UTERMuskellunge fishing in West Virginia freshwater
In West Virginia freshwater, muskellunge peak October–April and are around year-round, spawning in April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. October: Elk and Little Kanawha rivers.
Elk and Little Kanawha rivers.
Muskellunge in West Virginia freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeak
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeak
- AprilSpawning
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeakElk and Little Kanawha rivers.
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish muskellunge near New River, Greenbrier River, Summersville Lake
The New and Greenbrier smallmouth rivers, muskie in the Elk and Little Kanawha, mountain trout, and the Ohio River's sauger and hybrids.
What to use for muskellunge
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 38–82°F water, best at 55–75°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch muskellunge in West Virginia freshwater?
Peak season is October–April, with fish spawning in April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Muskellunge are here year-round. October: Elk and Little Kanawha rivers.
Where do muskellunge hold in West Virginia freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river — around New River, Greenbrier River, Summersville Lake, Stonewall Jackson Lake, Elk River, Ohio River.
What is the best bait for muskellunge in West Virginia freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for muskellunge in West Virginia freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) and change — read the current rule at https://wvdnr.gov/fishing/fishing-regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://wvdnr.gov/buy-a-license/.
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