Like most impoundments, Elk Fork’s aquatic vegetation remains primarily concentrated along its shoreline. However, since this lake is relatively shallow, it’s not unusual to find clumps of aquatic vegetation throughout the lake.

Anglers should note that this 278-acre lake is limited to a 10-horsepower motor limit. Boats can have larger motors, but firing them up on the lake is prohibited. Also, be aware that for all you night owls, night-fishing continues to be allowed on Elk Fork Lake.

To get to Elk Fork Lake from Interstate 77, take exit 138 at Ripley and head west on U.S. Route 33. Turn onto county Route 26 and follow it to the lake. The access ramp to Elk Fork is located about three-quarters of a mile from the dam along CR 26. The lake’s access features a concrete ramp with courtesy piers and plenty of parking.

BURNSVILLE LAKE
Right smack dab in the middle of West Virginia sets Burnsville Lake. As the geographic hub of prime bass fishing, one might think that Burnsville would be overloaded with bass fishing pressure, but such is not the case. In fact, the lake continues to produce a good mix of bass numbers as well as sizes of fish.

Most West Virginia anglers find themselves within driving distance of Burnsville Lake and being along I-79 makes access to the lake convenient. Showcasing the quality fishing, Burnsville Lake continues to be a very popular bass tournament site. Tournament anglers won’t keep returning to a lake if they’re not catching big bass, plenty of bass, or both.

Anglers coming to Burnsville Lake can expect to catch both largemouth and spotted bass. Spotted bass remain more numerous within the lake and comprise about 60 percent of the bass population, while largemouths make up the other 40 percent.

While the lake boasts high catch rates, the main reason many anglers come to Burnsville is to catch big bass. I’m talking about trophy largemouths in the 5-pound-plus range. Even though catching big numbers of spotted bass might be fun, anglers seem to be more interested in trying to put lunker largemouths in the boat.

Bass data from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) shows the bass population to contain a high percentage of bass over 5 pounds, compared with other West Virginia reservoirs. Burnsville also makes a strong showing in the West Virginia Trophy Fish Citation Program each year. Big bass from Burnsville continue to qualify for the program’s citations.

Burnsville Lake features several types of quality bass cover, including the lake’s premier structure -- submerged timber. Anglers fishing on Burnsville Lake commonly concentrate on coves filled with standing timber and for good reason. Bass prefer to hang around standing timber, and just about any time of year anglers can encounter big bass around submerged timber.

The lake’s best areas of standing timber include Big Run, Knawl Creek and Little Knawl Creek. Each contains excellent tracts of standing and submerged timber that are always worth fishing on Burnsville Lake.

Another cover type that consistently produces bass at Burnsville is points. Submerged points, which extend out into the lake, can provide good bass fishing throughout the year; however, points are especially productive during the spring.