New River Gorge Fishing Guide

With its winding rivers, serene lakes and mountain streams, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is full of opportunities for anglers. From convenient access points throughout the park to tucked-away fishing holes, it’s easy to find your spot and enjoy a day by the water either on your own or with a guide. Whether you’re experienced or brand new to the sport, here’s your fishing guide for the New River Gorge.

The Fish of the Gorge

The New River Gorge is home to a wide range of fish species, from the ever-popular smallmouth bass to muskie, trout, catfish and more. 

Smallmouth bass are one of the most sought-after game fish in the region — and for good reason. Known as one of the toughest fighting freshwater fish in North America, they thrive in the warm, rocky waters of the Gorge. Typically found near rapids, along current edges just above or below fast-moving water, they’re most active from April through October and most easily accessible by a guided float fishing trip. Depending on the season, smallmouth catches here can range from 10 to 20 inches long.

Catfish are another common catch and can be found year-round in the deeper, slower-moving pools between rapids. Look for them near undercut banks, submerged rocks and other hidden structures where they tend to gather. Bluegill also frequent these calm pools, especially from May through August.

During the colder months, anglers can target muskie in the stretch from Sandstone Falls to Thurmond. Muskie prefer slower-moving water and tend to linger near downed trees. Further upstream, walleye are most active in deeper waters during spring and fall.

Trout, including rainbow, brook and brown, are found in the spring, or after rainfall during the summer and fall. They prefer cool streams with gravel bottoms, especially where shade from boulders or fallen trees offers cover. Find them in Dunloup Creek, Glade Creek, at creek mouths in the New River and Babcock State Park’s Boley Lake.

Largemouth bass are typically caught in spring and fall, especially around weed beds and fallen trees at Bluestone Lake and Hawks Nest Lake. In addition to the species mentioned above, anglers may also reel in spotted bass, carp and several types of panfish throughout the Gorge.

Where to Fish

Fishing is popular throughout the Gorge, but safety comes first. Whitewater sections should only be navigated by experienced paddlers, and wearing a PFD is essential when you’re on, in or near the water. Here are some of the best places to fish: 

New River 

The New River is one of the best smallmouth bass rivers on the East Coast, offering excellent guided fishing while you float through whitewater rapids. Find public access points along the river at Thurmond, Cunard and Fayette Station, as well as upstream at Grandview Sandbar, Glade Creek and Sandstone Falls. Be sure to follow national park regulations when fishing near boat ramps.

Babcock State Park 

Babcock State Park is another favorite, with Boley Lake and Glade Creek providing peaceful spots to fish. Glade Creek flows past the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill — one of West Virginia’s most photographed locations — before dropping into a fishing hole perfect for a quiet day by the water.

Hawks Nest Lake

Hawks Nest Lake, part of Hawks Nest State Park, is a relaxing place to spend an afternoon. The lake, created by a dammed section of the New River, is great for both fishing and flat-water paddling. Here, cast for smallmouth bass, catfish, pan fish, muskies and other warm-water species. While shoreline access is limited, a boat ramp is available for motorboats, kayaks and canoes. 

Glade Creek

If trout fishing is your goal, hike the Glade Creek Trail. This three-mile stretch follows the creek, offering some of the best catch-and-release trout fishing in the Gorge. There is also an accessible fishing area at the Glade Creek Campground, reached via a wooden bridge.

Gauley River 

The Gauley River is also a standout option for trout, especially in spring and fall when water temperatures shift between seasons. These transitional months create ideal conditions for catching trout in this scenic river. Find public access points for the Gauley River at Wood’s Ferry and Mason’s Branch. 

Kanawha Falls 

For a truly unique setting, visit Kanawha Falls along Route 60. Though only 15 feet tall, the falls span the entire width of the Kanawha River. Public fishing access is available, and many people enjoy paddling or canoeing to reach the quiet coves behind the falls when the water levels are right. The area is known for muskies, walleye, striped bass and more.

Fishing Outfitters & Types of Fishing

Many of the public access points in the national park make it easy to fish on your own, but local outfitters also offer guided trips, often with gear included, to get you to areas that are less fished than you can access on your own. An expert guide can show you some of the top fishing spots in the region and share helpful tips, while also navigating many rapids on the river. Booking a guided trip is highly recommended to give you access to the best of New River fishing and to teach you or improve your skills. 

If you’re unfamiliar with the techniques, it’s worth understanding the difference between fly fishing and spin fishing before you go.

For fly fishing, anglers use a lightweight fly rod, fly line, a unique reel and hand-tied flies that mimic bugs, insects and other natural fish food. The weight of the fly line creates the momentum needed to cast, and it requires a specific technique to get it right. 

Spin fishing, on the other hand, uses spin rods with heavier bait that mimics fish movement, sometimes with shiny metal or rattling beads to attract attention. The weight of the lure provides the momentum for the cast, and it’s done with a more traditional single-cast technique.

Outfitters offer guided experiences to match your preference, with fly fishing in creeks and float fishing in oar rafts among the most popular options. 

Plan Your Trip

Before you go, check the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website for fishing licenses, regulations, stocking updates and more helpful information.

Request a free travel guide to learn more about the New River Gorge and start planning your fishing trip!