Another promising section of the Mud stretches between the DNR access along state Route (SR) 60 and Howell's Mill Dam. This is a lengthy, full-day float that contains an attractive array of muskie habitat. The area is a popular stretch of stream for knowledgeable Mud River anglers.

One more area certainly worth mentioning is found downstream of Howell's Mill and is locally referred to as the Interstate Pool. The primary access to the Interstate Pool is a carry-down boat path located directly under the Interstate 64 bridge.

On the Interstate Pool, boats can comfortably navigate three miles upstream from the access or a mile downstream. Anglers who are willing to drag their craft through riffles and portage around dams should be able to navigate the entire river from Milton down to the mouth.

Although impressive muskies continue to be caught on the Mud River, this river's strength is the number of muskies found within its banks. Fish of 40-plus inches are very possible, but the Mud is best known for multiple catches of 30- to 40-inch muskies.

The Mud River features plenty of first-class habitats. Fallen trees make obvious muskie hideouts and serve as consistent locations to encounter these large game fish. Downed trees usually create a significant break in the river's current, which often produces a sizeable area of slack water.

Summertime can be a tough time to catch muskies on many rivers, but not so with the Mud. Although usually discolored, the Mud can run semi-clear during the summer, and when that occurs, the muskellunge seem to turn aggressive. While less flow leads to the hassles of dragging a boat over shallow riffles to access other pools, anglers who regularly fish the Mud during the summer know the benefits.

NORTH BEND LAKE
One of our state's newest lakes, North Bend has quickly turned into a prime muskie fishery since being constructed in 2002. Since North Bend sits within the rich western muskie region of West Virginia, it should come as no surprise that this lake in Ritchie County has turned into a primo angling destination.

The 300-acre lake is packed with standing timber, thus the fishery should remain a thriving one for quite some time.

In 2005, a 40-inch size limit was instituted on North Bend Lake in anticipation that this fishery would quickly generate trophy muskies. The predictions were right on, and anglers are already reporting encounters with trophy-sized fish.

Soon after filling, North Bend Lake received a real jump-start when enhanced stocking measures (advanced fingerlings) bolstered the lake's muskie population. Initial stocking efforts paid off and soon anglers were connecting with muskies. After only a few years, the lake is churning out muskies in excess of 40 inches.

The stocking program continues today with a sustained emphasis on advanced muskie fingerlings. During 2008, North Bend Lake received 171 advanced fingerlings, and by all indications, these embellished young fish have survived well.

Any section of North Bend Lake is capable of producing muskellunge, but wise anglers will pay particular attention to the creek channel as it winds through thick stands of submerged timber.

Anglers are reminded that North Bend Lake has a 10-horsepower restriction on boat motors, so be sure not to crank up those big motors on the lake, or better yet bring along a smaller johnboat powered by a 9.9-horsepower engine.

North Bend Lake lies just outside of Harrisville near North Bend State Park. Lake access can be found by traveling SR 16 to Harrisville and then turning on to county Route (CR) 5.