Cheat Lake

Boat Ramps: 3
Access Points: 5
Species: 13

Nestled in northern West Virginia's Monongalia County, Cheat Lake offers anglers an impressive 1,730-acre fishing paradise with 26 miles of scenic shoreline. Once severely impacted by acid mine drainage, the lake has experienced a remarkable ecological revival in recent decades, transforming into one of West Virginia's premier fishing destinations. This reservoir was formed by damming the Cheat River and provides year-round angling opportunities for everyone from novice fishermen to tournament competitors. With over 40 species of fish now thriving in its waters and a variety of fishing environments from deep water near the dam to shallow headwaters and feeder streams, Cheat Lake has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the region's best bass fishing locations.

West Virginia licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Cheat Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Pumpkinseed

Lepomis gibbosus

Spotted Bass

Micropterus punctulatus

White Bass

Morone chrysops

Yellow Bullhead

Ameiurus natalis

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Cheat Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Cheat Lake Park Access

Access Point

Cheat Lake Dam Tailwater Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Cheat Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

West Virginia licenses and regulations

West Virginia Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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West Virginia Fishing License

All anglers who are at the age of 15 and older are required to have a fishing license and a valid form of identification such as a State Issued ID or Driver's License while fishing.

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West Virginia Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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West Virginia Stream Access Laws

On navigable waters, the public may use the streambed up to the high water mark. On floatable waters, the public may float through private land but cannot legally use the streambed. Public rights on non-navigable waters are not well defined, but are likely none.

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Take Cheat Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Cheat Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Cheat Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.