Largemouth Bass

For largemouth bass near Craigsville, Virginia, you'll want to focus your attention on Lake Merriweather and the smaller impoundments and ponds scattered throughout the surrounding area. These waters offer diverse habitat, from weedy shallows to submerged timber, providing ample opportunities for largemouth. Spring is prime time, as the bass move shallow to spawn, but the fall can also be productive as they feed heavily before winter. Flipping jigs and plastics around heavy cover is a reliable tactic, as is working topwater lures early and late in the day. A local tip is to pay close attention to water clarity; stained water often calls for darker lures and slower presentations. Public access to Lake Merriweather is available, but check local regulations regarding boat permits and horsepower restrictions. The largemouth population is well-established, with a good mix of sizes. Expect to catch plenty of fish in the 1-3 pound range, with the potential for larger specimens exceeding 5 pounds.