WHERE TO FIND 'EM!
Finding flatheads is usually a matter of locating their preferred habitats: rock ledges, submerged timber, sandy flats and feeding zones. Although the lake doesn't have much submerged timber, Summersville happens to be loaded with the other three habitat types.

Flatheads use crevices (hollow logs, caves and cracks in ledges) for protection, spawning and nesting during certain times of the year. And even when they're not using such openings, you can bet the fish are close by.

Summersville Lake contains numerous rock ledges, but some prime concentrations are along the main lake. Some of the lake's best flathead ledges can be located across the lake from the dam, around Long Point and on the main lake between Long Point and the mouth of McKeys Creek.

Another way to locate flatheads is through their stomachs. Rock bass, bluegills and sunfish are the primary food sources for Summersville Lake flatheads, and rock bass in particular because they remain so abundant in the lake. As their namesake indicates, rock bass love to hang around rocky substrate near shallow water.

Accordingly, flatheads will be found in the same vicinity as these rocky feeding zones come dinnertime. Flatheads will hardly pass up an easy meal anytime, but they are especially aggressive during low-light periods from dusk till dawn. Most anglers recognize nighttime as the period when flathead activity reaches peak levels.

Summerville contains much rocky substrate, but anglers will be interested in the concentrations of rocky substrate located along the shore between Long Point and Salmon Run.

Another rocky shoreline that consistently holds flatheads is the face of the dam. Rocky riprap creates nooks and crannies that mark the homes of rock bass, bluegills and sunfish, thus providing hungry flatheads a gourmet feast.

West Virginia lakes tend to offer a limited amount of flats. Since catfish love flats, any flat on Summersville Lake should be worthy of an angler's attention. Two types of flats exist in Summersville Lake: sheltered flats lying inside protected coves and those found along the main lake.

Across the lake from Long Point, anglers can find the latter type, a wide main lake flat that seems to always harbor flatheads. Other bends along the main lake featuring gradual slopes serve as likely flathead feeding spots as well.

HOW TO CATCH 'EM!
Live bait remains the best option for flatheads, but for optimal results, anglers may need to take extra steps. Before placing live bait on a hook, make sure it has been tempered to the water temperature of the lake. Tempering increases the life span of live bait and ensures that the bait will be active. Energetic bait that moves around vigorously is much more likely to attract the attention of flathead catfish.

Goldfish seem to be the preferred bait for many flathead anglers, but bluegills or rock bass also work well on trophy flatheads. In fact, bluegills and rock bass seem to work better on Summersville Lake probably because these panfish make up the largest portion of a flathead's natural diet.

Bluegills or rock bass can be hooked through the tail or through the upper mouth, whichever an angler prefers. A large egg sinker (can be up to 1 ounce) should be placed just above the bait to secure it on the bottom. Gear up with sturdy tackle and prepare for the action to heat up.

At the summer pool elevation, Summersville Lake offers plenty of boating access from four different launching facilities: Salmon Run, Long Point, Battle Run and the winter ramp beside the dam. For facilities related to food, gas or other services, the ramp at Long Point hosts the only marina service on the lake.

Anglers should check with the Summersville Lake office or call the lake's fishing report at (304) 872-5809 for current details on fishing and water conditions.

If you're looking for a brand-new catfishing experience this season, Summersville Lake's untapped flathead fishery may be just what you're searching for.