On the Kanawha River locks, peak fishing runs from January through April. Below the tailraces, water flow and current will be critical elements that strongly influence daily walleye bites. In general, moving water seems to offer better action than still water when it comes to walleye fishing.

During most flows, anglers will find optimal fishing close to the dam or near a gate that features moving water. Walleyes will concentrate along the swift water after it passes through lock gates, thus providing visible target areas for anglers.

Minnow-tipped jigs, 2-inch slider jigs and various crankbaits make great tailwater lures for Kanawha River walleyes.

Access to the Winfield Lock is via U.S. Route 35, while the London and Marmet locks sit along U.S. Route 60.

TYGART LAKE
Originally constructed in 1938, Tygart Lake is one of West Virginia’s oldest walleye impoundments. The 1,740-acre reservoir historically has been known as a fine walleye fishery, and even today, the lake maintains that distinctive “walleye” look as it showcases plenty of clear water and steep, rocky dropoffs.

Tygart Lake wasn’t stocked with walleye fry until 1973, but the fry did well and eventually developed into a naturally reproducing population. From time to time, the DNR stocks walleye fingerlings into Tygart Lake to replenish the lake’s population, particularly after sequential years of poor natural walleye reproduction.

This lake experiences the most significant drawdown of any West Virginia reservoir. The water level drops from a normal summer pool elevation approximately 82 feet to reach winter pool. The annual lake drawdown commences in September and reaches winter pool by October. Initial fill-up of the lake begins in April and is usually complete by May 1.

Even more of an angler hindrance is the daily fluctuation potential of this flood-control reservoir. Daily fluctuations of 10 feet or more can take place when significant precipitation events occur. Literally, a quality walleye outing one day can be “washed out” the following day by a severe increase in water level and subsequent turbid conditions.

Late winter and early spring can be a productive time to fish Tygart Lake for walleyes. Productive areas often consist of moderate current and water depths of less than 20 feet. Such conditions are common on the upper end of the lake. Walleyes tend to congregate along the shores of the upper lake during the late-winter period, making this area of the lake a prime spot for catching quantities of walleyes.

Stony Run and the mouth of Sandy Creek are two spots noted for producing good numbers of walleyes. Don’t expect to have either area all to yourself during the spring, since it’s common knowledge that the upper lake region has produced walleyes up to 10 pounds.

From the late spring through fall, water temperature remains a critical component for catching walleyes on Tygart Lake. Veteran anglers know that to catch Tygart Lake walleyes during the summer and fall, they need to fish near the thermocline, as this lake stratifies strongly during much of the year. So, keep this in mind if you wish to extend your walleye fishing into the summer or fall season.

Walleyes prefer temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and with the frequent fluctuations occurring in Tygart Lake, walleyes are apt to move up and down the water column often. Locate the depth that corresponds to the proper temperature, and you’ll likely find plenty of walleyes.

Anglers searching for high numbers of walleyes on Tygart Lake should look to the tailwaters. Walleyes slip through Tygart Dam into the Tygart tailwaters where they’ll continually stack up in late winter and early spring. From December through April, these walleyes become easy pickings for anglers fishing below the dam.