Just about anywhere along its path will produce so long as there are a few inflows entering the river. Most successful local anglers will fish the mouths of these inflows with a simple rig. They hang a hook under a bobber and float their rigs with the slow- moving current around the breaks and cuts, which are typical of the inflow mouth areas.

To catch a really big walleye -- one over 7 or 8 pounds -- expert fishermen will use extremely large baits. Shiners and suckers in the 6- to 9-inch range are common. Now, with bait that big you won't catch very many fish, but the ones you do catch will be worth the effort.

For more information about Stonewall Jackson, Stonecoal or the Elk River, call the District III office at (304) 924-6211.

DISTRICT IV
Walleyes are not king in District IV. Several other species have captured the spotlight. That's too bad because, according to fisheries biologist Mark Scott, both Stephens Lake and R.D. Bailey Lake offer respectable opportunities for anglers who are willing to spend a little time honing their walleye-catching skills.

Stephens Lake is a 300-acre body of water in Raleigh County about nine miles west of Beckley and three miles east of Glen Daniel. It remains an untapped resource for marble-eyes. It's relatively deep, the waters are cool and there are plenty of weedbeds, along with several miles of sandstone banks.

On top of all that there are three arms that enter the lake. Each offers a good channel with plenty of drops and swings to attract and hold walleyes.

To catch walleyes, fish the deepest drops and any sharp swings in the channels you can find. Try minnows on slip-sinker rigs, jigs tipped with live bait or perhaps a small, deep-diving crankbait. DNR surveys show that most of walleyes are feeding on small crappie and bluegills, so that should be your first color pick.

R.D. Bailey Lake is very different. This 630-acre Wyoming County body of water on the Guyandotte River near the town of Justice offers a deep, rocky substrate, sheer cliffs, standing timber and a few clay points.

The forage base is shad, so that should be your starting place when fishing this lake. Try live shad on slip-sinker rigs, jigs tipped with live or cut shad and maybe a small jerkbait in a shad pattern.

R.D. Bailey walleyes are depth sensitive, so work your offerings around likely looking spots. Constantly change your depth until you find where they're at on the day of your trip.

For more information on these lakes or for additional information on fishing opportunities in District IV, call the office at (304) 256-6947.

DISTRICT V
Fisheries biologist Zack Brown suggests anglers look closely at East Lynn and Beech Fork lakes for their walleye fishing in District V.

East Lynn is a 1,000-acre lake in Wayne County. This waterway has produced top walleye fishing for years. East Lynn has the benefit of a heavy walleye stocking program and great natural reproduction.