Nicholas County, WV · Reservoir
Summersville Lake
West Virginia’s largest lake — 2,700 acres of clear, deep water nicknamed "the Little Bahamas of the East." A smallmouth bass, walleye, and crappie fishery over rock and timber, with stocked trout in the cold tailwater below the dam and channel catfish throughout. Multiple public ramps and shoreline access in the surrounding state-park land.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish & Rainbow Trout — tied at the top (68/100)
6 species tied for best of 6 tracked at Summersville Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Summersville Lake
6 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 6 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Workable day for Smallmouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
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 Walleye Workable day for Walleye. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
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 Largemouth Bass Workable day for Largemouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 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.
#1 Crappie Workable day for Crappie. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
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.
#1 Channel Catfish Workable day for Channel Catfish. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 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.
#1 Rainbow Trout Workable day for Rainbow Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 6
6 trout/day in aggregate (all trout species).
Source: West Virginia regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
West Virginia
Coordinates
Notes
WV statewide limits apply (6 black bass aggregate; 8 walleye). The Gauley River tailwater below the dam is a noted trout and whitewater run.
Local reports & rules for Summersville 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 Summersville Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Summersville Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Summersville Lake?
Summersville Lake is listed on this site for 6 commonly-targeted species: Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and 2 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 Summersville 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 Summersville 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 Summersville Lake have?
Summersville Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. WV statewide limits apply (6 black bass aggregate; 8 walleye). The Gauley River tailwater below the dam is a noted trout and whitewater run.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Summersville Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Summersville 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 Summersville Lake tidal water?
No. Summersville Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.