Fayette County, WV · Inland River
New River (Thurmond Gorge)
One of the oldest rivers on the continent, carving the New River Gorge through southern West Virginia — a nationally renowned smallmouth bass fishery in big, boulder-strewn pocket water. Smallmouth dominate the rapids and eddies, with walleye, channel catfish, and the occasional muskie in the deeper runs. Live USGS flow and water temperature at Thurmond read the gorge.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Channel Catfish — Drop everything — ideal day for Channel Catfish.
Best conditions of 4 species tracked at New River (Thurmond Gorge).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at New River (Thurmond Gorge)
4 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Channel Catfish Drop everything — ideal day for Channel Catfish. In season 86/100
What's helping
- 76°F water — right in channel catfish's ideal range
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
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.
#2 Smallmouth Bass Great day to fish for Smallmouth Bass. In season 80/100
What's helping
- 76°F water — inside smallmouth bass's active range
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
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.
#3 Largemouth Bass Great day to fish for Largemouth Bass. In season 74/100
What's helping
- 76°F water — inside largemouth bass's active range
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
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.
#4 Walleye Marginal conditions for Walleye. In season 44/100
What's helping
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
What's hurting
- 76°F water — above walleye's active range (50–72°f) — fish move deep
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.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
West Virginia
Coordinates
Notes
New River: all black bass 14–22" must be released, 6/day with only 1 over 22". A 12-mile catch-and-release section sits within the gorge — confirm the reach.
Local reports & rules for New River (Thurmond Gorge): 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 New River (Thurmond Gorge)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at New River (Thurmond Gorge) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at New River (Thurmond Gorge)?
New River (Thurmond Gorge) is listed on this site for 4 commonly-targeted species: Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass. 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 New River (Thurmond Gorge)?
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 New River (Thurmond Gorge) 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 New River (Thurmond Gorge) have?
New River (Thurmond Gorge) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. New River: all black bass 14–22" must be released, 6/day with only 1 over 22". A 12-mile catch-and-release section sits within the gorge — confirm the reach.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at New River (Thurmond Gorge)?
state agency regulations apply at New River (Thurmond Gorge). 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 New River (Thurmond Gorge) tidal water?
No. New River (Thurmond Gorge) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.