The Best Counties for Smallmouth Bass Fishing on the New River
Stretching across West Virginia and Virginia, the New River is a smallmouth bass angler’s dream, blending rugged scenery with some of the East’s finest fishing. From its rocky headwaters to the deep pools of the New River Gorge, this ancient waterway offers trophy potential, high numbers, and plenty of ways to fish—whether you’re floating, wading, or casting from the bank.
The New River’s path through West Virginia is a smallmouth haven, with counties offering everything from wild floats to accessible shorelines. Here are the best:
Why It’s Great: Anchored by the New River Gorge National Park, Fayette County is smallmouth central. The stretch from Hawks Nest Dam through "The Dries" features fast water, deep pools, and rocky structure—perfect for big bass.
Fishing Highlights: Float trips here yield trophy-sized smallmouth, especially in spring and fall. Wading near Fayette Station or bank fishing at Cunard can also score you 20-inchers.
Why It’s Great: Upstream of the Gorge, Raleigh County offers a quieter fishery with riffles, pools, and solid smallmouth numbers. It’s less trafficked than Fayette but just as productive.
Fishing Highlights: Kayak or canoe the stretch near Sandstone Falls (on the county line with Summers) for 2-4 pounders. Wading the rocky runs works too, especially with topwater lures.
Why It’s Great: Spanning the lower Gorge, Summers County shines with slower, deeper waters near Hinton and Sandstone Falls. The habitat supports healthy bass populations year-round.
Fishing Highlights: Float from Hinton downstream or fish from the bank near the falls for consistent catches. Wading the edges of Sandstone Falls is a bonus for those who like to get their feet wet.
Why It’s Great: As the New River enters WV from VA, Mercer County offers a narrower, rockier stretch near Bluefield. It’s less famous but holds decent smallmouth in a wild setting.
Fishing Highlights: Small boats or wading in the fast riffles work well here. The bass are smaller on average, but the solitude makes it special.
Why It’s Great: At the New River’s end near its merge with the Gauley, Kanawha County offers smallmouth below Kanawha Falls in slower, rocky waters.
Fishing Highlights: Bank fishing near Charleston or below the falls is best for numbers over size. It’s an urban-adjacent option with reliable action.
Virginia: From Headwaters to Hotspots
In Virginia, the New River flows from its source to broad, bass-rich sections, delivering diverse fishing opportunities. Here are the top counties:
Why It’s Great: Giles is a smallmouth powerhouse, with fast water and big rocks from Pembroke to Narrows producing citation-sized bass (20"+). It’s often called one of the best smallmouth rivers anywhere.
Fishing Highlights: Float trips here are legendary, especially with a guide. Wading at Narrows or bank fishing near Glen Lyn can also land you a trophy.
Why It’s Great: Upstream of Giles, Montgomery County’s Radford to McCoy Falls stretch is a smallmouth factory. Ledge systems and rocky runs keep the bass biting.
Fishing Highlights: Kayak this section for high catch rates (2-4 lb fish) or wade the riffles in spring. Public access points make it easy to explore.
Why It’s Great: Home to Claytor Lake and the tailwater below Claytor Dam, Pulaski offers both river and lake smallmouth fishing. The cool, fast water below the dam is a standout.
Fishing Highlights: Fish the tailwater by boat or bank for steady action, or target the lake’s rocky points. Fall is prime for bigger fish.
Radford City (Independent City)
Why It’s Great: Nestled between Montgomery and Pulaski, Radford City covers a productive stretch from Radford to Claytor Dam. Riffles and pools here hold solid smallmouth numbers.
Fishing Highlights: Float or fish from shore for a mix of urban convenience and rural vibes. It’s a great day-trip spot.
Why It’s Great: Near the New River’s headwaters by Fries, Carroll County offers smaller, colder waters with rocky runs that support smallmouth.
Fishing Highlights: Canoe or wade the upper stretches for feisty, if smaller, bass. It’s a peaceful escape with less pressure.
Why It’s Great: At the river’s origin near Mouth of Wilson, Grayson County marks the start of the New River’s smallmouth range. The narrow, rocky waters hold fish, though numbers thin out.
Fishing Highlights: Best for adventurous anglers with small boats or wading gear. The solitude and scenery are as big a draw as the bass.
Why These Counties Shine
Habitat: Rocky bottoms, current seams, and plentiful forage (crayfish, shiners) make these counties smallmouth magnets.
Access: Public ramps, parks, and shorelines keep the river fishable, whether you’re floating or footing it.
Seasonal Tips: Spring and fall are peak for size and numbers; summer brings topwater fun, while winter offers a shot at lethargic lunkers.
Final Cast
Fayette, Giles, and their neighboring counties stand out as the New River’s smallmouth crown jewels, but every spot on this list has its charm. Check local regulations with WV DNR or VA DWR, grab your rod, and hit the river. The smallmouth are waiting!
Let us know about your trip in the comments!
