Plum Orchard Lake - Fishing

Review

Intro

Sometimes you find a place that sets your soul at ease, and Plum Orchard Lake is one of those places. Everything about it—the lily pads, the quaint piers—just tells you it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your natural surroundings.

Nestled between Haystack and Packs mountains, Plum Orchard Lake is part of the Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area, which is maintained by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR), Parks and Recreation services and Wildlife Resources. The property has 2,953 acres, including the 202-acre lake, which has a maximum depth of 40 feet. Most of the area is covered in hickory trees and mature red, white, and chestnut oaks.

What Makes It Great

Largemouth bass and large bluegill are the stars of this show. In fact, Plum Orchard Lake is one of the better bluegill waters in the area. To find these fish, set up shop along the shoreline or bring your own boat. The lake has 3 different ramps. In addition, Plum Orchard has a very productive night fishing scene. Water conditions are usually clear, so if you choose to chase the dawn, you could reel in a very successful catch.

The one challenge here is that the lake has thick vegetation, especially in the summer months. These weeds, typically lily pads and watershield, can crowd the shoreline and piers. But, they are also ideal habitats for fish.

The lake is divided into 3 sections with different boating rules: partially no wake, unlimited, and electric motors only. Be aware of your surroundings and the regulations for the section you’re exploring.

Who is Going to Love It

This lake is perfect for all levels of anglers. If you are more advanced, you can enjoy the thrill of landing a large bass or bluegill, but beginners can easily cast a line from one of several piers or access points along the shoreline, too. Plum Orchard is easily accessible from the interstate, so travel is a breeze. And who doesn’t like that?

In addition to fishing, the area is also popular with hunters looking for squirrel and whitetail deer, as well as limited numbers of turkey and rabbit.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

To reach Plum Orchard Lake, take Exit 54 for Pax or Exit 60 for Mossy off I-64/I-77, also known as the West Virginia Turnpike. Follow Route 23 towards the park. Keep in mind that the West Virginia Turnpike does have several tolls.

All anglers must have a West Virginia fishing license, which you can get either at the WVDNR’s website or at a local Walmart store. Fishing with live minnows is prohibited.

You can camping nearby. Beech Bottom has 21 rustic sites, while Dogwood Ridge has 17 rustic sites above the dam at Plum Orchard Creek.