Monongalia County, WV · Reservoir
Cheat Lake
A 13-mile run-of-river reservoir on the Cheat River near Morgantown, recovered from historic acid mine drainage into a productive walleye, bass, and crappie fishery. Walleye and smallmouth hold on the points and channel edges; largemouth and crappie fill the coves. Public ramps serve the lake from the Cheat Lake area.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish & Crappie — tied at the top (23/100)
5 species tied for best of 5 tracked at Cheat Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Cheat Lake
5 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 5 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Walleye Skip the Walleye trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
- Daily creel
- 8
8/day (15" minimum on most waters).
Source: West Virginia regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Skip the Smallmouth Bass trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 6
6 black bass/day in aggregate (12" minimum on many waters — check the water-specific rule).
Source: West Virginia regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Largemouth Bass Skip the Largemouth Bass trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 6
6 black bass/day in aggregate (12" minimum on many waters — check the water-specific rule).
Source: West Virginia regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Channel Catfish Skip the Channel Catfish trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 30
30/day (lower on some designated impoundments).
Source: West Virginia regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Crappie Skip the Crappie trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 30
West Virginia: 30 crappie/day on most waters (some impoundments are lower — confirm).
Source: West Virginia regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
West Virginia
Coordinates
Notes
WV statewide limits apply. Water quality has rebounded dramatically since the 1990s — the fishery is now a regional draw.
Local reports & rules for Cheat Lake: West Virginia DNR fishing & regulations → · trout stocking schedule → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Cheat Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Cheat Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Cheat Lake?
Cheat Lake is listed on this site for 5 commonly-targeted species: Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and 1 more. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Cheat Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Cheat Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Cheat Lake have?
Cheat Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. WV statewide limits apply. Water quality has rebounded dramatically since the 1990s — the fishery is now a regional draw.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Cheat Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Cheat Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Cheat Lake tidal water?
No. Cheat Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.