Fishing Charters in West Virginia
Browse fishing charters in West Virginia that can help you catch channel catfish.
Mountain Water Adventures
guided fly fishing on miles of private water in southeastern West Virginia. Water and fish you have to experience to believe.
Knapps Creek Trout Lodge
This inviting waterfront Bed & Breakfast also offers Fly Fishing Guide Services & Beginner Fly Fishing Lessons on location! Focusing on WV Trout Fishing Trips near Snowshoe, WV, the Monongahela National Forest, and Watoga State Park. Licensed WV Fishing Guides for the Cranberry River & Greenbrier River Watersheds. Within 1 mile from the Greenbrier River Trail in Marlinton, WV.
First Light Outfitters, LLC.
First Light Outfitters, LLC. firstlightguide Fly Fishing Trout, Fishing Instructor, Musky, Greenbrier Resort, Escatawba
New River Gorge Outfitters
Book your guided fishing trips online. Guided river trips in Hinton WV and the New River Gorge. Cabin rentals, kayak rentals, tubing rentals.
The West Virginia Experience
Thank you for considering The West Virginia Experience for your next outdoor adventure. . Whether you are interested in a float fishing trip for smallmouth bas
Eddyline Anglers
Get in touch with Eddyline Anglers! Reach out to book your New River Gorge smallmouth bass fishing trip or ask questions about our guided fly and spin fishing experiences. We're here to help you plan an unforgettable angling adventure!
King Fisher Guide Service Harpers Ferry WV
Looking for the best Potomac River Fishing guide? Check out our reviews of Travis Edens, fishing Baltimore to Washington DC!
New River Trophy Outfitters
New River Trophy Outfitters is a guided fishing outfitter that has been serving anglers for over 20 years. Located in Meadow Creek, WV, our trips fish the beautiful and majestic New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. If it's a half day or a full day trip you are looking for, we guarantee our trip are the best West Virginia has to offer.
Blackwater Outdoor Adventures
Blackwater Outdoor Adventures reservation policies
Pro River Outfitters
Experience rapid rafting adventures with BlowPro! This powerful inflator/deflator boasts 1600 watts and 50 m/s airflow for unmatched speed and efficiency.
Best Time to Catch Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish can be caught year-round in Chesapeake. Right now in February, activity is Poor.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Channel Catfish
For Channel Catfish near Chesapeake, WV, the Kanawha River is your go-to destination. The Kanawha offers plenty of catfish habitat, from deep holes and rocky bottoms to log jams and undercut banks. Summer is arguably the best time to target them, especially during the warmer months. Night fishing can be particularly productive. Traditional catfish baits like nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and stinkbaits work well. Many anglers also have success with cut bait from locally caught shad or skipjack herring. Focus your efforts in areas with slower current or near structure. Try fishing below the I-64 bridge near Chesapeake, where the river channel is deeper. Be prepared for some larger fish; the Kanawha is known to hold some impressive catfish. Make sure to have a valid West Virginia fishing license.
How to Catch Channel Catfish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Channel Catfish in Chesapeake.
Channel Catfish Fishing Regulations in West Virginia
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
4 per day
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Freshwater fishing license
Combined creel limit of 4 for channel and flathead catfish.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the West Virginia state wildlife agency before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait to use for channel catfish in Chesapeake, WV?
Channel catfish in Chesapeake respond well to a variety of baits. Popular choices include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and commercially prepared catfish dough baits. Experiment to see what works best on a given day.
Is there a size restriction for keeping channel catfish in West Virginia?
No, there is no minimum size limit for channel catfish in West Virginia. However, anglers are allowed to keep up to 4 channel catfish per day.
Do I need a fishing license to target channel catfish in Chesapeake?
Yes, you'll need a valid West Virginia freshwater fishing license to legally fish for channel catfish in Chesapeake. Make sure to have it with you while fishing.
Can I fish for channel catfish year-round in Chesapeake, WV?
Yes, the season for channel catfish is open year-round in West Virginia, so you can fish for them any time of year. Keep in mind that river conditions may vary depending on the season.
More Channel Catfish Fishing in West Virginia
Other Species to Fish in Chesapeake
Ready to Catch Channel Catfish in Chesapeake?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.