between bedrock ledges.

North Branch River

Flows in the North Branch are currently between 400 - 600 cfs and expected to remain at that level for several more days.

Small Impoundments

Small impoundments are in great fishing condition.  Select small impoundments are receiving spring trout stockings so check the regulation and trout stocking hotline for up-to-date stocking information.

Jennings Randolph Lake

Jennings Randolph Lake is currently two feet below conservation pool and rising slowly.  The West Virginia boat ramp is scheduled to open this Saturday, March 30.  So both the West Virginia and Maryland ramps should be open for the season.  You can purchase seasonal launch permits from the Army Corp. of Engineers on the West Virginia side or from the Maryland DNR on the Maryland side of the lake.  Jennings Randolph Lake has a dedicated phone line for up-to-date recreational information 304.355.2890.

Mt. Storm Lake

Anglers at Mount Storm Lake should target striped bass, black bass and walleye.  Mount Storm Lake is a great early season fishing opportunity.  Dominion Power has reinstalled the floating courtesy dock at the public boat launch to assist boat anglers.  Fish can be caught throughout the lake but many anglers do well fishing with chicken livers near the discharges.  Try fishing woody structure for largemouth bass and rocky shores for smallmouth bass.

CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Water levels are normal and clear.  If you are looking for a place to go, please check the fishing regulations and the WVDNR website for a list of public access sites or call your local WVDNR district office for some advice and a place to fish.  It is a great time of year to fish for walleye at the mouth of tributaries in our larger rivers.  Watoga and Indian Rock lakes; French Creek Pond; Elk, Gandy and Shavers Fork are a few areas that were stocked with trout the past few weeks.  Remember to buy your 2013 fishing license before heading out.

SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

A number of exceptional smallmouth bass and walleye have recently been caught in the Hinton area.  Be sure to check flows with recent rains and increased snow melt, fishing opportunities will be dictated by flows and if levels are low enough to fish.  Fish slow and expect fish to be in slower or slack water areas with depth and/or cover nearby.  Muskie anglers have reported fish being caught on large plugs fished slowly in the New and Greenbrier rivers.  Please be aware of the special regulations in the New River for walleye.  A slot limit is in place from Hawks Nest dam in Fayette County upstream to the VA/WV line in Summers County.  Within the slot limit area, all walleye between 20 and 30 inches must be released.  Two walleye may be kept; only one walleye may exceed 30 inches.  If kept, the other must be below 20 inches.  Within this zone, exists a catch and release zone.  The catch and release zone exists from Meadow Creek upstream to the base of Sandstone Falls 5 miles).  No walleye may be in an angler’s possession in this zone.  Trout anglers are having some success on local streams during warmer days and when flows are fishable.  District Four waters stocked recently include Anthony, Paint and Knapps creeks.  Call 304.558.3399 for a recent stocking report.  But remember, don’t let the stocking report dictate your destination, larger rivers and streams hold trout year-round or fish carry over from fall stockings if they received fish.  Spinners, micro jigs and bait all do well at this time of the year.  Slow your retrieve if using spinners, etc. to match temperature levels.  Try salmon eggs, powerbait, worms and other baits fished slow and close to the bottom for greater success this time of the year.  Small impoundments offer good bass fishing during the early spring as well.  Successful anglers pick warm days and target fish mainly during the late afternoon after waters have warmed from the sun.  Try soft plastics, spinnerbaits and your bait of choice, fished slowly for success.

SOUTHWESTERN WEST VIRGINIA

Lower Ohio and Kanawha Rivers

Tailwater fishing may be difficult with higher water levels.  Try fishing in the slack water areas near the lock side of the dam.  Jigs with minnows or live minnows under a bobber could provide some excellent catches of sauger, white bass, hybrid striped bass and freshwater drum.  If artificial baits are your preference, white and chartreuse are good colors to try.

Guyandotte, Coal, Poca, Elk, and Mud Rivers

Flows may be too high for good fishing this weekend.

Small Impoundments

Bluegill and bass will be feeding and can be caught with night crawlers or artificial baits.  Check the daily trout stocking report at 304.558.3399.

