If live bait is your thing, try locally caught shad under bobbers. For cut bait, give either shad or skipjacks a try. Cut the bait into long strips and fish it near the bottom on a Carolina rig or a three-way catfish rig. Remember, there's a lot of current down there, so use plenty of weight.

According to Chris O'Bara, Ohio River fisheries biologist for the West Virginia DNR, anglers can expect an average size river hybrid to measure around 20 to 25 inches with an occasional fish over 30 inches. He reports that tagging and shocking studies have turned up several new state-record size hybrid bass. They were returned to the river unharmed. (No, he didn't tell me where.)

RESERVOIR HYBRIDS
R.D. Bailey Lake
If you prefer fishing reservoirs, give Bluestone, R.D. Bailey or East Lynn a try this spring.

The best of the lot is probably R.D. Bailey. At just over 600 acres, it's big enough to grow trophies, but small enough to be fished efficiently. And, according to District IV fisheries biologist Jim Reed, it's a good bet for catching a big hybrid or two as well.

R.D. Bailey Reservoir is stocked regularly and, owing to suitable habitat and an excellent forage base, the fish are doing well. DNR studies show good numbers of fish over 28 inches with an occasional trophy-size hybrid in the mix.

Fish in-line spinners, topwater walking sticks and cut shad off points and well-defined underwater structure. Watch for baitfish. Once you find them, the hybrids won't be far away.

R.D. Bailey is on the Guyandotte River, near the southern town of Justice in Wyoming County. There's a map of the lake available from the DNR's Web site www.wvdnr.gov/Fishing/.

Bluestone Lake
Also located in District IV is Bluestone. It's a much bigger water than Bailey at over 2,040 acres, and so offers more fishing opportunities as well as more difficulties. Like Bailey, it's stocked on a regular basis and supports a fine hybrid population.

DNR studies reveal a fair population of hybrids up to 30 inches with a good population of smaller fish. Local anglers report success with chicken livers on Carolina rigs near the deeper water areas of this reservoir.

If there's a problem at Bluestone, it's the "flow-through." That's the high volume of water that sometimes flows through the reservoir and into the New River. There is a silver lining, however. The high flow sweeps lots of hybrids to the tailrace below the dam.

Bluestone is located in Summers County near Hinton. Both I-77 and I-64 will get you near this lake. The facilities are handicapped accessible.

East Lynn Lake
East Lynn is located in Wayne County about 27 miles south of Huntington. It covers a little over 1,000 acres and is rated good by Zack Brown, a District V fisheries biologist.

Brown indicates there's a good population of hybrids over 20 inches and a few that qualify for trophy status. He suggests fishing the upper arms of the reservoir in the spring and fall. During the summer, the fish tend to scatter.

No matter what your preference, rivers or lakes, there's something for you when it comes to hybrid striper fishing in the Mountain State. Take advantage of it. You'll be glad you did!