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Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are West Virginia's largest black bass species and the most popular gamefish in the state. They occur throughout West Virginia in reservoirs, small impoundments, rivers, and streams.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Growing up to 26 inches with a state length record of 25.75 inches and weight record of 12.28 pounds.
  • They're distinguished by their larger mouth (maxillary extends beyond the back of the eye), deeply separated dorsal fins, and prominent black band down the side that becomes more broken with age.
  • The head and back are bright green to olive, transitioning to lighter green or gold on the sides with white or pale yellow bellies.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They occur throughout West Virginia in reservoirs, small impoundments, rivers, and streams.

Key Locations

  • Key waters include Summersville Lake (the state's largest lake), Stonewall Jackson Lake, small impoundments like Elk Fork Lake, various state park waters, and the New River system.
  • They're found in all U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoirs.

Specific Spots

  • They can be found near logs, stumps, large rocks, and vegetation along shorelines.
  • Target areas with structure like logs, stumps, aquatic vegetation, and rocky shorelines.
  • In summer, focus on deeper water (6-15 feet) around weed edges, submerged timber, and drop-offs.
  • Target rocky structure at places like Summersville Lake.

Largemouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Largemouth Bass in West Virginia?

Plastic worms and spinnerbaits are highly effective year-round. Topwater lures like poppers and frogs work excellent during low-light conditions. In summer, use soft plastics, crankbaits, and jigs. For clear-water fishing use crankbaits and soft plastics.

What flies work for Largemouth Bass in West Virginia?

Clouser Minnows in chartreuse/white or pink/white, crawfish patterns like Cohen's Jiggy Craw, leech patterns for off-color water, shad imitations like Double Bunny, and diving bugs that create surface commotion.

When is the best time to fish for Largemouth Bass in West Virginia?

Spring through fall offers prime largemouth bass fishing, with spring being especially productive. In summer, focus on deeper water. In fall, target points, weed lines, and areas adjacent to deeper water as bass feed heavily before winter.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass in West Virginia?

Target shallow areas with structure in spring. In summer, focus on deeper water (6-15 feet) around weed edges, submerged timber, and drop-offs. Use topwater lures during low-light conditions in early morning and late evening. For fly fishing, subsurface patterns are essential.

What do Largemouth Bass eat?

Adult largemouth bass feed primarily on fish, crayfish, and frogs, while young bass consume crustaceans, insects, and small fish. Some can be cannibalistic.

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