WEST-CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

So far this month, trout have been stocked into the following area lakes:  Rollins and Turkey Run lakes in Jackson County, Tracy Lake and Pennsboro Water Supply Reservoir in Ritchie County, Mountwood Park Lake in Wood County, Conaway Run Lake in Tyler County, and Cedar Creek State Park Ponds in Gilmer County.  Additionally this month, Mile Tree Lake in Roane County will be stocked again.  Check the Daily Trout Stocking report for the latest at 304.558.3399.  This information is updated daily at 4:00 PM, January through May.  Trout anglers can use a variety of baits including small worms; mealworms, salmon eggs, cheese, or trout power bait.  When lakes are not frozen small spinners, Joe type flies, and trout magnets also work well.

This is a good time to fish Ohio River tailwaters.  Anglers fishing below the Belleville dam are catching a few sauger, walleye, and a few other species.  Suspended minnows or lead headed jigs with twister tails white or chartreuses), which are fished along the bottom, are the lures of choice.  When the river is running high and muddy clever anglers are tipping their jig hooks with minnows.  Best spots to fish these areas include eddies and back-current sections, and anywhere that river flows are unusual slow.  Fishing along the Willow Island tailwaters is restricted due to hydro-power development.  Anglers now have access only to a point approximately 150 yards below the dam, and flows have changed significantly.

Fishing for largemouth bass can be good during warm sunny days in area lakes.  Slowly fished rubber worms or jig-and-pig combos are good terminal tackle choices.  Area lakes with good winter bass angling opportunities include:  Mountwood in Wood County, Conaway Run in Tyler County, Charles Fork in Roane County, North Bend Lake in Ritchie County, and Elk Fork, Woodrum, and O’Brien lakes in Jackson County.

Musky streams are expected to be fishable this weekend.  Winter musky anglers use medium to large lures, and they concentrate their fishing efforts around brush piles or other areas of good cover.  Middle Island Creek, the major streams in the Hughes River system, and the Little Kanawha River are good area musky waters.

 

Stream Conditions

NORTHERN	Levels			Conditions
Ohio River (Wheeling)		Normal			Milky
Fish Creek		Normal			Milky
Fishing Creek		Normal			Milky
Big Sandy (Preston)		Normal			Milky
Monongahela River		Normal			Milky
Wheeling Creek		Normal			Milky
Buffalo Creek		Normal			Milky
Blackwater River		Normal			Milky
EASTERN PANHANDLE	Levels			Conditions
S. Branch (Potomac)		Normal		Clear
S. Branch (Smoke Hole)		Normal		Clear
Shenandoah River		Normal		Clear
Patterson Creek		Normal		Clear
N. Fork S. Branch		Normal		Clear
Cacapon River		Normal		Clear
Back Creek			High	Clear
Opequon Creek			High	Clear
Lost River		Normal		Clear
CENTRAL	Levels			Conditions
Elk (Sutton)			High			Muddy
Little Kanawha			High			Muddy
Elk (Clay)			High			Muddy
West Fork River			High		Milky
Gauley River			High			Muddy
Cranberry River			High			Muddy
Cherry River			High			Muddy
Cherry River (N. Fork)			High			Muddy
Cherry River (S. Fork)			High			Muddy
Williams River		Normal		Clear
Knapps River		Normal		Clear
Greenbrier (E&W Forks)		Normal		Clear
Little River		Normal		Clear
Shavers Fork			High		Milky
Buckhannon River			High		Milky
Holly River			High		Milky
Elk River (Webster)			High			Muddy
Elk River (Back Fork)			High			Muddy
SOUTHERN	Levels			Conditions
New River (Hinton)			High		Milky
Greenbrier (Hinton)			High		Milky
Greenbrier (Ronceverte)		Normal			Milky
Anthony Creek		Normal			Milky
Big  Creek		Normal			Milky
Meadow River		Normal			Milky
Turkey Creek		Normal		Clear
Potts Creek		Normal		Clear
Second Creek		Normal		Clear
Pinnacle Creek		Normal		Clear
Horse Creek Lake		Normal		Clear
Big Huff Creek		Normal		Clear
Indian Creek		Normal		Clear
Glade Creek (New River)		Normal			Milky
Marsh Fork		Normal			Milky
New River (Gauley)			High			Muddy
Glade Creek (Man)			High			Muddy
Camp Creek			High	Clear
East River			High	Clear
Fork Creek			High		Milky
Dry Fork Creek			High		Milky
Berwind Lake			High		Milky
WESTERN & SOUTHWESTERN	Levels			Conditions
Little Kanawha River			High			Muddy
Ohio River			High			Muddy
Hughes River			High			Muddy

