OCTOBER
South Branch Smallmouths
The turning of the leaves furnishes an aroma that makes the outdoorsperson think of the many activities he or she can undertake. If only the month could have a few extra days? One outing the angler must pursue is river smallmouth action, with the South Branch of the Potomac being a quality venue.

Hardy and Hampshire counties play host to some excellent river smallie fishing on the South Branch, including two catch-and-release areas.

Catch-and-Release Area 1 covers eight miles of the South Branch. It starts three miles east of Petersburg at the Petersburg Gap Bridge. This section extends downstream to the Fisher Bridge (county Route 13 bridge). The second area, which takes in 9.5 miles, runs from the Romney Bridge down to the Blue Beach Bridge (state Route 28 bridge).

All bass taken from these two sections must be returned to the water. Access is good on the South Branch. Hardy County access areas include Fisher Bridge, McNeil and Old Fields Bridge. Hampshire County adds no fewer than 13 additional access sites.

NOVEMBER
Cranberry River Trout
Many of the state’s better trout streams receive stockings in mid-October. Fishing pressure is light during the fall, so many of these trout will still be around come November. The Cranberry River is a good place to get your fill of late-season trout action, something to help keep the trout-fishing embers glowing until next spring.

A 16.5-mile section of the Cranberry River is stocked with trout. In addition to the October stockings just mentioned, the river receives a stocking in January, two in February and is stocked weekly March through May. The stocked section runs from the Woodbine Recreation areas upstream to the mouth of Dogway Fork. A catch-and-release area is located upstream of Dogway Fork. This section entails 4.3 miles and extends up to the confluence of the North and South branches of the Cranberry.

The Cranberry River flows through Pocahontas County and much of the area is national forest land.

DECEMBER
Bluestone Lake Hybrids
An impoundment of the New River, Bluestone Lake covers just over 2,000 surface areas. Housing a wide variety of warmwater species, Bluestone is a popular fishing destination. With the year winding down, it’s a place worthy of a trip geared toward hybrid stripers.

Bluestone is considered one of the state’s best hybrid waters. Like many of West Virginia’s flood-control project lakes, it is steep sided and narrow. Some mudflats are present. Warning buoys may not be in place at this time, so use extra caution when motoring around points and such. There are no horsepower restrictions.

As many of the state’s reservoirs experience a winter drawdown, it’s a good idea to call ahead for the status of ramps and other recreational features. Call (304) 466-0156 for a recorded message.

Find more about West Virginia fishing and hunting at: WVGameandFish.com