SUTTON LAKE
Braxton County bassing' isn't limited to Burnsville Lake. Nearby, 1,500-acre Sutton Lake contains good numbers of spotted and largemouth bass, as well as a more limited number of smallies. We'll want to take the Sutton exit of the interstate to experience this lake's fine bass fishing.

An impoundment of the Elk River, Sutton Lake lies in a steep, wooded valley. Two major arms feed the lake: the Elk River and the Holly River arms. Good bass fishing can be experienced, not only in the main basin of the lake, but up these river arms as well, particularly during the spring.

Some standing timber and brushpiles provide woody habitat, while rocky ledges add to the mix.

Additional information on Sutton Lake can be gathered by calling (304) 765-2816.

SUMMERSVILLE LAKE
To continue our southward journey let's leave I-79 now, taking U.S. Route 19 south just below Sutton. Route 19 will take us to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing the state has to offer, starting with Summersville Lake.

A dam located on the Gauley River creates Summersville Lake's 2,700 acres. Rocky habitat is common in Summersville, likely adding to the lake's ability to hold smallmouth bass.

Summersville Lake provides an intricate network of arms and coves that beg for exploration by anglers. The Gauley River arm stretches to the east. To the north, two significant arms are present, both of which are under no-wake restrictions, adding to their attractiveness to the boat angler.

Access areas are located at the dam site, Battle Run, Long Point and Salmon Run. There are no horsepower restrictions, though extensive no-wake zones are present as previously noted.

Summersville Lake can be accessed from state Route 129 off state Route 19. Additional information can be obtained by calling (304) 872-3412.

NEW RIVER
What better way to finish a fantastic bass-fishing trip than to cap things off with a float down the New River for bronzebacks? So let's travel a few more miles down state Route 19 to the New River.

For many years, the New River was better known for its world-class whitewater rafting adventures as well as its famous bridge. Now that folks have discovered the quality smallmouth bass fishery it contains, angling now receives its share of the limelight.

In light of the level of smallmouth fishing the New River provides, the Division of Natural Resources has placed special regulations on a significant portion of the river. A 12-mile section from the I-64 bridge at Sandstone, downstream to the National Park Service Grandview Sandbar access site near Quinnimont is under catch-and-release regulations. See your brochure of regulations for added details.

Access sites on the New River in Fayette County include McKendree and Stone Cliff. This water is suitable for experienced canoeists. Several outfitters operate in the area for those wanting to experience a New River float-fishing trip.

Sampling these waters should keep you busy for most of the spring. Here are a few ideas on how to fish these varied waters. These tips will assist you in deciding what tackle to bring for the waters you choose to fish.

PRE-SPAWN BASS IN LAKES
As you read this, bass (smallies, largemouth and spotted) will likely be in a pre-spawn phase. If the weather is warm, then bass could be on beds in the southern portions of the state.

In lake environments, it will be wise to begin your search in the bays and upper portions of the larger creek arms, places that will provide the necessary habitat when spawning takes place. During the pre-spawn period, bass will begin making their way toward areas where they will eventually reproduce.