 

Trout Stockings:

March 27, 2013
• Cacapon Park Lake
• Glade Creek of New River
• Middle Fork River
• Opequon Creek
• Rocky Marsh Run
• Shavers Fork (lower section)
• South Branch (Smoke Hole)
• South Branch (Smoke Hole) C&R
• Tilhance Creek

March 26, 2013
• Dillons Run
• Edwards Run
• Fort Ashby Reservoir
• Knapps Creek
• Mill Creek of South Branch
• Paw Paw Creek
• Right Fork of Middle Fork River
• Watoga Lake
• Whiteday Creek

March 25, 2013
• All scheduled stockings for this date were cancelled due to weather and road conditions.

March 22, 2012
• Back Fork of Elk River
• Blackwater River
• Cranberry River
• Desert Fork
• Indian Creek
• North River
• Paint Creek
• Pond Fork
• Rich Creek
• Seneca Lake
• Sugar Creek
• Tygart Headwaters
• Warden Lake

March 21, 2013
• Bear Rocks Lake
• Burnsville Tailwaters
• Dry Fork (Randolph, Tucker)
• Glady Fork
• Shavers Fork (Bemis)
• Shavers Fork (lower section)
• South Branch (Franklin)
• Stonewall Jackson Tailwaters
• Summit Lake
• Sutton Tailwaters
• Watoga Lake
• Wheeling Creek

March 20, 2013
• Anthony Creek
• Camp Creek
• Cherry River
• Conaway Run Lake
• East Fork Greenbrier River
• East River
• Elk River
• Horseshoe Run
• Jennings Randolph Tailwaters
• Kimsey Run Lake
• Kings Creek
• Knapps Creek
• Little Kanawha Headwaters
• Little River East Fork Greenbrier River
• Mash Fork
• Mash Fork of Camp Creek (Children & Class Q)
• North Fork of Anthony Creek
• North Fork of Cherry River
• R.D. Bailey Tailwaters
• Red Creek
• Right Fork of Little Kanawha
• South Branch (Smoke Hole)
• Tomlinson Run
• Tomlinson Run Lake

March 19, 2013
• Bullskin Run
• Cacapon Park Lake
• Evitts Run
• Gandy Creek
• Krodel Lake
• Laurel Creek of New River
• Laurel Fork (Randolph) *due to snow, stocked at bridge on Rt. 33 only
• Middle Creek
• Mill Creek of New River
• Mill Creek of Opequon Creek (Berkeley)
• Mill Run of Back Creek (Berkeley)
• New Creek
• North Fork of Lunice
• North Fork of Patterson Creek
• North Fork of South Branch
• Opequon Creek
• Rocky Marsh Run
• Teter Creek Lake

March 18, 2013
• French Creek Pond
• Left Fork of Holly River
• Lost River
• Lower Cove Run
• Mountwood Park Lake
• South Mill Creek Lake
• Trout Run
• Waites Run

Fishing Report – 03.21.13

BEECH FORK
The reservoir level is above winter pool but falling.  Anglers should call the Beech Fork Corps of Engineers office at 304.525.4831 for more information.  Bass can be caught throughout the day.  Try fishing near downed trees, old stumps, and near points.  Crappie are abundant in Beech Fork and can be caught on a variety of light lures.  Hybrid striped bass and white bass can be caught using shad imitating lures.

