Fishing has been a tradition of West Virginians for many years! People of the mountains passed down the experience for generations and McDowell County offers beautiful settings. Enjoy Trout Fishing at a number of forks, creeks and lakes including:
- Clear Fork
- Dry Fork
- Panther Creek
- Anawalt Lake
- Berwind Lake
Trout Fishing at McDowell County Clear Fork
Stream: Clear Fork
Location: Stocked from Meathouse Branch downstream 4 miles to Wilmore Dam. Access is provided by U. S. Rt. 52 near Clear Fork Junction by an old railroad grade.
Stocking Information: Stocked once each month February through May.
Trout Fishing at McDowell County Dry Fork
Stream: Dry Fork
Location: Stocked from Canebrake upstream 4 miles to within a half mile of the Virginia line. WV Secondary Rt. 9 parallels the stream.
Stocking Information: Stocked once each month February through May.
Trout Fishing at McDowell County Panther Creek
Stream: Panther Creek
Location: Stocked 4.5 miles within the Panther State Forest boundaries.
Stocking Information: Stocked once each month February through May.
Anawalt Lake
Acres: 7
Directions: Anawalt Lake is a 7-acre impoundment on the Anawalt Lake WMA located 1.3 miles southeast of the town of Anawalt in McDowell County. The lake can be accessed via U.S. Rt. 52 to State Rt. 161 near the town of Elkhorn, then proceeding on CR 84 to the town of Anawalt. From Anawalt, anglers should proceed on CR 8.
Description: The lake was constructed in the early 1990’s with a maximum depth of 15 feet and an average depth of 6 feet. A foot trail surrounding the lake provide good bank fishing access. Pit type toilets, shelters, and picnic tables are provided. Boating, camping, and the use of live minnows as bait are prohibited.
Fishery: Anawalt Lake was stocked with largemouth bass and bluegill fingerlings in 1995. Adult channel catfish are stocked annually in June. Trout are stocked monthly from February through May each year. The lake provides a good warmwater, as well as coldwater fishery.
National Forest: National Forest Stamp is not required
Boating: No boating allowed
Camping: No camping allowed
Spring Trout: Stocked once each month February through May
Fall Trout: Does not receive Fall trout stocking
Live Minnows: Live minnows may not be used as bait
Night Fishing: Night fishing is allowed
Other Site Information: Handicapped Access
Anawalt Lake Wildlife Management Area
Address: Anawalt, WV 24808
Phone: (304) 256-6945
Owner: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Management: Wildlife Resources Section, WVDNR
Berwind Lake
Acres: 20
Directions: Berwind Lake is a 20-acre impoundment located south of War in McDowell County. The lake is part of the Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area and is accessible from War by County Route 12/4.
Description: This impoundment was built in the late 1950’s and is West Virginia’s southern most public fishing lake. It has a maximum depth of 35 feet and an average depth of 12 feet. A path around the entire lake provides bank fishing access. Boating is permitted and electric motors only are allowed. A wooden fishing platform is located at the upper end of the lake. The use of live minnows is prohibited and there is no camping.
Fishery: Berwind Lake provides a warmwater fishery for largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Trout are stocked once each month February through May. Adult channel catfish are stocked annually in June.
National Forest: National Forest Stamp is not required
Boating: Electric motors only
Camping: No camping allowed
Spring Trout: Stocked once each month February through May
Fall Trout: Does not receive Fall trout stocking
Live Minnows: Live minnows may not be used as bait
Night Fishing: Night fishing is allowed
Other Site Information: Handicapped Access
Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area
Address: Warriormine, WV 24894
Phone: (304) 875-2577
Owner: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Management: Wildlife Resources Section, WVDNR
Summary
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources fisheries management programs are designed to provide a variety of fishing opportunities and experiences for anglers. A record of the largest fish of each species taken by hook and line in West Virginia waters is maintained. Certificates of accomplishment are awarded for each record holder. Any angler landing a potential record breaker should report his catch to:
Wildlife Resources Section,
Division of Natural Resources,
324 4th Avenue
South Charleston, WV 25303
