Get “Reel” in Marion County

Take home a trophy fish or brag about the one that got away because Marion County has some of the finest fishing areas around! Our lakes and rivers have plenty of largemouth bass, channel catfish and bluegill, northern pike and trout.

scenic fall view of a lake and trees

 

Worthington Park, located beside the West Fork River Rail Trail, is a beautiful 10-acre waterfront dam and park offering a wonderful place to fish. The river is stocked with several fish, including hybrid bluegill, catfish, and largemouth bass. Other fun activities include softball, basketball, and horseshoe courts. The park features a large pavilion and picnicking areas complete with electricity, water and grills – and more importantly, restrooms.

The rapid falls of the Tygart River, known as Valley Falls State Park, Theyre-biting-ValleyFalls-fishingare found here in this 1,145-acre day-use park. Enjoy sunning on the large flat rocks along the river’s edge. The park features picnic tables, pavilions, hiking, mountain biking, game courts as well as a playground. But back to the fishing. The lake is home to some of the best bass fishing in West Virginia. Weed beds and protected coves are great for largemouth bass, while smallmouths tend to congregate around drop-offs and rocky shorelines. The lake also provides excellent crappie fishing, especially in spring, along with walleye, perch, catfish, bluegill, muskellunge, northern pike, and carp.

Guyses Run Fishing Park has several grills and picnic tables to cookout and enjoy the weather. The property has excellent fishing opportunities. Species of fish include trout, hybrid bluegill, catfish, largemouth bass, and hybrid striped bass. All fishing is catch and release, except for the trout which can be taken at $3.00 per trout. Adults do not need a license to fish. And accommodations are available for group reservations. The park is open from mid-April to mid-October. 

Pricketts Fort State Park is located along the Monongahela River is perhaps best known for its abundant populations of walleye and the closely related sauger, both of which bite best during spring and fall. The river also harbors a significant catfish population, especially in deep pools, along with muskellunge and smallmouth bass. The park features a concrete launch ramp, courtesy docks, trailer parking, restrooms, lighting, and potable water. The fish are plentiful here!   When it’s time to step away from the water, Prickett’s Fort Nature Trail has 25 interpretive stations to help introduce guests to the flora and fauna of north-central West Virginia.

Curtisville Lake and Campground offers 695 acres of beautiful scenery. The lake is stocked by the DNR and the fishing is great. Around the 30-acre lake, there are hiking trails, tent sites with tent pads, picnicking areas, and trailer and RV hookups. The lake has other fun amenities, which include playground, shelter, trailhead, and a quaint footbridge. MCPARC hosts a Family Fishing Day annually on Good Friday. 

Palatine Park is a fisherman’s favorite! Beautifully situated along the Work-on-the-boat-ramps-and-dock-continues-at-PalatineParkeast bank of the Monongahela River – a deep, slow-moving river that provides some of the most productive fishing in the region – this park provides the perfect place for peaceful walks and access to the river for boating and other water sports. Single Launch ramp with courtesy dock. Anglers will most likely find bass, walleye, musky and tiger musky, and hybrid striped bass.  Several bass tournaments are held at the park. The most recent upgrade is the installation of the three-lane boat ramps at the north end of the park. 

Be sure to check out the Paw Paw Creek in Rivesville and Buffalo Creek in Mannington.

From one end of the county to the other, you can tackle the lakes, rivers, and streams to find some of the best catches around!

What are you hoping to find at the end of your line?