BLUESTONE
Stripers and hybrids have been seen schooling and chasing shad occasionally still around the pit area.  Try shad like lures and surface lures to garner strikes when they appear at the surface.  No recent reports from catfish anglers.  A new boat launch was recently completed at ‘the Pit’.  The old launch was becoming silted in and will be off limits during the construction of the new bridge over the Bluestone arm of the lake.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.466.0156.  Be aware that in the future, the access at the Pit will be reduced due to the construction on the Bluestone arm bridge.  Construction equipment and trucks will be on the site, be safe and be aware of your surroundings while using the Pit area to prevent any accidents.  Once the construction begins, inconveniences to anglers and users of the Pit area will be reduced as much as possible as problems are sorted out over time.  The construction will last through 2016.  Please be careful as mentioned, be prepared to possibly wait a little longer to launch and pick-up your boat, and be sure to be courteous of others. Please bear with State Park personnel until issues can be worked out as they develop.

BURNSVILLE
The lake is at winter pool.  Fishing is fair.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also being caught on live bait in any type of cover.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on March 12.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.853.2398.

EAST LYNN
The reservoir level is at winter pool.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.849.9861.  Big bass will continue to feed into the colder months.  Try fishing near logs, stumps and fish attracting brush piles.  Musky will be found near bush piles and fallen trees.  Channel and flathead catfish will be good throughout the day.  Larger crappie can be caught using live minnows and slip bobbers near standing timber or trees that have fallen into the water.  Try fishing for walleye near the dam.

R.D. BAILEY
The winter launch ramp is closed.  No recent reports from anglers.  Trout were recently stocked in the tailwaters.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.664.9587.

STEPHENS LAKE
With warmer weather, anglers are having luck fishing later in the afternoon in the shallows for bass using slow moving lures and soft plastics.

STONECOAL LAKE
The lake is two feet below summer pool.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait and jigs around beaver huts and fish attractors.  Trout fishing has been fair.  A few perch have been caught in the upper end on minnows.

STONEWALL JACKSON
The lake is at winter pool and clear.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on March 12.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.269.7463.

SUMMERSVILLE
The lake is at winter pool.  Bass are being caught in 10 to 15 feet of water.  For walleye try rocky points, drop offs and at the mouth of small tributaries entering the lake A few have been caught as deep as 50 feet).  The tailwaters were stocked with trout on March 15.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.872.3412.

SUTTON
The lake is at winter pool and clear.  Fishing is fair.  Bass are being caught in about 10 to 12 feet.  Most are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  The tailwaters were stocked with trout March 12.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.765.2705.

TYGART LAKE
The lake is about 50 feet below the summer level.  Walleye are getting ready to spawn and will move into shallow water to feed or spawn at dusk.  Try casting large Rapalas along the shoreline about an hour before and after sunset.  Some walleye will also move up into river at the head of the lake to spawn.  Drive into Cove Run and fish the river from the shore.

Walleye will have been moving through the dam during the recent high water discharges.  There are also lots of trout in the tailwater.  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)
Walleye and sauger are now being caught at the mouths of tributaries, particularly.  This is a good winter pattern.  Minnows are the best bet but jigging spoons have also been productive.  Other good spots at this time of year are heated discharges at power plants.  One hour before and after sunset is the best time for sauger and walleye.  Hybrid striped bass will congregate in these areas.

MONONGAHELA RIVER
Fish surveys reveal good numbers of large muskies in shallow water along the shore at this time of year.  Muskies can be caught by trolling or casting large crank baits throughout the river.  Walleye and sauger are getting ready to spawn.  A good pattern now is to fish for sauger and walleye an hour before and after sunset.  Sauger and walleye usually begin feeding at dusk in the tailwaters but will be active during the day when the water is turbid.  They may also concentrate at the mouths of larger tributaries like Deckers, Buffalo, PawPaw and Pricket’s creeks.  Jigs with minnows are always good baits but 3-inch plastic grubs will also be productive.

