History

• The Kanawha Rver was used extensively by Iroquois Indians, and was a major waterway and fishing area for early settlers. The navigation possibilities led to a lot of industrial development along its shores and that led to a lot of pollution. By the 1960s the river was nearly dead, but reclamation efforts have restored the river to a large extent. A series of locks and dams also makes for great habitat for bass, which makes fishing even better.
  
  

Warning

• Though the river has been restored, there are still some issues with pollution. The state Department of Natural Resources has issued warnings about eating certain kinds of fish caught in the river. No more than one meal of bass should be eaten per month from this river. Some species, such as catfish, are on the do-not-eat list.
  
  

Licensing

• Anyone between the ages of 15 and 64 must have a fishing license to fish on the Kanawha River. Temporary out-of-state licenses are available for a short fishing trip. Licenses are available online and at any county clerk's office, and at many outdoor-type retailers in West Virginia.
  
  

Types

• Whether it's smallmouth, largemouth, striper, or white bass, writers for the Wonderful West Virginia website say the Kanawha River is the best bass fishing river in West Virginia. The creation of locks and dams has provided an excellent habitat and fishing area for all kinds of bass.
  
  

Locations

• The lower portion of the Kanawha River, near where it empties into the Ohio River, is the best area, according to biologists with the state wildlife department. The last three pools created by the lock and dam system are the best areas, and some fish migrate from the Ohio River as well. The lower part is in Mason County, and boat access is available at Leon and Point Pleasant.
  
  

Considerations

• The most popular bass fishing areas are the areas around the dams at London, Marmet and Winfield. Steel fishing piers provide easy access to the turbulent water near the dams. Summer and fall provide the most consistent good fishing because the water levels do not fluctuate as much.
  
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