Whenever the water becomes high and muddy from flows greater than 2,500 cubic feet per second (cfs), a quality walleye bite will occur. Anglers will find walleyes bunched up along the shore when the water level exceeds 2,500 cfs.

Lure choices vary from angler to angler, but water level fluctuations and the clarity of the lake’s water usually govern lure selection for anglers fishing Tygart Lake. It’s hard to beat a minnow-tipped jig or a soft-plastic twistertail in the lake or in the tailwaters. In addition, Lindy rigs are effective in the lake during either clear or murky conditions. In clear water, trolling plugs around the lake is a great way to uncover walleye hotspots. Jigging spoons work really well after a school of walleyes has been located. For best results, work the jig with a slow vertical action.

Anglers can access the lake from boat-launching facilities at the marina or near Doe Run on the Pleasants Creek Wildlife Management Area. The two marina ramps located near Scab Run can be used when the lake is above elevation of 1,067 feet, while the ramp at Doe Run can be used when the lake is above elevation of 1,030 feet.

Walleye anglers will be most interested in the Doe Run ramp, as this ramp provides the only access to the lake during prime walleye “season.” Occasionally, the lake elevation drops below 1,030 feet and boating access to the lake is halted. To prevent a wasted trip to the lake due to adverse water level conditions, anglers should call the lake information number at (304) 265-5953 for details on fishing and current water conditions.

SUMMERSVILLE LAKE
The Mountain State’s largest reservoir at 2,700 acres, Summersville Lake has had the makings of a fine walleye impoundment since the lake was first filled back in 1966. Present-day walleye anglers across the state recognize Summersville as the state’s most consistent walleye producer. Since that initial stocking, the lake has become the only self-sustaining walleye impoundment in West Virginia. DNR sampling data confirms Summersville’s dense walleye population, revealing quantities nearly two times that of any other water body.

Mature walleyes were initially stocked into Summersville Lake in 1966, and walleye fry were added in subsequent years. After these initial stockings, walleyes in Summersville Lake continued to successfully reproduce on their own, creating the Mountain State’s only true self-sustaining walleye impoundment.

Summersville Lake is easily West Virginia’s best walleye fishery. While anglers are more likely to catch a limit of walleyes from this reservoir than from any other water in the state, the lake’s trophy potential may be the most underrated aspect of this fishery.

What more could an angler ask for than a stringer full of walleyes and a crack at a 10-pounder? Admittedly, walleyes aren’t swimming behind every rock on Summersville Lake, but surveys conducted by the DNR routinely turn up good numbers of walleyes each year. Year in and year out, walleye numbers in Summersville continue to overwhelm those of any other Mountain State impoundment.

The question remains is: How to catch them? Most of the lake contains suitable habitat for marble-eyes. Giant boulders, scenic rock cliffs and tons of rock outcroppings showcase the lake’s quality walleye habitat. The lake also features plenty of cool water, another necessary ingredient for prime walleye fisheries.

Summersville Lake has historically experienced a late-winter (February to March) run of walleyes toward the upper end of the lake, presumably attempting to spawn. Droves of migrating walleyes create tempting quarry for anglers and provide a large concentration of potential walleye targets.

The male walleyes will arrive at the head of the lake first, followed by the larger females. Sounds like an easy setup, but ice formation creates a problematic scenario during the late-winter walleye run. Boating access to upper portions of the lake is often prohibited because of the frozen lake surface. However, during warmer years, the upper end of the lake might provide some of Summersville’s best walleye fishing, particularly the late run of larger females.