Taking full advantage of West Virginia’s abundant fishing opportunities calls for putting together a plan that addresses many options. Consider this year’s fishing calendar such a plan, a framework of sorts that suggests potential trips for a wide range of species, often during peak times. So when outlining your fishing plans this year, consider these on-the-water possibilities.

JANUARY
Trout: Shavers Fork
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) manages one of the most aggressive trout stocking programs in the nation. Not only are tons of trout stocked on an annual basis, the process spans a period of several months. High-quality streams receive trout the first five months of the year. Shavers Fork is one of these streams.

Shavers Fork is slated to receive its first annual stocking in January. These stockings are dependent on the weather. It’s wise to check with the DNR to determine the status of stockings. A report can be heard by calling (304) 558-3399. Shavers Fork also receives two stockings of trout each fall. Depending on the conditions experienced over the winter months, carryover trout from these stockings may exist in some areas.

Shavers Fork provides a wide range of angling opportunities. The stream flows from south to north, with the stocked section beginning at Spruce. The upper portion of the stream is quite remote. Though that may be an attraction later in the year, at this time it might be wiser to fish easier to reach spots. From Bowden on down, it’s possible to find easy-to-access spots.

FEBRUARY
Summersville Lake: Walleyes
The Mountain State features several good walleye waters, both flowing and impounded. Summersville Lake in Nicholas County is one of the premier walleye waters in the state. It’s a great spot to creel a few great-tasting walleyes for the pan, at a time of the year when they taste best, coming from cold water.

Summersville Lake is an impoundment of the Gauley River. It covers nearly 3,000 surface acres. The lake features four major creek arms, providing a wealth of walleye fishing possibilities.

A federal flood-control reservoir, Summersville is subjected to dramatic pool level fluctuation, something that must be taken into account any time of the year, springtime in particular. For information on lake levels, call (304) 872-5809.

Boat access can be accomplished at a ramp located in the lower portion of the lake.

The fishing isn’t limited to Summersville Lake proper. The tailwaters section should be checked out. Walleyes are found below the dam in the Gauley River. At this time a good concentration of ’eyes may be in the tailwaters area, if flow rates are not too high.

Summersville Lake can be best accessed from state Route 129 at Mt. Nebo, three miles west of U.S. Route 19.

MARCH
Elk River: Trout
By the time March rolls around, trout-fishing opportunities will be in full swing. What better time to fish one of the state’s best trout resources, the Elk River?

The Elk River furnishes a plethora of trout-fishing opportunities, satisfying the angling appetites of fly and spin-fishermen, as well as bait-anglers.

Heavily influenced by limestone sources, the stream offers a stability not found in nearby freestone rivulets. The Elk’s fine water quality makes it a safer bet during the wet spring season and it also provides exceptional coldwater habitat for trout.

The Elk River begins near the town of Slatyfork in Pocahontas County. Good trout fishing can be found in this section. Farther downriver Cowgers Mill is another good area to try.

The Elk River contains a special regulations area. A two-mile section from the Elk Springs Campground downstream to the Rose Run Bridge is under catch-and-release regulations. This stretch can be accessed from county Route 49 off state Route (SR) 15, approximately four miles west of Valley Head. The river section is located in Randolph County.

The Elk sees a wide assortment of insect hatches throughout much of the year. One of the first hatches in the spring is the Quill Gordon.

APRIL
O’Brien Lake: Largemouth Bass
O’Brien Lake has provided exceptional bass fishing for some time now. Though the lake is changing, it should still be a good bet for jerking the jaws of a few oversized largemouths this spring.

About three years ago, gizzard shad became established in this Jackson County lake. They have had a negative impact on the overall population of bass in the lake, as gizzard shad feed heavily on young-of-the-year bass. Numbers of bass have been on the decline since the shad made their appearance. Still, this lake contains a good population of largemouths, lunker-sized bass. Fish up to 8 pounds are a possibility here. The catch-and-release regulations imposed here have a lot to do with this.

O’Brien Lake covers about 1,700 acres and stretches seven miles. The pool level is fairly stable, though drawdowns occur during dry times. The lake’s somewhat turbid water color limits aquatic vegetation. Standing timber is located in the upper portion of the lake’s main arm, as well in the backs of the coves that dot the shoreline.

There is a 10-horsepower limit on this lake. A paved ramp is provided. Besides the special bass fishing regulations, standard statewide rules apply to other aspects of fishing.