Photo by Ron Sinfelt

From the northern reaches just below the Pennsylvania line to deep in the southern part of the state, exceptional bass fishing can be found proximate to the Interstate 79 and U.S. Route 19 corridor. And the fishing sport runs the full gamut, from still-water reservoirs, stretching for several miles, to flowing rivers teeming with smallmouth bass.

Let's load the truck with gear, couple up the boat, and take a hypothetical road trip down the four-lane, stopping off to sample some of the best black bass action the Mountain State has to offer. Don't be concerned if you're not sure what all to bring along for this multi-stop fishing bonanza. After we've looked at the top spots to fish, we'll discuss techniques and tackle. We don't want to be caught short during this quality trip.

CHEAT LAKE
Let's begin our journey in the northern portion of the state, on Cheat Lake, a 1,730-acre impoundment of the Cheat River near Morgantown. To reach this lake we'll need to take a minor tangent off I-79, traveling a few miles east on Interstate 68. I-68 crosses the lake a short distance east of Morgantown.

Cheat Lake has a history of acid mine drainage. Though such acidic pollutants still negatively impact the lake, water quality has improved dramatically during the past decade or so. Currently, Cheat Lake supports a productive warmwater fishery, one highlighted by largemouth bass.

Liming devices put in place on several of the watershed's more polluted feeder waters have had a positive impact on this Monongalia County lake. Today, Cheat Lake is one of the more popular bass-fishing destinations in our state, providing excellent sport for anglers. It's also one of the most popular bass tournament waters in the state.

Though water levels can change on Cheat Lake, drastic drawdowns do not occur there. It is not a flood-control reservoir. Its primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation. Allegheny Power owns it.

Cheat Lake stretches for about six miles upstream. Depths in excess of 100 feet are present. There are no horsepower restrictions on this lake, though there are no-wake zones in some areas. A launch site is located near Sunset Beach.

MONONGAHELA RIVER
Though the Monongahela River still carries the stigma as a heavily polluted waterway, the Monongahela, like the Cheat, has also enjoyed a substantial cleanup the past two decades. Black bass, primarily smallmouth bass, are found in the Mon, and provide a significant, though somewhat overlooked, fishing resource.

West Virginia's portion of the Monongahela River starts near Fairmont where the Tygart Valley River and West Fork River join. The Monongahela flows northward into Pennsylvania.

Though the river may not support a particularly large smallmouth bass population -- walleyes and saugers are more common -- it does produce some quality-sized bass, enough to warrant angler attention. Expect to find Monongahela River smallies along the best habitat, which is commonly found near feeder creeks as well as manmade structures like pilings, docks and piers. Lock-and-dam tailrace areas are always popular for a variety of species, bass included. Some of the better shore-fishing opportunities occur below dams.

Two Monongahela River access sites are located in Marion County, in Fairmont and Pricketts Fork. Three additional access areas are provided in Monongalia County. They can be found at Morgantown, Star City and Uffington.