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New River Fishing Guide

West Virginia

A big, rocky river through the New River Gorge with excellent smallmouth.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to New River for smallmouth bass, walleye and muskellunge. The best months overall are Apr to Nov. In October, smallmouth bass, walleye and muskellunge are in season, and Ned Rig, Suspending Jerkbait and Paddle-Tail Swimbait are a good place to start. There are 4 shops within 60 miles; the closest is Academy Sports + Outdoors in Beckley, 9 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Summersville Lake is 25 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Apr to Nov

In October

Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Muskellunge

Methods

Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

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What You'll Catch

New River Species

Smallmouth Bass

Prime Now
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Best: Apr to Oct

Walleye

Prime Now
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Best: Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov

Muskellunge

Prime Now
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Best: Jun to Nov

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

6 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Smallmouth Bass

Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Walleye

Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Muskellunge

Fly 9 ft 10 wt rod, intermediate or sinking line, big articulated flies, 80 lb bite tippet.

Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft heavy casting rod, 400 size reel, 80 lb braid, 130 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Matched to These Species

Gear for New River

Crankbaits

Rapala Shad Rap

A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.

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Rigs

Northland Baitfish-Image Spinner Harness

Crawler harnesses trolled behind bottom bouncers for summer walleye.

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Rods

St. Croix Musky Casting Rod

A heavy, long casting rod for big bucktails, jerkbaits, and figure-eights.

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Rods

St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod

A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.

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Nets & Tools

Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net

A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.

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Rod & Reel Combos

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo

Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.

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Reels

Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel

A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.

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Reels

Pflueger President Spinning Reel

Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.

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Within 60 Miles

Shops Near New River

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Lakes & Reservoirs · West Virginia · 25 mi

Summersville Lake

West Virginia's largest lake, with clear water and rocky smallmouth bass structure.

Smallmouth Bass · Walleye

Rivers & Streams · West Virginia · 47 mi

Elk River

A trout river with catch-and-release water near Webster Springs.

Rainbow Trout · Brown Trout