Main Lake Basin
Depth: 20-100 feet
Structure: Deep channels, submerged points, rocky ledges near dam
Access: Boat required - launch from Bee Run, Bakers Run, or Gerald Freeman
Target Species:
Walleye Smallmouth Bass Largemouth Bass
A laid-back 1,440-acre reservoir on the Elk River with excellent walleye and bass fishing, three USACE campgrounds, and 40 miles of peaceful shoreline. Less crowded than other WV lakes, Sutton offers a quiet escape for families, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. 45 minutes from WV Wild Outdoors.
What to Fish
-
Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass
Depth: 20-100 feet | Structure: Deep channels, submerged points, rocky ledges near dam
"Access: Boat required - launch from Bee Run, Bakers Run, or Gerald Freeman"
-
Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill
Depth: 5-20 feet | Structure: Laydowns, brush piles, submerged timber along 14-mile stretch
"Access: Boat or kayak - numerous coves along Elk River arm"
-
Trout (Rainbow, Golden, Brook, Brown, Tiger), Muskie, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass
Depth: 3-15 feet | Structure: Current breaks, deep pools, rocky runs below 210-foot dam
"Access: Shore fishing from South Abutment Day Use Area"
-
Crappie, Catfish, Bass
Depth: 10-40 feet | Structure: Extended no-wake zone, rocky points, gradual drop-offs
"Access: Boat ramp at campground - no-wake zone ideal for kayak fishing"
Where to Fish
Upper Lake Coves
Depth: 5-20 feet
Structure: Laydowns, brush piles, submerged timber along 14-mile stretch
Access: Boat or kayak - numerous coves along Elk River arm
Target Species:
Largemouth Bass Crappie Bluegill
Dam Tailwaters (Elk River)
Depth: 3-15 feet
Structure: Current breaks, deep pools, rocky runs below 210-foot dam
Access: Shore fishing from South Abutment Day Use Area
Target Species:
Trout (Rainbow, Golden, Brook, Brown, Tiger) Muskie Walleye Smallmouth Bass
Bakers Run Area
Depth: 10-40 feet
Structure: Extended no-wake zone, rocky points, gradual drop-offs
Access: Boat ramp at campground - no-wake zone ideal for kayak fishing
Target Species:
Crappie Catfish Bass
Marina & Boat Access
Sutton Lake Marina
Full-service marina with rentals
Services Available:
- • 230 boat slips (100 with water and electric)
- • Pontoon boat rentals (full/half day)
- • Jet ski rentals (Yamaha VX Waverunner)
- • Kayak and paddleboard rentals
- • Houseboat rentals (3, 4, or 7 days)
- • Pedal boats and Craig Cats
- • Four grades of ethanol-free marine gas
- • Pump-out station
- • Ship's store (pizza, ice cream, bait, supplies)
- • Marine mechanic and winterization services
- • Winter and summer boat storage
Boat Launch:
Multiple ramps available
Launch Fee: Slip rentals: $25-$40 daily, $95-$150 weekly, $295-$490 monthly
Hours: Mid-April to mid-October: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mon-Sat, Closed Sunday
Contact: (304) 765-2120
Bee Run Day Use Area Boat Ramp
Public boat launch with beach
Services Available:
- • Wide concrete boat ramp
- • Large parking for trucks and trailers
- • Adjacent to Sutton Lake Marina
- • Swimming beach
- • Restrooms and showers
- • Picnic shelters
Boat Launch:
Multiple ramps available
Launch Fee: $3.00 day use per vehicle ($40 annual pass)
Hours: Seasonal - closes when lake drops below 917 feet
South Abutment Boat Ramp
Public boat launch behind dam
Services Available:
- • Boat ramp access
- • Swimming beach
- • Picnic shelter
- • Fishing pier
- • Access to tailwater fishing
Boat Launch:
Multiple ramps available
Launch Fee: $3.00 day use per vehicle
Hours: Seasonal
Bakers Run Campground Boat Ramp
Campground boat launch
Services Available:
- • Boat ramp with small dock
- • Parking for boat trailers
- • Extended no-wake zone nearby
Boat Launch:
Multiple ramps available
Launch Fee: $3.00 day use or included with campground stay
Hours: May 1 - September 30 (ramp closes below 910 feet)
Gerald R. Freeman Campground Boat Ramp
Campground boat launch with marina
Services Available:
- • Accessible boat ramps
- • Small marina with snack bar
- • Parking area
Boat Launch:
Multiple ramps available
Launch Fee: $3.00 day use or included with campground stay
Hours: April 18 - November 29 (ramp closes below 912 feet)
Camping Facilities
WV fishing license
Recommended
Jigs with live minnow trailers (walleye)
Recommended
Tube jigs and soft plastics (bass)
Recommended
Spinnerbaits for laydowns
Recommended
Small jigs (crappie)
Recommended
Blade baits (winter walleye)
Optional
Heavy muskie tackle for tailwaters
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
Layers (cool mornings even in summer)
Recommended
Water Activities
Swimming
Two designated beaches at Bee Run and South Abutment day use areas. No lifeguards - swim at your own risk.
