Fishing O’Brien Lake

AKA: O’Brien Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
O’Brien Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

O’Brien Lake, WV

Popular Fish Species O’Brien Lake, WV

Crappie Fishing

O’Brien Lake has become a pretty decent crappie fishing lake. The lake has good populations of both black crappie and white crappie. These two species generally school with their own, but once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.

O’Brien Lake Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

At O’Brien Lake, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. Sharp hooks are important too. However, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 33 pounds, and O’Brien Lake holds some pretty big ones. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is quite popular at O’Brien Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie and bluegill at O’Brien Lake in West Virginia.

O’Brien Lake Fishing Video

Bass are the big draw at O’Brien Lake, which is a 217-acre lake in western WV, 7 miles east of Ripley. About a dozen miles of shoreline wrap this fishery offering good fishing for bass, crappie and catfish.

O'Brien Lake, situated in the beautiful state of West Virginia, is a serene destination that offers anglers a peaceful fishing experience amidst stunning natural landscapes. With a surface area of approximately 80 acres, O'Brien Lake may be smaller in size but is abundant in fishing opportunities and natural beauty.

One of the most popular fish species found in O'Brien Lake is the rainbow trout. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, making it an ideal destination for trout fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can test their skills by casting lures, flies, or using bait to entice these vibrant and hard-fighting fish. The lake's clear waters and diverse underwater structure create an optimal environment for rainbow trout to thrive.

O'Brien Lake is also home to other fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Largemouth bass can be found near the lake's shoreline, submerged structures, and weed beds. Anglers can employ various techniques such as casting plastic worms, crankbaits, or topwater lures to target these popular game fish. Bluegill, known for their aggressive nature, can be caught using small jigs, flies, or live bait. Channel catfish offer thrilling battles for catfish enthusiasts and can be targeted using cut bait, stink baits, or live baits.

Anglers planning to fish at O'Brien Lake should be aware of fishing regulations and obtain a valid fishing license. It's crucial to follow size and creel limits, as well as any special regulations in place to protect the fishery and maintain the natural balance of the lake's ecosystem.

O'Brien Lake in West Virginia provides a tranquil fishing experience with its popular fish species, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Whether you're a trout angler looking for a peaceful day on the water or seeking the thrill of catching largemouth bass or catfish, the lake offers a variety of fishing opportunities. Its boating and camping amenities further enhance the overall outdoor experience, making O'Brien Lake a cherished destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts seeking solace and connection with the beauty of West Virginia's landscapes.

Timber, brush and laydowns are popular cover for bass and crappie, while catfish tend to hang around deeper structure off shore around ledges, flats and points just off the river channel.

Primary fish species residing in O’Brien Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

O’Brien Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to fishing, O'Brien Lake provides opportunities for boating and camping. Boaters can explore the calm waters of the lake, enjoying the peacefulness and scenic views. However, it's important to note that gasoline-powered boats are not permitted on the lake, ensuring a quieter and more environmentally friendly experience.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

O’Brien Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, at the south end of the Statts Mill Road Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Fishing Guides On O’Brien Lake

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a West Virginia Fishing License.

Camping facilities, including campsites equipped with amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and hiking trails, are available nearby, allowing visitors to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Statts Mill Campground & Cabin - 304 373-0030