Photo by Ron Sinfelt.

Not glamorous by typical angling standards, catfish well represent the blue-collar nature so prevalent in the Mountain State. Hard fighters and eager biters, whiskerfish exist in many state waters, providing an exciting element available to all state anglers.

Flathead catfish, common in many of the state's river systems, grow to impressive sizes and furnish a trophy aspect to our sport. Channel cats, too, grow to large proportions and are even better distributed. Bullheads, the pan-sized version of whiskerfish, are found in many state reservoirs and ponds, as well as low-gradient rivers and streams. An excellent "family fish," generally, you can count on bullheads to be cooperative. Blue catfish are also present in select areas, most notably portions of the Ohio River.

Interestingly, two of the state's catfish records have been set within the past two years. Michael Sears took the current state-record channel cat from Patterson Creek in 2005. The big fork tail measured 40.3 inches and weighed 33.42 pounds. That same year, Sam Morrison landed the largest blue catfish to date, a 24.37-pound fish that stretched the tape to 36.5 inches.

Records for the other two species of catfish go back some years. It was 1977 when Gary Freeman caught the top bullhead from the Tygart Lake headwaters. The big bullhead was 22.75 inches long and weighed 6.1 pounds. The flathead record has stood the test of time, over 40 years, in fact. L.L. McClung took a 70-pound shovelhead in 1956 from the Little Kanawha River. That fish taped out at 52 inches.

What follows is a look at five top-notch catfish waters in the state. Some are better suited for folks looking for relatively fast-action "numbers" waters if you will. Others may offer a better chance for a bigger catfish, something that really stretches out your line.

STONEWALL JACKSON LAKE
While largemouth bass and muskies may receive much of the limelight cast over Stonewall Jackson Lake, the impoundment also contains its share of catfish. Stonewall Jackson is one of the top lakes in the state for channel catfish, with good numbers of average-sized fish, as well as some that are over 20 inches.

Located in Lewis County, Stonewall Jackson Lake covers about 2,600 acres and has a maximum depth of about 80 feet, though its average depth runs about 15 feet.

Created by the Army Corps of Engineers by an impoundment on the West Fork River, Stonewall Jackson was made with the angler in mind. Much of the timber was left in the lake before its being flooded. Shoreline access is good in select sections, particularly near launch and access areas. Young panfish and silverside minnows comprise a significant portion of the food base used by channel cats and other of the lake's predators.

The main arm of Stonewall Jackson stretches uplake to the town of Walkersville. The Skin Creek and Little Skin Creek arms provide two other long, narrow waters. While no horsepower limitations are in place, many no-wake zones are. Recreational usage on this lake is less than many others.

Access areas on Stonewall Jackson Lake include the Georgetown Access, Glady Fork Access, Jacksonville Access, and also the access located within the Stonewall Jackson State Park portion of the lake. A marina is also located in the state park.

Many other recreational attractions can be found within Stonewall Jackson State Park -- including Stonewall Resort -- and Stonewall Jackson Wildlife Management Area. Weston, located just north of the lake, can provide some services.

A daily report on the status of recreational facilities as well as the current lake level can be heard by calling (304) 269-7463.

BURNSVILLE LAKE
Located just a bit down the interstate from Stonewall Jackson Lake, Burnsville Lake is perhaps overshadowed a bit by its popular neighbor. Even so, Burnsville provides an excellent channel catfish fishery. The lake also contains flathead catfish.