UTERSmallmouth bass fishing in West Virginia freshwater
In West Virginia freshwater, smallmouth bass peak April–May and July–October and are around year-round, spawning in May, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. July: New River Gorge and the Greenbrier — wet wading and tubes.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Smallmouth bass in West Virginia freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchArriving
- AprilPeak
- MaySpawning
- JuneAround
- JulyPeakNew River Gorge and the Greenbrier — wet wading and tubes.
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish smallmouth bass 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 smallmouth bass
- CrayfishHooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye.
- 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.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–82°F water, best at 60–74°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch smallmouth bass in West Virginia freshwater?
Peak season is April–May and July–October, with fish spawning in May (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Smallmouth bass are here year-round. July: New River Gorge and the Greenbrier — wet wading and tubes.
Where do smallmouth bass hold in West Virginia freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, bridge, dock / pilings — around New River, Greenbrier River, Summersville Lake, Stonewall Jackson Lake, Elk River, Ohio River.
What is the best bait for smallmouth bass in West Virginia freshwater?
Live bait: crayfish, minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Crayfish: Hooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye. 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 smallmouth bass 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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All about smallmouth bass · West Virginia fresh water, the whole year