Main Lake Basin
Depth: 20-80 feet
Structure: Rocky ledges, submerged points, deep channels near dam
Access: Boat required - launch from Battle Run, Salmon Run, or Long Point
Target Species:
Smallmouth Bass Walleye Muskie
West Virginia's largest lake with 2,790 acres of crystal-clear water reaching 327 feet deep. Famous for 20-45 foot visibility, world-class scuba diving, exceptional smallmouth bass fishing, and dramatic sandstone cliffs. 30 minutes from WV Wild Outdoors.
What to Fish
-
Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Muskie
Depth: 20-80 feet | Structure: Rocky ledges, submerged points, deep channels near dam
"Access: Boat required - launch from Battle Run, Salmon Run, or Long Point"
-
Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie
Depth: 15-40 feet | Structure: Rock formations, underwater shelves, scattered boulders
"Access: Boat recommended - some shore access at select points"
-
Walleye, Muskie, Smallmouth Bass, Trout (tailwater)
Depth: 40-327 feet | Structure: Deep water, rocky dam face, current breaks, tailwater below
"Access: Boat only - deep water structure. Tailwater accessible from shore."
-
Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch
Depth: 5-15 feet | Structure: Weed beds, brush piles, submerged timber
"Access: Kayak and shore fishing available in back coves"
Where to Fish
North Shore Points
Depth: 15-40 feet
Structure: Rock formations, underwater shelves, scattered boulders
Access: Boat recommended - some shore access at select points
Target Species:
Smallmouth Bass Largemouth Bass Crappie
Dam Area
Depth: 40-327 feet
Structure: Deep water, rocky dam face, current breaks, tailwater below
Access: Boat only - deep water structure. Tailwater accessible from shore.
Target Species:
Walleye Muskie Smallmouth Bass Trout (tailwater)
Cove Shallows
Depth: 5-15 feet
Structure: Weed beds, brush piles, submerged timber
Access: Kayak and shore fishing available in back coves
Target Species:
Largemouth Bass Crappie Bluegill Yellow Perch
Marina & Boat Access
Summersville Lake Marina
Full-service marina with rentals
Services Available:
- • 473 boat slips (WV's largest marina)
- • Pontoon boat rentals (24' x 8', 12 passengers)
- • Triumph fishing boats (17', 4 passengers)
- • Fuel dock
- • Ship store (ice, snacks, supplies)
- • Overnight slips ($25/night)
Boat Launch:
Multiple ramps available
Launch Fee: Pontoon rentals: $399 (Mon-Thu), $419 (Fri/Sun/Holidays), $439 (Sat) + fuel
Hours: May 15 - Sept 14: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
Contact: (304) 872-1331
Battle Run Boat Ramp
Public boat launch with beach
Services Available:
- • Paved multi-lane ramp (Ramps A and B)
- • Kayak launch ramp
- • Parking for trucks and trailers
- • Adjacent to 1,000-foot swimming beach
- • Restrooms and shower facilities nearby
Boat Launch:
Multiple ramps available
Launch Fee: $5 day use per vehicle ($40 annual pass)
Hours: May 1 - Columbus Day
Salmon Run Boat Ramp
Public boat launch - YEAR-ROUND ACCESS
Services Available:
- • 2-lane paved boat ramp
- • Kayak launch
- • 39 car spaces, 20 truck/trailer spaces
- • Vault toilet restrooms
- • Fishing pier
- • Trail access to Pirates Cove
Boat Launch:
Multiple ramps available
Launch Fee: $5 day use per vehicle
Hours: YEAR-ROUND (only launch open in winter)
Long Point Boat Ramp
Public boat launch at marina
Services Available:
- • Paved ramp
- • Parking area
- • Near scenic overlook
- • Access to scuba diving sites
- • Hiking trails to sandstone cliffs
Boat Launch:
Multiple ramps available
Launch Fee: $5 boat launch fee
Hours: Seasonal
Camping Facilities
WV fishing license
Recommended
Light line (6-8 lb test fluorocarbon for clear water)
Recommended
Tube jigs and soft plastics (watermelon color)
Recommended
Drop shot rigs
Recommended
Football jigs with crawdad trailers
Optional
Muskie tackle (heavy rods, 80 lb braid for 40"+ fish)
Optional
Blade baits (winter walleye)
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
Scuba certification card (if diving)
Optional
Dive flag (required for scuba)
Optional
Water Activities
Scuba Diving
World-class freshwater diving with 20-45 foot visibility. Explore sandstone walls descending 100+ feet, the submerged town of Gad, and the Thomas Patrick wreck. Certification required.
Best Season: June through September (78-85°F water)
Intermediate to AdvancedSwimming
Battle Run Beach offers 1,000 feet of sandy beach on crystal-clear water. No lifeguards - swim at your own risk. Pets and alcohol prohibited at beach.
Best Season: May 1 - Columbus Day (peak June-September)
Beginner-friendlyKayaking & Paddleboarding
Explore 60 miles of shoreline and dramatic sandstone cliffs. Launch from Battle Run, Salmon Run, or Long Point. Rentals available from Lakeside Outfitters and Summersville Lake Retreat.
