Stonewall Jackson Lake

Stonewalll Jackson is West Virginia's premiere bass fishery. Only a short drive southeast of I-79's Weston exit, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's impoundment encompasses some 2,500 surface acres. Unlike other corps projects, it was built for recreation as well as water retention. The deepest channels in the lakebed were left timbered during construction, providing habitat critical to producing trophy bass. Now in its twelfth season, Stonewall Jackson has proved a bass hot spot. The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources maintains a catch-and-release-only program, ensuring a large population that produces many 4-6 pound largemouths.

The pre- and post-spawn provides great fishing for the big ones, however early summer produces many daily creels by late morning. Late-season opportunities are not to be dismissed. They simply require savvy.

Good parking is available at the launch ramp. Great camping facilities provide boat docks at some sites. Guest may soon stay in a nicely appointed lodge, complete with shopping and an 18-hole golf course. Plenty of lodging is available in nearby Weston.

If you get excited about spending the day fishing shelves, river channels, and narrow coves, Stonewall Jackson is a can't miss.

Woodrum Lake

Off I-77 near Ripley, you'll find a little honey-hole called Woodrum Lake, built by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service to protect the flood basin of the Middle Fork Creek. It was also designed with the angler in mind. Though only 240 acres with a small population, it makes up for by producing larger fish, with lunkers closing in on the 10-pound mark. Bring your arsenal, as the clear water provides a challenge.

Because the lake fills a narrow creek bed, a 10-horsepower motor limit is in place, with several no-wake zones. This protects the channel and structure that grows the big boys.

Plan for self sufficiency: you won't find campgrounds, restaurants, or filling stations this side of Ripley -- 20 minutes north. If you feel the need for luxury, take a 30-minute drive south to Charleston, West Virginia's capitol city.

O'Brien Lake

O'Brien Lake was built on the Bear Fork 10-miles north of Woodrum Lake. Borne of the same purposes, it is smaller, narrower, a bit less productive, and is usually very cloudy. Yet, it is more accessible than Woodrum and therefore sees quite a bit of traffic.

Summersville Lake

Primarily a smallmouth haven, Summersville is West Virginia's largest impoundment, 2,700 acres. Shorelines range from shallow beachfront to coves framed by cliff to clover. Fishing pressure in summer is light, but you'll contend with large numbers of pleasure craft. Look forward to lighter traffic during the week. Fish stay deep and are spooked by heavy line in the crystalline water. Be prepared for deep and rocky shelves. Fluorocarbon line was made for Summersville smallies.

In the southern end, near the dam, crawdads and tube jigs rule the day. Out on the main water, subtle presentation of deep crankers and lightly colored spinnerbaits bring plenty of bass and the occasional walleye. Live minnows are allowed, and you'll lose less tackle when you fish them, but lures are more productive when finessed to spooky fish. You'll find plenty of camping, motels, restaurants, and shopping in the town of Summersville. There are also a couple of full service marine shops nearby.

Moncove Lake

Moncove is tucked into West Virginia's southeast corner, amid low ridges and deer woods. Moncove Lake resembles the shallow grassy fisheries of the South and Texas, but on a smaller scale -- only 144 acres and with a five-horsepower limit. Moncove boasts a pleasant campground for tents and trailers. If you're equipped with a canoe or jon-boat, it's a purist's dream. Paddle through lillypads, grassbeds, stumps, and deadfall. Deep runners and stump jumpers pull them out of the thick vegetation. Spend your time drifting or trolling quietly on this little emerald, pulling trophies out of heavy structure to the song of cicadas at sunset.