Fishing in Hardy County WV
(This was copied from Blue Ridge Outdoors February 2025 magazine. I couldn’t find it online anywhere, so I am sharing this good fishing content here.)
Fish the Rivers, Runs, and Lakes in Hardy County, WV
Kayaking, canoeing or floating? Spinning or fly fishing? Hardy County, WV offers flatwater floats or seasonally rapid rivers, as well as lakes and mountain runs waiting to be fished
Tributaries wind down the mountain slopes feeding Hardy county’s five rivers to offer some of the best paddling and fishing in West Virginia’s Potomac Watershed. Fed by the North Fork and South Fork the South Branch of the Potomac River is a favorite whether fishing or floating the river. The Trough, a historic six-mile gorge, features towering rock walls that can only be accessed by water or train. Known for its great bass fishing and abundance of rainbow, brown, and brook trout, you can also watch bald eagles soaring overhead.
Hanging Rock is a popular spot for casing along the 30-mile Lost River, which disappears underground at Lost River Sinks and reemerges as the Cacapon River. Flowing northward through two more counties until it meets the Potomac River, the Cacapon offers excellent paddling opportunities. Its tributaries, renowned for brook trout habitats, include the nearby Warden Lake, known for its easily accessible fishing. North River originates at 3000 feet, traversing the northern edge of Hardy County before converging with the Cacapon. Like many other mountain streams and man-made lakes in the area, North River is regularly stocked. Fishing enthusiasts frequent Upper Cove, Kimsey Run, and Parker Hollow Lakes, with Parker Hollow’s submerged trees providing excellent fish habitat.
The 17-acre Rock Cliff Lake at Trout Pond Recreation Area offers a tranquil setting for canoeing, a beach area for swimming, and incredible fishing from the river’s tree-lined shore or by boat. Channel catfish, largemouth bass and trout are regularly caught at Rock Cliff. While night fishing is permitted there are special boating and fishing limit regulations. Nearby is Trout Pond, at times not more than a large puddle, it is the only natural lake in West Virginia.
Check out Breezewood Adventures where you can rent kayaks and canoes for paddling or fishing the South Branch. They also offer a variety of river trips with shuttle service and host private camping trips featuring water-front sites, river access, and adventure activities.
So, come for the day but plan to stay the night. You can find a complete list of accommodations, restaurants, and shopping, plus river access points and trail maps and VisitHardyWV.com.
(Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine article ends)
In addition to the Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine article above, we have some information on Fishing in Hardy County, WV.
Deep in the scenic mountains of Hardy County, West Virginia, Trout Pond Recreational Area offers anglers a hidden gem for year-round fishing. The waters of this spring-fed lake are regularly stocked with rainbow and brook trout, making it a reliable spot for both beginners and experienced fishermen. Early mornings and evenings typically yield the best catches, especially when using small spinners, worms, or fly fishing techniques near the pond’s eastern shore where deeper pools form. Local fishermen recommend visiting weekdays during spring and fall to avoid crowds while enjoying peak fishing conditions. Remember to secure a valid West Virginia fishing license before arriving, and note the daily catch limits posted at the entrance to help preserve this fishing spot for generations to come.
Kimsey Run Lake offers some of West Virginia’s most rewarding fishing experiences. Thisfishing site sits at an elevation of 1,900 feet, creating a cool-water habitat where anglers regularly hook largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish throughout the season. Local fishermen particularly prize the lake’s healthy population of rainbow trout, which are stocked several times each spring. The lake’s forested shoreline provides both scenic beauty and natural structure where fish congregate, with the northern coves producing especially well during early mornings. Access is straightforward via a small boat launch on the eastern shore, though many regulars prefer working the fallen timber along the western bank where bass often ambush prey during summer evenings.
Parker Hollow Lake in Hardy County, West Virginia, offers exceptional fishing for anglers of all skill levels. The impoundment, nestled in the Appalachian foothills, supports healthy populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Spring and fall are particularly productive times, when bass cruise the shallows and eagerly strike topwater lures near fallen timber. Local fishermen recommend the western cove for consistent panfish action, where youngsters can catch hand-sized bluegill using simple worm rigs. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources maintains a concrete boat ramp and stocks the lake with rainbow trout annually, creating additional seasonal opportunities. Shore access is available at several cleared areas, allowing bank fishing along the dam and southern shoreline.
There are additional fishing opportunities nearby in Bergton, VA. Nestled in the western reaches of Rockingham County, Bergton offers anglers a serene escape to pristine waters teeming with trout. The North Fork of the Shenandoah River winds through this quiet community, harboring healthy populations of smallmouth bass, rock bass, and various sunfish species that challenge both fly and spin fishermen. Local residents point to German River and Shoemaker River as hidden gems, where native brook trout dart through crystal-clear mountain streams shaded by towering hardwoods. While public access points remain limited and somewhat guarded secrets among locals, those who take the time to build relationships with landowners or explore the nearby George Washington National Forest find themselves rewarded with peaceful fishing experiences far from crowded waters, particularly during the spring and fall when conditions reach their peak.
