Warden Lake is a popular fishing spot in West Virginia, especially for trout anglers. This 44-acre lake is located in Hardy County, and it offers a tranquil and picturesque setting for a day of fishing. The lake is stocked with trout regularly, and anglers have reported catching rainbow trout, brown trout, and golden trout in Warden Lake. In this article, we will take a closer look at Warden Lake WV trout fishing, including tips for catching trout, equipment, and regulations.
Warden Lake was created in 1960 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a flood control reservoir. It is situated in the midst of the Monongahela National Forest and is surrounded by scenic hills and mountains. The lake is named after William C. Warden, a U.S. Congressman from West Virginia who played a significant role in the creation of the lake.
Fishing at Warden Lake is allowed year-round, but the best time to catch trout is from February to June. During this time, the lake is stocked regularly with trout, and the fish are more active due to the warmer water temperatures. Anglers can catch trout using a variety of techniques, including fly fishing, spin fishing, and bait fishing.
Fly fishing is a popular technique among anglers at Warden Lake. The lake has plenty of aquatic insects, which makes it an ideal location for fly fishing. Anglers can use dry flies, nymphs, or streamers to catch trout. Some of the most effective flies for trout at Warden Lake include Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Pheasant Tail, and Woolly Bugger.
Spin fishing is also a popular technique at Warden Lake. Anglers can use spinning rods and reels with small spinners, spoons, or jigs to catch trout. Some of the best lures for trout at Warden Lake include Panther Martin, Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Blue Fox.
Bait fishing is another effective technique for catching trout at Warden Lake. Anglers can use live bait such as worms, minnows, or mealworms, or artificial bait such as PowerBait or salmon eggs. It is important to note that live bait is not allowed at Warden Lake from October 1 to May 31, so anglers should check the regulations before they go fishing.
When it comes to equipment, anglers at Warden Lake should use light to medium-weight rods and reels with a six to eight-pound test line. A 4-6 foot fluorocarbon leader is recommended for fly fishing, while a 4-6 pound monofilament leader is recommended for spin fishing. Anglers should also bring waders or waterproof boots if they plan to wade in the lake.
Anglers should also familiarize themselves with the regulations at Warden Lake before they go fishing. The daily bag limit for trout is six, and the minimum size limit is nine inches. Anglers are also required to have a valid West Virginia fishing license and a trout stamp to fish at Warden Lake. It is important to note that catch-and-release fishing is encouraged at Warden Lake, so anglers should release any trout they catch that are under the size limit or that they do not plan to keep.
In addition to trout fishing, Warden Lake also offers other recreational activities such as boating, camping, and hiking. The lake has a boat ramp and a fishing pier for anglers who want to fish from shore. Anglers can also rent boats at the Warden Lake Marina. There are several campgrounds and picnic areas around the lake, and hikers can explore the nearby trails in the Monongahela National Forest.