Photo by Ron Sinfelt

Mountain State bass anglers have it pretty good when spring rolls around. Both smallmouth and largemouth bass-fishing opportunities abound, no matter if you prefer rivers or lakes for your recreational angling.

The reason for much of the good bass fishing is a new attitude from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). According to District V assistant fisheries biologist Jeff Hansbarger, there’s a new push in the state to develop fisheries with an eye toward scientific research, specifically as it relates to growth and survival factors.

That new attitude is good news and it’s starting to make a difference. The old venues are getting better and new ones are developing.

Let’s take a close look at a few of them.

STONEWALL JACKSON LAKE
Stonewall Jackson has been one of the best largemouth fisheries in the state for many years and that distinction continues. At 2,650 acres, this Lewis County fishery is big enough to offer a variety of habitat options for bass, while being small enough to be manageable for anglers.

District III fisheries biologist Kevin Yokum stated flatly, “It’s the best trophy largemouth lake in the state and the best numbers lake as well.” He continued on to point out that electrofishing studies show a huge population of 5- to 6-pound bass in the lake and a few as big as 8 pounds.

“That’s a big bass for this part of the country,” he said.

Assuming normal weather, most Stonewall largemouths will be in the pre-spawn mode. According to Yokum, the best places to find them are along, and inside, the acres and acres of standing flooded timber that’s found in this lake. When pushed for a specific location, he replied, “It really doesn’t make any difference. We electro-fish all over the lake and the results are good no matter where we do it.”

Of course, if you can find a shallow, weedy and stump-filled bay, cut or backwater area near timber, so much the better. Most of this water can be effectively fished with a medium size and weight spinnerbait or a small, shallow-running crankbait. Bright colors often produce better results than dull ones. If the bite turns slow, switch to any of the myriad shad colors on the market.

Largemouths can be caught almost anywhere around the lake, but areas adjacent to standing timber will often produce the better fish. (There’s a ton of timber in the water, so it won’t be hard to find.) Experienced local anglers will work their way around the lake, fishing one spot and then the next, realizing that largemouths at this time of year are scattered.

This lake offers anglers good access, a fair amount of shore-fishing opportunities and a really nice state park. There’s also handicapped access for the physically challenged.

For current water and fishing conditions, as well as any special regulations that may be in effect, contact District III at (304) 924-6211.

THE NEW RIVER
If you’re a brown bass fan, then the New River should be on your “places to fish” list this year. District IV fisheries biologist Mark Scott said, “It’s the best smallmouth stream in the East. It takes a 4-pounder for a trophy citation and 2- and 3-pound smallies are fairly common. Now, the truth is they’re not all that big, but quite a few of them are.”