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Beech Fork Lake

Beech Fork Lake is a reservoir in West Virginia, near Wayne County.

Live lake forecast

Beech Fork Lake Fishing Weather

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Fish species in Beech Fork Lake

Beech Fork is a branching, wooded lake with a slower boating pace than the big open reservoirs. Bass and catfish draw anglers, while crappie and bluegill give families other options. Several arms let you choose a protected section instead of spending the day crossing open water.

Lake facts

  • Lake size: About 720 acres
  • Fish to target: Largemouth and hybrid striped bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish
  • Depth: Maximum about 35 feet

Where to fish

Work a bass lure along a point where a shallow arm meets deeper water, then check the nearest cover. The DNR map shows the channel and depth changes, making it easier to choose a short stretch to fish. For crappie, try a small jig around cover before moving deeper. Worms or crickets on lighter tackle suit bluegill.

Getting on the water

Beech Fork State Park has a paved seasonal launch and summer boat rentals, including fishing boats and paddle craft. Its ramp is separate from Beech Fork Marina in Lavalette, which has its own access and fees. Choose the correct destination before leaving, particularly if you have a campground reservation.

A few things to know

Motors are limited to ten horsepower under the lake rules, with provisions for larger motors carried on the boat. Old Orchard, Moxley Branch, Four Coves and Lakeview provide different camping arrangements. A kayak or canoe outing fits the sheltered arms well, with campground and rental seasons checked before an overnight visit.

Check the evidence

Sources and what they establish

Source dates describe the evidence, not a live catch forecast. Check the managing authority before planning access or keeping fish.

  • Bluegill — supporting source

    West Virginia Division of Natural Resources — Bluegill

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Channel Catfish — supporting source

    West Virginia DNR Public Fishing Lakes GIS

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Wiper — supporting source

    West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Largemouth Bass — supporting source

    West Virginia DNR Public Fishing Lakes GIS

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Steelhead — supporting source

    West Virginia DNR Public Fishing Lakes GIS

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Saugeye — supporting source

    West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Spotted Bass — supporting source

    West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Striped Bass — supporting source

    West Virginia DNR Public Fishing Lakes GIS

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

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