CHEAT LAKE
Channel catfish can be caught at the Cheat Lake Park.  Good walleye stockings in 2010 and 2012 should now be producing 13 to 15.inch fish.  Larger walleye should be getting ready to spawn and are concentrated between Canyon and Sunset Beach.  Try casting large Rapalas along the shoreline about an hour before and after sunset.  Yellow perch are also abundant in the lake.  The best area is also between Canyon and Sunset Beach and upstream to the I-68 Bridge.

EASTERN PANHANDLE

South Branch and Cacapon Rivers
Flow in most streams and rivers throughout the eastern panhandle are slightly above normal but dropping.  The water is clear in most streams and should be in great fishing condition by the weekend.  Stream water temperatures are in the 40’s and anglers are still catching lots of smallmouth bass.  The 2013 trout stocking season is underway so check the 2013 fishing regulations to see if your favorite water will be receiving early trout stockings.

Shenandoah River
Flows in the Shenandoah River are above normal but should be in great fishing condition by the weekend.  Try fishing slow moving plastic in deep pools and between bedrock ledges.

North Branch River
Flows in the North Branch are currently near 1000 cfs which is too high for wade fishing.  The flows are projected to remain near 1000 cfs for the next several days.

Small Impoundments
Small impoundments are clear of ice and in great fishing condition.  Select small impoundments are receiving spring trout stockings so check the regulation and trout stocking hotline for up-to-date stocking information.

Jennings Randolph Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake is currently 3 feet below conservation pool and rising.  The West Virginia ramp is closed for the season but the Maryland boat ramp will remain open weather permitting.  No recent reports of angling success from Jennings Randolph Lake.  Jennings Randolph Lake has a dedicated phone line for up-to-date recreational information 304.355.2890.

Mt. Storm Lake
Anglers at Mount Storm Lake should target striped bass, black bass and walleye.  Mount storm lake is a great winter fishing opportunity since the warm water discharges prevents freezing.  Fish can be caught throughout the lake but many anglers do well fishing with chicken livers near the discharges.  Try fishing woody structure for largemouth bass and rocky shores for smallmouth bass.

CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Water levels are normal and clear.  If you are looking for a place to go, please check the fishing regulations and the WVDNR website for a list of public access sites or call your local WVDNR district office for some advice and a place to fish.  It is a great time of year to fish for walleye at the mouth of tributaries in our larger rivers.  Watoga and Indian Rock lakes; French Creek Pond; Elk, Gandy and Shavers Fork are a few areas that were stocked with trout the past few weeks.  Remember to buy your 2013 fishing license before heading out.

SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

A number of exceptional smallmouth bass have recently been caught in the Hinton area.  Be sure to check flows with recent rains and increased snow melt, fishing opportunities will be dictated by flows and if levels are low enough to fish.  Fish slow and expect fish to be in slower or slack water areas with depth and/or cover nearby.  Muskie anglers have reported fish being caught on large plugs fished slowly in the New and Greenbrier rivers.  Walleye will begin to travel upriver in the New River to spawn over the next few weeks.  Please be aware of the special regulations in the New River for walleye.  A slot limit is in place from Hawks Nest dam in Fayette County upstream to the VA/WV line in Summers County.  Within the slot limit area, all walleye between 20 and 30 inches must be released.  Two walleye may be kept; only one walleye may exceed 30 inches.  If kept, the other must be below 20 inches.  Within this zone, exists a catch and release zone.  The catch and release zone exists from Meadow Creek upstream to the base of Sandstone Falls 5 miles).  No walleye may be in an angler’s possession in this zone.  Trout anglers are having some success on local streams during warmer days and when flows are fishable.  District Four waters stocked recently include Little Beaver, Pipestem and Tuckahoe lakes.  Dunloup Creek, Paint Creek and Meadow Creek of the New were all recently stocked as well.  But remember, don’t let the stocking report dictate your destination, larger rivers and streams hold trout year-round or fish carry over from fall stockings if they received fish.  Spinners, micro jigs and bait all do well at this time of the year.  Slow your retrieve if using spinners, etc. to match temperature levels.  Try salmon eggs, powerbait, worms and other baits fished slow and close to the bottom for greater success this time of the year.  Small impoundments offer good bass fishing during the early spring as well.  Successful anglers pick warm days and target fish mainly during the late afternoon after waters have warmed from the sun.  Try soft plastics, spinnerbaits and your bait of choice, fished slowly for success.

