The Greenbrier River is known for many things. Perhaps the stream's greatest claim to fame is it is reputed to be the longest river in the United States that's hasn't been dammed. For those outdoorsmen who love scenic vistas along with their fishing, the Greenbrier certainly fills the bill in any season.

Many people cherish the river as a marvelous place to float-fish for smallmouth bass. My favorite time to do so is from the middle of spring to early summer when water levels are most conducive to canoeing. After all, the Greenbrier can become quite low later in the summer, specifically if rain amounts have not been sufficient.

The Greenbrier is also known as one of the many waterways that begin in Pocahontas County, where both the stream's East and West forks receive regular trout stockings from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). And the main stem itself also is a stocked trout stream for part of its journey through Pocahontas. Those three arms of the river even attract avid trout fishermen at this time of year when the state's highlands can be quite frigid.

However, there is another coldwater fishery that is oft overlooked on this West Virginia jewel, and that, specifically, is the river's wintertime smallmouth bass fishing. Indeed, the bronzeback fishery is definitely on the upsurge, emphasized DNR biologist Mark Scott.

"The Greenbrier has experienced good to excellent smallmouth spawns from 2006 through 2008," Scott said. "I received good reports from the river in 2008, and I expect the bass fishing to be even better in 2009. In fact, with those quality spawns, the fishing should continue to become better and better in the years beyond 2009."

Virgil Hanshaw, the long-time operator of the Greenbrier River Company in Ronceverte, agrees that the river's smallie fishery is a highly esteemed one.

"The Greenbrier was the Greenbrier in 2008," Hanshaw said. "By that I mean the smallmouth fishing was good, just like it usually is every year. I think that's one of the best things about the river, its consistency. Some years, the bass may be a little bigger or more numerous, and some years, a little smaller or not as numerous; but for years, the fishing has been consistently good to excellent. I think that's why so many people return to the river year after year."

Three approaches exist for wintertime fishing on this waterway. Anglers can choose to float the river in various kinds of craft (such as canoes, kayaks, johnboats, and rafts -- and each has its virtues at this time of year). Or, they can choose to wade or fish from the bank. If they choose the latter two options, some ethical and safety issues come into play.

"The Greenbrier has numerous public access points, so there are all kinds of spots where people can make their way to the river," Scott said. "What people should be very careful not to do is trespass on private land. There are a lot of camps and cabins along the river, and many of those places are posted. Many are not. Regardless, fishermen should always ask for permission to access the river.