Fishing is a pastime that serves as a West Virginia favorite. Our wild and wonderful state is home to over one hundred lakes and ponds, most of them stocked regularly for our residents’ and non-residents’ fishing needs. There are plenty of opportunities for lake fishing close to our Mountaineer home. As more and more of us become vaccinated, consider taking a short trip to one of these great places for fishing.
Make sure to purchase your fishing license at https://www.wvdnr.gov/fishing/license.shtm. If you are not a resident of West Virginia, but a full-time student, you still qualify for resident prices.
Cheat Lake
Cheat Lake is one of the major lakes in West Virginia, located right here in Morgantown. It is a 1,730-acre man-made reservoir known to many of us as the perfect place for boating, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and swimming ( Cheat Lake). However, it is also a great place to pack a cooler and some fishing supplies and cast out a line for the day. Whether you rent a boat, canoe or kayak, or hike around the lake for some good fishing spots, or even just set up somewhere for the day, you are bound to catch something. These waters are teeming with several species of bass, walleye, catfish, pike and trout ( Cheat Lake). So as the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, make some time to get out there and catch a fish!
Coopers Rock Lake
We all love Coopers Rock for the hiking and scenic pictures, but it is also home
to a lake that is a hit for anglers. While only 6 acres with an average depth
of 5 feet and a maximum depth of 12 feet, Coopers Rock Lake is super popular
among local fishermen, with trout stockings happening February to May
(
Coopers Rock Lake). While you may have to wiggle in for a spot between other
anglers, this is the perfect place if you are new to trout fishing.
If you are not looking to participate in trout season, this lake also has warm water fishing opportunities. Anglers have been known to catch decent largemouth bass and bluegill from its waters in the Summer and Fall ( Coopers Rock Lake). So grab your gear and get over there to secure your spot today!
Mason & Dixon Lakes
Also right here in Morgantown are the Mason and Dixon Lakes, part of the Pedlar
Wildlife Management Area. Less than two miles apart, these lakes are home to
bass, sunfish and bluegill. Mason Lake, in particular, is stocked regularly with
trout from February to May and also has a boat ramp
(
Dixon and Mason Lake). Both have wheelchair-accessible fishing trails and
are managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (
Dixon and Mason Lake).
These are great lakes to try out fishing for the first time, as it is easy to get down to the bank and set up for the day, or to walk the complete way around the lake and try your luck at different spots. Just like Cheat Lake, you could even bring a kayak or canoe and try fishing from the middle of the water!
Tygart Lake
Perfect for a long day trip, Tygart Lake is less than an hour from Morgantown.
Part of Tygart Lake State Park, there are opportunities for camping, hiking,
boating, golf and, most importantly, fishing! With a 10-mile long, 1,750-acre
lake with pristine waters, this is the perfect place for breathtaking views and
fun
(
Tygart Lake State Park).
This is also a great place for some diverse fishing experiences. Tygart Lake has
some of the best bass fishing in the area, and its deeper waters are home to
walleye, musky, crappie, perch, bullhead catfish, carp, northern pike and numerous
panfish (
Tygart Lake State Park). So, pack a cooler, some sunscreen and your fishing
supplies and head out for a day of fishing on this beautiful lake!
About the Author
with a dual emphasis in creative writing and professional writing and editing. Alex
is and has always been obsessed with reading and writing and is hoping to become
an editor and a published author one day. Since coming to WVU, she has been involved
each year in the Calliope Undergraduate Literary Magazine, and recently has begun
focusing on writing about the wildness and wonder of West Virginia.