Largemouth Bass Fishing in West Virginia
Check regulations
Check regulations
Year-round
Overview
The Largemouth Bass is a popular freshwater game fish found throughout West Virginia. The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in the United States, pursued by millions of anglers across 48 states.
Best Waters in West Virginia
- Summersville Lake — reservoir. Species: smallmouth-bass, largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish.
- Burnsville Lake — reservoir. Species: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish, walleye.
- Stonewall Jackson Lake — reservoir. Species: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish.
Local Techniques & Baits
Techniques
- texas-rig
- crankbait
- topwater
- spinnerbait
Baits & Lures
- Green pumpkin Senko worm
- Shad-pattern square-bill crankbait
- White/chartreuse spinnerbait
- Black/blue jig with craw trailer
- Watermelon red flake creature bait
- Buzzbait
- Live shiners
- Zoom Super Fluke (white)
Seasonal Guide for West Virginia
SpringSpring Fishing
Spring is prime time for largemouth bass. As water temperatures rise past 55F, bass move shallow to spawn. Pre-spawn fish feed aggressively on crawfish and baitfish near staging areas such as points and channel swings. During the spawn (60-70F), males fan out beds on firm bottoms in 1-6 feet of water and can be caught sight-fishing with soft plastics.
SummerSummer Fishing
In summer, bass transition to deeper structure during the heat of the day, holding on ledges, humps, brush piles, and creek channels in 10-25 feet of water. Early morning and late evening topwater bites can be outstanding. Night fishing with black buzzbait or dark-colored worms becomes productive. Target shade from docks, bridges, and overhanging trees during midday.
FallFall Fishing
Fall triggers a major feeding binge as bass follow schools of shad into creek arms and shallow flats. This is one of the best times to catch numbers of quality fish. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits that mimic baitfish are extremely effective. Look for surface activity like schooling bass busting shad on the surface.
WinterWinter Fishing
Winter slows bass metabolism significantly. Fish move to the deepest available structure and become lethargic. Slow presentations like a jig dragged along the bottom or a small finesse worm on a drop-shot rig are most effective. Bites are subtle and infrequent. Focus on the warmest parts of the day, especially sunny afternoons when water temps tick up slightly.
Regulations
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current regulations with West Virginia Fish & Wildlife. Information shown was last updated 2025-01-01.
Specific regulations for largemouth bass in West Virginia are not listed in our database. Please check the official West Virginia regulations for current rules.