Crankbaits
Rapala Shad Rap
A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.
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Home / West Virginia / Summersville Lake
Lakes & Reservoirs
Summersville Lake Fishing Guide
West Virginia
West Virginia's largest lake, with clear water and rocky smallmouth bass structure.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Summersville Lake for smallmouth bass and walleye. The best months overall are Apr to Nov. In October, smallmouth bass and walleye are in season, and Ned Rig, Suspending Jerkbait and Paddle-Tail Swimbait are a good place to start. There are 2 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Academy Sports + Outdoors in Beckley, 33 mi away. Elk River is 23 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Apr to Nov
In October
Smallmouth Bass, Walleye
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Summersville Lake Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
6 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Walleye, Smallmouth Bass · After dark.
Shop This LureNed Rig 2.5 to 3 in
LureFinesse · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Walleye
Shop This LureTube Jig 3 to 4 in
LureSoft Plastic · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureJig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz
LureJig · Walleye
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Walleye
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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.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Summersville Lake
Rigs
Northland Baitfish-Image Spinner Harness
Crawler harnesses trolled behind bottom bouncers for summer walleye.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon
Low-visibility fluorocarbon for leaders and clear water.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Summersville Lake
Bait & Tackle
Academy Sports + Outdoors
Beckley, West Virginia· 33 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Beckley, WV.
Make It a Trip
Nearby Water
Rivers & Streams · West Virginia · 23 mi
Elk River
A trout river with catch-and-release water near Webster Springs.
Rainbow Trout · Brown Trout
Rivers & Streams · West Virginia · 25 mi
New River
A big, rocky river through the New River Gorge with excellent smallmouth.
Smallmouth Bass · Walleye · Muskellunge