West Fork River Channel
Depth: 15-40 feet
Structure: Main river channel with ledges, submerged points, current breaks
Access: Boat access - launch from any of 5 public ramps
Target Species:
Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Walleye
West Virginia's premier bass fishing destination with 2,650 acres and 82 miles of shoreline. Nationally recognized for largemouth and smallmouth bass, plus walleye, muskie, and crappie. Located just 10 miles from Weston with 5 public boat ramps and a 374-slip resort marina.
What to Fish
-
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye
Depth: 15-40 feet | Structure: Main river channel with ledges, submerged points, current breaks
"Access: Boat access - launch from any of 5 public ramps"
-
Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill
Depth: 8-25 feet | Structure: Irregular V-shaped arm with brush piles, timber, shallow flats
"Access: Boat and kayak access - scenic upper reaches"
-
Walleye, Muskie, Smallmouth Bass
Depth: 25-40 feet | Structure: Deep water near dam, rocky bottom, drop-offs
"Access: Boat only - deep water structure"
-
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Catfish
Depth: 3-20 feet | Structure: Rocky points, shallow coves, submerged timber
"Access: Kayak and shore fishing available"
Where to Fish
Skin Creek Drainage (V-Arm)
Depth: 8-25 feet
Structure: Irregular V-shaped arm with brush piles, timber, shallow flats
Access: Boat and kayak access - scenic upper reaches
Target Species:
Largemouth Bass Crappie Bluegill
Dam Area Deep Structure
Depth: 25-40 feet
Structure: Deep water near dam, rocky bottom, drop-offs
Access: Boat only - deep water structure
Target Species:
Walleye Muskie Smallmouth Bass
Shoreline Coves & Points
Depth: 3-20 feet
Structure: Rocky points, shallow coves, submerged timber
Access: Kayak and shore fishing available
Target Species:
Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Catfish
Marina & Boat Access
Stonewall Resort Marina
Full-service resort marina with rentals and lodging
Services Available:
- • 374 boat slips (modern facility)
- • Fishing boat and pontoon rentals
- • Fuel dock
- • Bait and tackle shop
- • Restaurant and lounge
- • Resort lodging (hotel rooms, cottages)
- • Swimming pool and hot tub
- • Golf course (18-hole championship)
Boat Launch:
Multiple ramps available
Hours: Year-round access to marina slip holders
Contact: (877) 878-6966 or (304) 269-7600
Public Boat Ramps
Five public launch locations
Services Available:
- • Multiple public boat ramps around lake perimeter
- • Access to all lake areas
- • Parking for trailers and vehicles
Boat Launch:
Multiple ramps available
Camping Facilities
WV fishing license
Recommended
Bass tackle (tube jigs, soft plastics, spinnerbaits)
Recommended
Muskie tackle (heavy rods, large bucktails, jerkbaits)
Optional
Drop shot rigs for smallmouth
Optional
Crappie jigs (small, 1/32 oz)
Optional
Walleye live minnows and jigs
Optional
Catfish bait (chicken liver, cut shad, stink bait)
Optional
Life jackets (required for all ages)
Recommended
Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses
Recommended
Cooler with ice
Recommended
First aid kit
Recommended
Navigation lights (if boating after dark)
Optional
Water Activities
Bass Fishing
Nationally recognized #1 bass fishing lake in West Virginia. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing throughout the year. Clear water and varied structure make this ideal for all skill levels.
Best Season: Year-round (peak spring and fall)
Beginner to AdvancedMuskie Fishing
Premium muskie fishing in fall with 52-inch minimum size requirement. Trophy potential for serious anglers. Heavy tackle and patience required.
Best Season: Fall (September-November)
AdvancedWalleye Fishing
Walleye populations support year-round fishing with excellent fall and winter action. Vertical jigging and live bait techniques most effective.
Best Season: Fall and Winter
Intermediate to AdvancedCrappie Spawn
Spring crappie fishing in shallow coves and brush piles. Skin Creek drainage arm excellent for spawning crappie.
Best Season: Spring (March-May)
Beginner-friendlyBoating & Water Sports
Scenic lake with 82 miles of shoreline. Water skiing, jet skiing, and general recreation boating available.
