Gauley River
Gauley River
- Boat Ramps
- 12
- Access Points
- 18
- Species
- 16
The Gauley River in West Virginia offers anglers an exciting and diverse fishing experience in a spectacular mountain setting. Flowing from the Summersville Dam to its confluence with the New River where they form the Kanawha River, the Gauley is renowned for both its world-class whitewater and excellent fishing opportunities. The river is characterized by tumbling rapids, huge boulders, and deep pools creating perfect habitat for numerous fish species. With its cold, clear waters and beautiful Appalachian Mountain scenery, the Gauley River provides a challenging yet rewarding fishing destination for anglers of all skill levels throughout the year.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Gauley River 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
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
Muskellunge
Esox masquinongy
Walleye
Sander vitreus
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
Golden Trout
Oncorhynchus aguabonita
Green Sunfish
Lepomis cyanellus
Longear Sunfish
Lepomis megalotis
Northern Hogsucker
Hypentelium nigricans
Pumpkinseed
Lepomis gibbosus
Rock Bass
Ambloplites rupestris
Spotted Bass
Micropterus punctulatus
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Gauley River. 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.
Know where you can legally fish on Gauley River
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.
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.
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.
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.
Take Gauley River with you
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Use the map without signal
Download the map around Gauley River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Gauley River and check the forecast before you go.
GAULEY RIVER BELOW SUMMERSVILLE DAM, WV
All Flow Stations
Fishing near Gauley River
New River
Kanawha River
Elk River
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West Fork River
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Fish species
Fishing spots
- Upper Gauley Put-in
- Summersville Dam Put-In
- Sugar Creek Take-Out
- Gauley River at Mouth of Panther Creek Boat Ramp
- Woods Ferry Launch
- Upper Gauley Mason Branch Take-out
- Swiss Lower Gauley Take-out
- Persinger Creek Boat Ramp
- Mouth of Cherry Boat Ramp
- Jodie Boat Ramp
- Lower Gauley Put-In
- Lower Gauley Take-Out
- All 47 spots
Nearby waters
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