SOUTHWESTERN WEST VIRGINIA

Lower Ohio and Kanawha Rivers
Tailwater fishing may be difficult with higher water levels.  Try fishing in the slack water areas near the lock side of the dam.  Jigs with minnows or live minnows under a bobber could provide some excellent catches of sauger, white bass, hybrid striped bass and freshwater drum.  If artificial baits are your preference, white and chartreuse are good colors to try.

Guyandotte, Coal, Poca, Elk, and Mud Rivers
Flows may be too high for good fishing this weekend.

Small Impoundments
Bluegill and bass will be feeding and can be caught with night crawlers or artificial baits.

WEST-CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

So far this month, trout have been stocked into the following area lakes; Rollins and Turkey Run lakes in Jackson County, Tracy Lake and Pennsboro Water Supply Reservoir in Ritchie County, Mountwood Park Lake in Wood County, and Cedar Creek State Park Ponds in Gilmer County.  Additionally this month Mile Tree Lake in Roane County and Conaway Run Lake in Tyler County will be stocked again.  Check the Daily Trout Stocking report for the latest at 304.558.3399.  This information is updated daily at 4:00 PM, January through May.  Trout anglers can use a variety of baits including small worms; mealworms, salmon eggs, cheese, or trout power bait.  When lakes are not frozen small spinners, Joe type flies, and trout magnets also work well.

This is a good time to fish Ohio River tailwaters.  Anglers fishing below the Belleville dam are catching a few sauger, walleye, and a few other species.  Suspended minnows or lead headed jigs with twister tails white or chartreuses), which are fished along the bottom, are the lures of choice.  When the river is running high and muddy clever anglers are tipping their jig hooks with minnows.  Best spots to fish these areas include eddies and back-current sections, and anywhere that river flows are unusual slow.  Fishing along the Willow Island tailwaters is restricted due to hydro-power development.  Anglers now have access only to a point approximately 150 yards below the dam, and flows have changed significantly.

Warm water discharges associated with industrial facilities hold fish in the winter along the Ohio River.  Best bet for lures here include crank baits and rubber jigs.  Expect to catch white bass, hybrid striped bass and a few other species at these hot spots.

Fishing for largemouth bass can be good during warm sunny days in area lakes.  Slowly fished rubber worms or jig-and-pig combos are good terminal tackle choices.  Area lakes with good winter bass angling opportunities include Mountwood in Wood County, Conaway Run in Tyler County, Charles Fork in Roane County, North Bend Lake in Ritchie County, and Elk Fork, Woodrum, and O’Brien lakes in Jackson County.

Musky streams are expected to be fishable this weekend.  Winter musky anglers use medium to large lures, and they concentrate their fishing efforts around brush piles or other areas of good cover.  Middle Island Creek, the major streams in the Hughes River system, and the Little Kanawha River are good area musky waters.

 