Best Season: May through October
Beginner to IntermediateBoating
West Virginia's largest lake with 473-slip marina. Pontoon boat rentals available. Three public boat ramps with $5 day use fee.
Best Season: Marina: May 15 - Sept 14; Salmon Run ramp: Year-round
All levelsRock Climbing
Long Point features dramatic sandstone cliffs for deep water soloing. Heights range from 30-70 feet. Permitted guided trips available through Appalachian Mountain Guides.
Best Season: Summer
AdvancedHiking
Pirates Cove Trail (0.7 mi easy-moderate) leads to iconic sandstone formations. Long Point Trail (4 mi loop) offers scenic overlooks. Summersville Lake State Park (177 acres) opened in 2023.
Best Season: Year-round
Easy to ModerateSeasonal Fishing Guide
Spring (March-May)
Target Species:
- • Crappie
- • Smallmouth Bass
- • Largemouth 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 soft plastics on rocky points.
Conditions:
Water temperatures rising from 45°F to 65°F. Clear visibility improving. Summer pool usually achieved by mid-May.
Stop by for crappie jigs and pre-spawn bass tackle. Water's still cold early on - bring layers.
Summer (June-August)
Target Species:
- • Smallmouth Bass
- • Walleye
- • Muskie
- • Panfish
Techniques:
Smallmouth on deep structure - drop shot rigs and tube jigs on 6-8 lb test. Walleye on points and ledges - troll crankbaits or jig with live bait. Topwater for largemouth early morning and late evening. Bomber crankbaits and Texas-rigged worms effective.
Conditions:
Water temps 68-80°F. Crystal clear - 20-45 feet visibility. Fish go deep midday. Peak scuba diving season.
This is peak season - get out early before the sun gets high. Clear water means they can see you coming. Downsize your line.
Fall (September-November)
Target Species:
- • Smallmouth Bass
- • Walleye
- • Muskie
Techniques:
Bass feed heavily pre-winter - work rocky points and ledges with bigger presentations. Muskie actively feeding - large bucktails and jerkbaits. Walleye follow baitfish schools and concentrate in tailwater areas.
Conditions:
Water cooling 65°F to 50°F. Visibility remains excellent. Fish feed aggressively before winter.
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
Techniques:
Slow vertical jigging in deep water 40+ feet. Walleye on deep ledges near dam. Crappie suspend near submerged structure. Blade baits and finesse presentations. Fish the tailwater for stocked trout.
Conditions:
Water temps 38-45°F. Clear visibility. Lake lowered to 1,575 ft winter pool. Salmon Run is only year-round boat launch.
Bundle up - it's cold but walleye bite is worth it. Night fishing allowed year-round. Fewer fish but bigger specimens.
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
Walleye Slot Limit (SPECIAL)
All walleye from 20 to 30 inches long MUST be returned immediately to the water. Daily creel limit: 8 walleye, only ONE may be over 30 inches. Mercury advisory: limit consumption to 2 meals per month (Jan 2025 WV advisory).
Important
Muskie Regulations
Minimum size limit 30 inches. Daily limit 1 fish. Use heavy tackle - these fish regularly run 40+ inches.
Important
Bass Regulations
Daily limit 6 in any combination (smallmouth, largemouth, spotted bass). No minimum size. Possession limit 12. Tournament anglers with DNR permits may have exemptions.
Catfish Consumption Advisory
Flathead catfish: Limit to 2 meals per month due to mercury content (Jan 2025 WV advisory). Check current WVDNR mercury advisory charts before keeping fish.
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. Navigation lights required after dark.
Important
Cliff Jumping PROHIBITED
Jumping from heights greater than 6 feet is PROHIBITED at all Summersville Lake locations since 2007. Citations and fines issued. This applies to Long Point and all sandstone cliffs.
Important
Beach Rules
Battle Run Beach: NO lifeguards provided - swim at your own risk. Pets and alcohol STRICTLY PROHIBITED at beach. Always swim with a buddy and wear a life jacket.
Important
Camping Regulations
Battle Run Campground: 117 sites, $34/night electric, $24/night tent. NO PETS allowed at Battle Run. Quiet hours 10 PM - 8 AM. Max 14 nights per visit. No dispersed camping allowed on USACE lands.
Scuba Diving Safety
Certification required. Use dive flags when in the water. Check with Sarge's Dive Shop for site conditions and safety briefings. Summer water temps 78-85°F.
What to Bring
Make sure you have everything you need for a great day on the water!
- WV fishing license
- Light line (6-8 lb test fluorocarbon for clear water)
- Tube jigs and soft plastics (watermelon color)
- Drop shot rigs
- Football jigs with crawdad trailers (optional)
- Muskie tackle (heavy rods, 80 lb braid for 40"+ fish) (optional)
- Blade baits (winter walleye) (optional)
- Life jackets (required for all ages)
- Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses
- Cooler with ice
- First aid kit
- Navigation lights (if boating after dark) (optional)
- Scuba certification card (if diving) (optional)
- Dive flag (required for scuba) (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.