Summersville Lake will be lowered 55 additional feet below the normal winter pool level of 1,575 beginning Monday, November 22, 2021. This “deep drawdown” will be in order to perform routine and preventative maintenance on the intake structure, strengthening the flood risk management mission.

The rate of drop will be approximately 3.8 feet per day until a lake level of 1,520 feet is achieved on December 4.


**  I was planning to  fish the week of Monday - Wednesday next week.  At 3.8 feet per day does anyone know how long the boat ramps will be accessible? 

Most of the lakes that I've fished in WV have very long ramps to account for drought which may buy you some time. 

Now here's a little debbie downer for ya'. The lakes that I've fished that were being lowered for maintenance had a side effect on the fish.....lockjaw. 

Thanks Bird - in my experience Bass in WV Lakes seem to suffer from Lockjaw alot.  That, and I am not very good.

 

Summersville has extremely long ramps and/or old road that allows for fishing this time of year  Starting Monday the Corp is dropping the water way faster, and at some point the ramps won't be long enough.  Someone out there has more experience on that lake than me and knows how much rope the ramps have left.  My guess is not much.  I am hoping enough to get me to Wednesday.  I live about 1.5 hours away, so I am not going unless I know I will have enough ramp.

2 hours ago, Marvin Lewis said:

Thanks Bird - in my experience Bass in WV Lakes seem to suffer from Lockjaw alot.  That, and I am not very good.

 

Summersville has extremely long ramps and/or old road that allows for fishing this time of year  Starting Monday the Corp is dropping the water way faster, and at some point the ramps won't be long enough.  Someone out there has more experience on that lake than me and knows how much rope the ramps have left.  My guess is not much.  I am hoping enough to get me to Wednesday.  I live about 1.5 hours away, so I am not going unless I know I will have enough ramp.

You could always hit Burnsville or Stonewall if Summersville feels to risky. 

Good luck and have fun.

The boat ramps are to be closed during drawdown and inspection of dam.   I’m not sure of the date they will close, but I suspect this may be last weekend they are open.  WVDNR website may have more details.

As of December 2nd water level is 126ft lower than summer pool. No boat access and the USACE have closed the gates to the winter launches. You might be able to launch a kayak if you dont mind hiking with one on your shoulders. A ranger told me yesterday they expect turbine repairs to conclude on December 18th, after which water levels will begin to return to normal winter pool.

 

A little off topic but do you guys fish Summersville lake often? I live here and just got into serious fishing this year. Come spring I will start to dissect the lake. Only have a kayak so im not sure where to start yet.

4 hours ago, JoeDeal55 said:

As of December 2nd water level is 126ft lower than summer pool. No boat access and the USACE have closed the gates to the winter launches. You might be able to launch a kayak if you dont mind hiking with one on your shoulders. A ranger told me yesterday they expect turbine repairs to conclude on December 18th, after which water levels will begin to return to normal winter pool.

 

A little off topic but do you guys fish Summersville lake often? I live here and just got into serious fishing this year. Come spring I will start to dissect the lake. Only have a kayak so im not sure where to start yet.

Summersville fishes like Jennings Randolph, you'll catch more smallmouth than Largemouth......deep and clear.

 

Lovely float-n-fly in the winter - 20 - 40 fish  on good days - up to 31/2 lbs or so - good ned-rig lake.