Great Fishing Locations in West Virginia

Here are 5 great places to fish with the family in West Virginia. The criteria for the choices is as follows: relatively safe for the kids, an opportunity to catch more than just bluegill, activities in the nearby area for when the kids get bored, and that I have personally been there and fished. There are certainly many more great places to fish in West Virginia but here are the 5 that I have selected for my list.

The first place that I would recommend is Cedar Creek State Park near Glenville, WV. Cedar Creek offers a unique setting with three small lakes (ponds actually) sitting right beside each other. This offers a lot of bank area to fish from (read this as less tangled lines, and the ability to get away from other fisherman). Cedar Creek is stocked with a variety of fish including trout and nice sized bass. Read my article on Cedar Creek State Park here.

The Matewan waterfront area on the Tug Fork River. Matewan lies on the southwest corner of West Virginia. The waterfront area of town provides a great place to fish for kids. A short walk from the parking area and a paved walkway to the water makes the water easily accessible for children. While I didn't see any ramps or designated areas to launch a boat you certainly could carry a canoe down to the water. I give this area a special recommendation as Matewan offers historical interest (this is the area of the Hatfield-McCoy Feud and the Matewan Massacre). Before going watch the 1987 movie Matewan to gather an understanding of the Matewan Massacre. The river holds many species of fish, but is known for small mouth bass. An article on my trip to Matewan will be forthcoming.

North Bend State Park lake and the Hughes River in western West Virginia. While the North Bend State Park Lake does not offer much diversions for the kids, the fishing in the park in the river and the pond in the campground are closer to activities for bored kids. There are game courts and the North Bend Rail Trail (including tunnels) right by the river. Read my article on North Bend State Park here.