Stream Conditions

NORTHERN	Levels			Conditions
Ohio River (Wheeling)			High		Milky
Fish Creek		Normal		Clear
Fishing Creek		Normal		Clear
Big Sandy (Preston)			High		Milky
Monongahela River			High			Muddy
Wheeling Creek			High		Milky
Buffalo Creek		Normal		Clear
Blackwater River		Normal		Clear
EASTERN PANHANDLE	Levels			Conditions
S. Branch (Potomac)			High	Clear
S. Branch (Smoke Hole)			High	Clear
Shenandoah River			High	Clear
Patterson Creek			High	Clear
N. Fork S. Branch			High	Clear
Cacapon River			High	Clear
Back Creek			High	Clear
Opequon Creek			High	Clear
Lost River			High	Clear
CENTRAL	Levels			Conditions
Elk (Sutton)			High			Muddy
Little Kanawha			High			Muddy
Elk (Clay)			High			Muddy
West Fork River			High		Milky
Gauley River			High			Muddy
Cranberry River			High			Muddy
Cherry River			High			Muddy
Cherry River (N. Fork)			High			Muddy
Cherry River (S. Fork)			High			Muddy
Williams River			High	Clear
Knapps River			High	Clear
Greenbrier (E&W Forks)			High	Clear
Little River			High	Clear
Shavers Fork			High
Buckhannon River			High		Milky
Holly River			High		Milky
Elk River (Webster)			High		Milky
Elk River (Back Fork)			High		Milky
SOUTHERN	Levels			Conditions
New River (Hinton)			High		Milky
Greenbrier (Hinton)			High		Milky
Greenbrier (Ronceverte)			High	Clear
Anthony Creek			High	Clear
Big  Creek			High	Clear
Meadow River			High	Clear
Turkey Creek			High		Milky
Potts Creek			High		Milky
Second Creek			High		Milky
Pinnacle Creek		Normal		Clear
Horse Creek Lake		Normal		Clear
Big Huff Creek		Normal		Clear
Indian Creek		Normal		Clear
Glade Creek (New River)		Normal		Clear
Marsh Fork		Normal		Clear
New River (Gauley)			High		Milky
Glade Creek (Man)			High		Milky
Camp Creek			High			Muddy
East River			High			Muddy
Fork Creek		Normal		Clear
Dry Fork Creek		Normal		Clear
Berwind Lake		Normal		Clear
WESTERN & SOUTHWESTERN	Levels			Conditions
Little Kanawha River			High			Muddy
Ohio River			High			Muddy
Hughes River			High			Muddy

 

Trout Stockings:

SPECIAL NOTE 03.20.2013:

Laurel Fork (Randolph), West Fork Greenbrier River, Little River West Fork Greenbrier River, Spruce Knob Lake and Williams River have not been stocked due to ice and snow on roads.  Stocking will resume as soon as road conditions improve.

March 20, 2013
• Anthony Creek
• Camp Creek
• Cherry River
• Conaway Run Lake
• East Fork Greenbrier River
• East River
• Elk River
• Horseshoe Run
• Jennings Randolph Tailwaters
• Kimsey Run Lake
• Kings Creek
• Knapps Creek
• Little Kanawha Headwaters
• Little River East Fork Greenbrier River
• Mash Fork
• Mash Fork of Camp Creek (Children & Class Q)
• North Fork of Anthony Creek
• North Fork of Cherry River
• R.D. Bailey Tailwaters
• Red Creek
• Right Fork of Little Kanawha
• South Branch (Smoke Hole)
• Tomlinson Run
• Tomlinson Run Lake

March 19, 2013
• Bullskin Run
• Cacapon Park Lake
• Evitts Run
• Gandy Creek
• Krodel Lake
• Laurel Creek of New River
• Laurel Fork (Randolph) *due to snow, stocked at bridge on Rt. 33 only
• Middle Creek
• Mill Creek of New River
• Mill Creek of Opequon Creek (Berkeley)
• Mill Run of Back Creek (Berkeley)
• New Creek
• North Fork of Lunice
• North Fork of Patterson Creek
• North Fork of South Branch
• Opequon Creek
• Rocky Marsh Run
• Teter Creek Lake

March 18, 2013
• French Creek Pond
• Left Fork of Holly River
• Lost River
• Lower Cove Run
• Mountwood Park Lake
• South Mill Creek Lake
• Trout Run
• Waites Run

March 15, 2013
• Anawalt Lake
• Buffalo Fork Lake
• Clover Run
• Elk River
• Horse Creek Lake
• Indian Rocks Lake
• Kimsey Run Lake
• Newburg Lake
• Panther Creek
• R.D. Bailey Tailwaters
• South Fork of Cherry River
• Summersville Tailwaters
• Wallback Lake

March 14, 2013
• Anthony Creek
• Blackwater River
• Brandywine Lake
• Brushy Fork Lake
• Clear Fork of Tug
• Dillons Run
• Dunkard Fork Lake
• Edwards Run
• Fort Ashby Reservoir
• Knapps Creek
• Mill Creek of South Branch (Hampshire)
• North Fork of South Branch
• Pennsboro Reservoir
• Tracy Lake