Best Season: May through October
All levelsKayaking & Paddleboarding
Explore 82 miles of shoreline and scenic coves. Irregular V-shaped lake provides protected paddling in Skin Creek arm.
Best Season: May through October
Beginner to IntermediateHiking & Visitor Center
USACE visitor center with dam overlook and hiking trail. Learn about lake history and water management.
Best Season: Year-round
EasySeasonal Fishing Guide
Spring (March-May)
Target Species:
- • Crappie
- • Largemouth Bass
- • Smallmouth Bass
Techniques:
Crappie spawn in shallow coves - use small jigs and live minnows around brush piles. Bass move shallow - work spinnerbaits and soft plastics near warming banks. Finesse jigs with green pumpkin on rocky points.
Conditions:
Water temperatures rising from 45°F to 65°F. Improving visibility. Summer pool achieved by mid-May.
Spring is peak crappie season. Stop by for spawn jigs and live minnows. Water's still cold early - bring layers.
Summer (June-August)
Target Species:
- • Largemouth Bass
- • Smallmouth Bass
- • Walleye
- • Panfish
Techniques:
Bass move to deeper structure - drop shot rigs and tube jigs. Topwater early morning and late evening. Walleye on points and ledges - troll crankbaits or jig with live bait. Catfish night fishing.
Conditions:
Water temps 68-80°F. Fish go deep midday. 82 miles of shoreline to explore.
Get out early before the sun gets high. Late afternoon topwater can be fantastic.
Fall (September-November)
Target Species:
- • Smallmouth Bass
- • Walleye
- • Muskie
- • Largemouth Bass
Techniques:
Bass feed heavily pre-winter - work rocky points with bigger presentations. Muskie actively feeding - large bucktails and jerkbaits. Walleye concentrate in deeper areas.
Conditions:
Water cooling 65°F to 50°F. Fish feed aggressively before winter. Excellent muskie season.
Best muskie fishing of the year. Bring heavy tackle and be patient - it's the fish of 10,000 casts.
Winter (December-February)
Target Species:
- • Walleye
- • Crappie
- • Largemouth Bass
Techniques:
Slow vertical jigging in deep water 40+ feet. Walleye on deep ledges. Crappie suspend near structure. Blade baits and finesse presentations.
Conditions:
Water temps 38-45°F. Clear visibility. Lake drawdown 5 feet (minimal impact).
Bundle up - it's cold but walleye bite is strong. Winter fishing often produces bigger fish.
Safety & Regulations
Fishing License
West Virginia fishing license required for all anglers 15 and older. Resident annual $19, non-resident $54, 1-day non-resident $15. Available at WV Wild Outdoors or elicense.wv.gov.
Important
Muskie Regulations (SPECIAL)
Minimum 52 inches to keep (not the standard 30 inches at other WV lakes). Daily limit 1. Special modified regulations since 2013 - check WVDNR for current requirements.
Important
Bass Regulations
Daily limit 6 in any combination (smallmouth, largemouth, spotted bass). No minimum size. Possession limit 12.
Walleye Regulations
Check with WV DNR District 3 for current regulations. Contact 304-924-6211.
Important
Boating Safety
Life jackets required for all persons on vessels. Children 12 and under must wear PFD at all times while underway. Boater safety card required for operators born after Dec 31, 1986.
Important
Lake Drawdown
Winter drawdown only 5 feet - minimal impact on fishing access and camping. Year-round fishing opportunity.
What to Bring
Make sure you have everything you need for a great day on the water!
- WV fishing license
- Bass tackle (tube jigs, soft plastics, spinnerbaits)
- Muskie tackle (heavy rods, large bucktails, jerkbaits) (optional)
- Drop shot rigs for smallmouth (optional)
- Crappie jigs (small, 1/32 oz) (optional)
- Walleye live minnows and jigs (optional)
- Catfish bait (chicken liver, cut shad, stink bait) (optional)
- Life jackets (required for all ages)
- Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses
- Cooler with ice
- First aid kit
- Navigation lights (if boating after dark) (optional)
Stop By Before You Head Out
Get the latest fishing reports, pick up your license, and grab everything you need for a successful day on the water.