If you have the time, or inclination, search out a patch or two of emerging vegetation. Lily pads are especially productive if you can find a patch that has some growth to it. Weeds and pads can be fished with plastics or topwater baits. Buzzbaits, walking sticks and plastic frogs all account for their fair share of keeper bass from the pads.

Interestingly, most of this tiny bass factory has no horsepower limit. There is, however, one cove that’s electric motor only. The area is well marked. Plumb Orchard Lake can be accessed from several exits off I-77.

For up-to-the-minute reports about Plumb Orchard bass fishing, call the District IV office at (304) 256-6947.

STEPHENS LAKE
Stephens Lake is not very well known and that’s a shame because it’s a serious bass venue. District IV fisheries biologist Mark Scott opines, “It’s also small -- about 300 acres -- but is a lot deeper than Plumb Orchard. It’s full of beaver huts and vegetation with mostly clear water. The average Stephens Lake bass will be somewhat bigger than those found in Plumb Orchard, but Plumb Orchard is still your best bet for a trophy.”

Fish Stephens Lake much like you would Plumb Orchard, except that deeper running crankbaits and heavier jigs are an option here because of the deeper water. For the most part, natural colored lures are your best bet here. The clear waters allow bass to see the baits from a long distance, so there’s no need for bright, flashy color combinations. In fact, at times they’re counterproductive.

The deepest water is at the southern end of the lake near the dam. Most of the early fishable vegetation will be found in the upper section (north) of the lake. The earliest greenery will typically show on the north bank. Beaver huts are scattered around the lake in no particular pattern. How and why they choose a location is something that’s known only to them on this body of water.

Stephens Lake is in Raleigh County, near the city of Beckley. For current conditions, contact the District IV office at (304) 256-6947.

This survey of seven great black bass fisheries is only the beginning of what West Virginia will offer in the coming years. Get started fishing now before Father Time gets the better of you.