Big Bear Lake Fishing in Preston County, West Virginia

• Overview

  Big Bear Lake sits within Preston County in West Virginia. Land around it is open valley. At about 31 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. The full circuit measures close to 1.0 miles on foot. By elevation it is in the upper part of our West Virginia listings. Supplies mean a trip to Terra Alta, 11 miles off. The nearest city of size is Pittsburgh, 63 miles away. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Big Bear Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Records held for Preston County cover bluegill, white sucker and brook trout. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. On Big Bear Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 69°F for July and 26°F for January. Ice comes and goes from one year to the next. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Big Bear Lake. Settled weather over several days beats a single fine one.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. If the gate is shut, Hulls Lake at 9.1 miles is the nearest alternative. Signs at Big Bear Lake carry more weight than any list.