Gauley River

Gauley River cuts through West Virginia, United States and offers classic river fishing. The local patterns are the universal river patterns: fish the heads of pools at first light, the deep slow water in the middle of the day, and the tail-outs as light fades. Light tackle and a careful drift go a long way at Gauley River — heavy splashes spook a whole pool.

Location

38.3003, -80.7150 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species at This Spot

Smallmouth bassRainbow troutChannel catfishWalleyeWhite suckerRock bass

Fishing Techniques

• For Smallmouth bass

  Focus your fishing efforts around rocky structures, ledges, and areas with current, as smallmouth bass prefer these habitats.

• For Rainbow trout

  Vary your retrieve speed when using spinners to find what triggers a strike; sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times a faster, erratic retrieve is more effective.

• For Channel catfish

  Fish near structure like submerged trees or rocks, as channel catfish often use these areas for ambush points and shelter.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species at Gauley River.

Plan Your Trip

Anglers heading to Gauley River should sort licences and confirm seasonal regulations for West Virginia before the trip. A quick weather check the morning of helps too — wind direction in particular can make or break a session at a spot like Gauley River.

Nearby Spots in West Virginia

See all fishing spots in West Virginia →

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