Best Season: Mid-April to mid-October
Beginner-friendlyKayaking & Paddleboarding
Explore 40 miles of shoreline and 14 miles of Elk River arm. Calmer water than many WV lakes. Rentals available at Sutton Lake Marina.
Best Season: Mid-April to mid-October
Beginner to IntermediateBoating
Four public boat ramps with $3 launch fee. Marina offers 230 slips and pontoon/jet ski rentals. Less boat traffic than busier WV lakes.
Best Season: Mid-April to mid-October (varies by water level)
All levelsHiking
31 trail systems with over 30 miles of trails. Jeremiah Carpenter Trail (4.5 mi), Happy Camper's Trail (1.4 mi), South Abutment Trail (0.24 mi). Native pollinator garden near dam.
Best Season: Year-round
Easy to ModerateWildlife Viewing
Adjacent to 18,225-acre Elk River WMA. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and furbearers. Elk River has highest species diversity of any river in West Virginia.
Best Season: Year-round (best spring and fall)
EasyCamping
Three USACE campgrounds: Gerald R. Freeman (156 sites), Bakers Run (77 sites), and Bee Run (12 primitive sites). Electric, full hookup, and tent sites available.
Best Season: April through November (varies by campground)
Beginner-friendlySeasonal Fishing Guide
Spring (March-May)
Target Species:
- • Bass
- • Crappie
- • Trout (tailwaters)
Techniques:
Bass hit laydowns and structure hard as water warms. Crappie spawn in shallow coves - small jigs and live minnows around brush piles. Tailwater trout stocked bi-weekly Feb-April.
Conditions:
Water temps rising from 50°F to 65°F. Lake fills to summer pool (922 ft) by mid-April. Campgrounds opening mid-April to early May.
Stop by for crappie jigs and bass tackle. Water's still cold early on - bring layers and expect muddy conditions after spring rains.
Summer (June-August)
Target Species:
- • Walleye
- • Bass
- • Catfish
- • Crappie
Techniques:
Walleye on deep structure 40-60 feet - jigs with live bait at dawn and dusk. Bass go deep midday - work shaded cover early and late. Night fishing excellent for catfish.
Conditions:
Water temps 68-78°F. Lake at summer pool (922 ft). Peak recreation season but less crowded than Summersville.
Sutton stays quieter than the big lakes - great for families wanting peace and quiet. Get out early before the afternoon heat.
Fall (September-November)
Target Species:
- • Walleye
- • Bass
- • Muskie (tailwaters)
- • Trout (tailwaters)
Techniques:
Bass and walleye feed heavily pre-winter. Work rocky points and drop-offs. Muskie active in tailwaters - large bucktails and jerkbaits. Trout stocked in October.
Conditions:
Water cooling 65°F to 50°F. Peak fall foliage early to mid-October. Lake remains at summer pool through November 30.
Best fishing of the year. Fall colors along the shoreline are beautiful. Gerald Freeman Campground stays open until November 29.
Winter (December-February)
Target Species:
- • Walleye
- • Trout (tailwaters)
- • Muskie (tailwaters)
Techniques:
Slow vertical jigging for walleye in deep water. Blade baits and finesse presentations. Tailwater fishing for trout and muskie can be excellent.
Conditions:
Water temps 38-50°F. Lake drawn down to 895 ft winter pool (27 ft lower). Most facilities closed. Boat ramps inaccessible at winter pool.
Bundle up for tailwater fishing - that's where the action is in winter. Fewer anglers but fish still bite.
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: 2 walleye. Only walleye under 20 inches OR one over 30 inches may be kept.
Important
Muskie Regulations
Minimum size limit 30 inches. Daily limit 1 fish. Use heavy tackle for these fish.
Important
Bass Regulations
Daily limit 6 in any combination (smallmouth, largemouth, spotted bass). No minimum size. Possession limit 12.
Bass Consumption Advisory
Black bass over 12 inches: Limit to 1 meal per month due to mercury content. Check current WVDNR mercury advisory charts.
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
Day Use Fees
USACE charges $3.00 per vehicle for boat launching or beach access. Annual pass $40. America the Beautiful, Golden Age, and Golden Access passes receive 50% discount.
Camping Regulations
14-day limit per 30-day period at all USACE campgrounds. Quiet hours 10 PM - 6 AM. Pets allowed on leash. Don't Move Firewood policy in effect.
Tailwater Restrictions
Spearfishing prohibited on Elk River from Sutton Dam downstream to US Route 19 bridge. Droplines prohibited on Elk River.
What to Bring
Make sure you have everything you need for a great day on the water!
- WV fishing license
- Jigs with live minnow trailers (walleye)
- Tube jigs and soft plastics (bass)
- Spinnerbaits for laydowns
- Small jigs (crappie)
- Blade baits (winter walleye) (optional)
- Heavy muskie tackle for tailwaters (optional)
- Life jackets (required for all ages)
- Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses
- Cooler with ice
- First aid kit
- Navigation lights (if boating after dark) (optional)
- Layers (cool mornings even in summer)
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.