EAST LYNN LAKE
Wayne County's 1,005-acre East Lynn Lake is the final of biologist Yokum's choices for top walleye waters for the coming year. East Lynn is owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

According to Yokum, East Lynn will be a good bet this year for both numbers and size of fish. He notes it produced the current state-record saugeye.

Fisheries biologist Zack Brown states East Lynn typically stratifies during the summer, limiting the lake's game fish to the top 12 to 13 feet of the reservoir. From fall through late spring, the fish have more options, since no stratification is present at that time.

Brown said the main and Lick Creek arms of the lake feature fairly shallow water. They can be somewhat turbid, particularly during rainy periods. Water clarity near the dam is usually clear.

Gizzard shad contribute heavily to East Lynn Lake's forage base and are largely responsible for the excellent growth rates in both walleyes and saugeyes. Brown said saugeyes in the 24- to 25-inch class come from the lake. Three-year-old walleyes reach an astounding 18 to 20 inches.

A tailwater fishery is also present at East Lynn Lake and can provide excellent fishing at times.

KANAWHA RIVER
The lower portion of the Kanawha River can provide good fishing for saugers, according to fisheries biologist Zack Brown. Like the Mon and Ohio rivers, it is subject to the whims of nature.

Brown said anglers should concentrate on the lower portions of the Kanawha River, with the three lock and dam systems focusing angler attention. The best fishing often occurs in the last pool of the Kanawha, where fish can migrate in from the Ohio River as well.

Boat access spots on the Mason County portion of the Kanawha can be found at Leon and Point Pleasant.

BEECH FORK LAKE
The 720-acre Beech Fork Lake is located just a few miles from Huntington, providing a good still-water environment for walleye anglers in this part of the state. According to fisheries biologist Mark Scott, it is a good option.

"The walleyes are there," noted the District 4 biologist. Scott said the lake receives annual walleye stockings, provided the fish are available.

The lake has two public boat ramps. Boats are limited to 10 horsepower, which may limit the fishing pressure somewhat.

Beech Fork is also a good option for a combined camping/walleye angling trip, as the lake also features a 275-site campground.

STEPHENS LAKE
Though Stephens Lake covers only 300 acres, it is a deep reservoir that boasts depths approaching 70 feet near the dam. Biologist Scott said it is a good walleye option for anglers from the Beckley area.

"It's a pretty clear lake," Scott noted. "There is a fair amount of aquatic vegetation due to the clarity and stability of the pool level."

Stephens is an unlimited horsepower lake, one that sees quite a bit of recreational boating traffic during summer weekends. There is an extensive no-wake zone in the upper portion of the lake. Stephens features a paved ramp, marina, campground and handicapped access.

R.D. BAILEY LAKE
Walleye anglers from Wyoming/ Logan counties can ply the depths of 630-acre R.D Bailey Lake. Scott said the lake contains a good population of walleyes.

"R.D. Bailey reminds me of a smaller version of Summersville Lake," Scott said. "It has clay points like Summersville, though the lake is not quite as productive."

Built in 1980 as a federal flood-control lake, R.D. Bailey has one boat ramp located at the upper portion of the lake. There is no horsepower limit, though no-wake zones are present.

R.D. Bailey's walleyes utilize the lake's gizzard shad population.

The West Virginia creel limit for walleyes, saugers and saugeyes (in aggregate) is eight in lakes and 10 in rivers. There is no minimum length limit or season.