The state park administrator emphasized that the WMA, which encompasses the lake, adds to the scenic nature of the park. Hiking trails, a swimming pool and paddleboat rental are other possible family activities.

DISTRICT V
Beech Fork State Park
Dave Lombardo believes that Beech Fork State Park would make another fine family fishing foray.

"The access to the lake at Beech Fork is excellent. Families and kids can fish right out from their campsites. In fact, I would say the Beech Fork campsite is one of the most popular in our entire state park and forest system."

The park sports 275 campsites, some 80 of which are lakefront, and six cabins. Among the other enticements are a summer naturalist program, hiking trails, swimming pool and a large recreation center with arcade-style games. Lombardo lists largemouth bass, channel catfish and bluegills as the big three game fish at this District V impoundment. Crappie, walleyes and tiger muskies also have been known to show up on the ends of anglers' lines.

Bob Beanblossom suggested that parents and their offspring concentrate on the lower end of 720-acre Beech Fork Lake, which is near Barboursville. The upper section of this long, narrow impoundment is heavily silted and fishing is noticeably poorer there. Beanblossom added that the tailrace contains a put-and-take trout fishery. Some of those fish carry over to early summer. The most consistent action, however, is for warmwater game fish at the lower end of the lake.

Regarding trails, Beanblossom recommends the first mile or two of a seven-mile trail, which runs for a while along the lake. Families can gauge how well their children are doing and perhaps extend the hike -- or head back to the beginning of this fairly flat pathway.

VIPP Program
I have been writing the annual family fishing story for this magazine for 15 years now. A few years ago, I realized that while penning all those stories and undertaking visits to the various parks and state forests, I was slowly earning the right to become a Very Important Parks Person (VIPP).

Created in 1986, the VIPP program was designed to develop "friends" for West Virginia state parks and forests and to recognize those who make regular visits to these establishments. To attain the VIPP status, visitors must visit 20 state parks and forests from a designated list. Fifteen parks and forests are listed as mandatory, and five elective establishments must be visited from among all the rest. I took 15 years to gain my designation, but no time limit exists.

Upon completion of the 20 visits, in recognition of an individual's new VIPP status, the West Virginia DNR will present the person with a membership certificate, card, and most importantly, to my way of thinking, a windbreaker jacket featuring the VIPP program. Quite honestly, I was thrilled last June when I received my VIPP jacket while Elaine and I were staying at North Bend State Park. I plan to wear the jacket to every park and forest I stay at from now on.

This year, I also plan to visit some of my favorite parks. For example, at this writing, I hope to go to Greenbrier State Forest. While there, I am going to float the Greenbrier River and fly-fish in some of southern West Virginia's trout streams. I also have always wanted to hunt in the Calvin Price State Forest. This may be the year when I accomplish that goal. Little Beaver State Park is not too far from our home, and maybe that is where Elaine and I will spend our summer vacation. Indeed, the choices are many for those who love fishing and the outdoors -- and West Virginia certainly has it all when it comes to fine state parks and forests to explore.

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