Such stockings should mean great fishing during the next three years for anglers who are willing to explore a new walleye lake. Revamped walleye stocking efforts have injected new life into Sutton's walleye population.

At 1,440 acres, Sutton is one of West Virginia's largest reservoirs. Created by impounding the Elk River near the town of Sutton, this Braxton County lake looks like a prime walleye location, as it is characterized by steep sides, clear water and features depths over 100 feet.

Anglers should note that daily water condition updates for Sutton Lake and its tailwaters are available by calling the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' recorded message at (304) 765-2705.

Anglers coming to Sutton Lake should be aware that the lake receives plenty of recreational use because of its location in central West Virginia. The lake remains a top bass tournament site, and scores of recreational boaters routinely use the lake, so walleye anglers should expect company when on Sutton.

Sutton features much more of a river-like atmosphere than most West Virginia reservoirs. Many walleye anglers tend to fish the riverine environments on the lake's upper end, especially early in the year. Large tributaries, such as Holly River and Laurel Creek, merge with the Elk River to create enticing habitat on the lake's upper end.

The area around Holly Point, where both rivers meet, is a perennial walleye hotspot that seems to be a natural holding location for walleyes.

Although Sutton Lake contains very few shallow flats, it does have excellent points that create prime structure for walleyes. Stony Point, located just downstream from the mouth of Stony Creek, remains one of the many points where anglers tend to find walleyes.

Another lake hotspot for all kinds of fish, including walleyes, lies near the lower railroad trestle, which crosses a side cove about halfway up the lake. The area around this railroad trestle is known for concentrating good numbers of bass, and in recent years, walleyes.

Deep rock structure near the trestle seems to provide quality locations for bass and walleyes, and such habitat should continue to attract marble-eyes as the lake narrows here to form a natural funnel.

Speaking of attractors, anglers would be well advised to note that the DNR has placed fish attractors in several locations around the lake. Fish attractors are excellent places to encounter fish of all kinds, even walleyes. Some of the largest walleyes I've seen on the lake were hiding among these fish attractors. Each attractor should be marked with buoys or signs clearly indicating its location.

Anglers fishing the upper end of the lake will find fish attractors below Bakers Run Campground and near the Tunnel Road Jetty. Another attractor is located across the lake from where the Holly and Elk river arms merge.

Three more attractors can be found downstream within a mile of the Holly and Elk river junction. For anglers on the lower end of the lake, a fish attractor is located at the head of Wolf Fork, and another is located by the handicapped-fishing pier near the dam.

Anglers may use various launch ramps to access Sutton Lake. The most convenient and heavily used access is near Bee Run Campground. Sitting on the lower end of the lake, the Bee Run launch ramp features the lake's only marina.