Elk River

Elk River, in West Virginia, United States, is a river where current dictates almost everything. Rocks, undercut banks, and fallen timber are the obvious targets, but the productive water at Elk River is often the seam between two current speeds — that's where fish wait for food to drift past. Match the size of your bait or lure to whatever insects, baitfish, or crayfish you can see in the water.

Location

38.5162, -81.0255 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species at This Spot

Smallmouth bassRainbow troutChannel catfishLargemouth bassFlathead catfishBrown trout

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 Elk River.

Plan Your Trip

Anglers heading to Elk 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 Elk River.

Nearby Spots in West Virginia

See all fishing spots in West Virginia →

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