With a population of a little over 3,500, Summersville, WV is a small city located in the central-southern part of the state. Given its proximity to several lakes and reservoirs fed by pristine water from the mountains, Summersville has become a popular destination among visitors from all over West Virginia. If you are looking for the best fishing spots in the area or places where you can practice outdoor sports, these are some destinations you should check out.
1. Summersville Lake Wildlife Management Area
Spanning almost 6,000 acres of land, the Summersville Lake Wildlife Management Area is the nearest destination for fishing and water sports among Summersville locals. The main attraction of this wildlife management area is undoubtedly the 2,800-acre Summersville Lake, the largest in West Virginia. Apart from the fishing areas, the lake features a marina, four boat ramps, swimming spots, and locations where visitors can practice scuba diving with a local instructor.
Summersville Lake was created as a result of the construction of a dam across the Gauley River in 1960. Nowadays, the reservoir has over 60 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of over 325 feet. Getting to the Summersville Lake Wildlife Management Area from the city center takes less than 10 minutes by car, driving west along route WV-41 S. Once here, some of the fish species you will find include trout, bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye.
2. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Located a little over 40 miles south of downtown Summersville, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve was established in 1978 and spans an area of almost 73,000 acres. Apart from being an excellent fishing destination, this national park features some of the best spots for a vast array of activities, including rafting, boating, hiking, and climbing. Getting here takes less than an hour by car, making it an excellent spot for a day trip.
Some of the fish species you can find on the New River basin include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, muskellunge, crappie, channel catfish, bluefish, and carp. The place is also home to endemic species, including bigmouth chub, candy darter, Appalachia darter, and New River shiner. In order to fish in this national park, all anglers must hold a valid West Virginia fishing license, which can be obtained at several stores selling bait and sporting goods in the area.
3. Big Ditch Wildlife Management Area
Located near the small town of Cowen, Big Ditch Wildlife Management Area, there is an excellent destination for anglers looking for some great specimens of warm water species, including largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie. This wildlife management area spans almost 400 acres and can be reached in about 35 minutes by car from downtown Summersville, driving northeast along Webster Road. Some other popular activities include picnicking and seasonal bow hunting.
Before you check out any of these excellent fishing destinations, stop by Mid-State Ford on Arbuckle Road, and check out the different new and pre-owned cars we have available for you. Our representatives will be happy to help you find the best financing plan for your needs.
