Fishing and Hiking at Spruce Knob Lake in West Virginia

Spruce Knob Lake looks a bit out of place in West Virginia. The 25 acre impoundment is a sparkling lake situated in the mountains of West Virginia, but looks more like a lake from the West or even Canada. The vegetation around the lake is much different than in most parts of the state and adds a great deal of beauty to this scenic location. While some people will come to Spruce Knob Lake for the scenery, most will come for the fish.

I was told by a local that the fishing at the lake is greatly exaggerated and is not as good as many claim. My son and I were only able to fish the lake for a short time as we were in the area to hit the trout streams so we couldn't make a through check of the fishing opportunities. Just walking along the board walk the habitat looked great with vegetation coming right to the edge of the water and a lot of visible structure in the lake. Bluegill and other small fish could be scene in great numbers along the bank. About a half dozen bluegill were caught in a short time during our mid afternoon visit. Spruce Knob Lake is stocked with trout by the state of West Virginia.

Regardless of the greatness of the fishing at Spruce Knob Lake, the lake offers many reasons for persons to visit. First and foremost is accessibility. This is a great fishing location for children due to the level land around the lake, benches along the lake, and handrails to keep little ones from falling into the lake. Restrooms are also present at the lake's parking area. In addition to the kid friendly fishing, Spruce Knob Lake is handicap accessible. The level walkway around the lake is part gravel and part boardwalk. While some parts are uneven a wheelchair could navigate the area. If you are using a wheelchair, it would probably be best to not come alone to the lake. The boardwalk has no guard rails and in many areas runs along a very boggy area. Such good handicap accessible trout fishing is not available in many places.

Spruce Knob Lake is restricted to electric motors only. A launch area is provided on Spruce Knob Lake. Remember when fishing in this lake you need a West Virginia fishing license, trout stamp, and a National Forest stamp. Numerous trout streams are available in the area as well. The summit of Spruce Knob, highest point in WV, is a few miles away. Camping is provided a couple miles away at Spruce Knob Lake Campground and many other more primitive sites.

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