Putnam County West Virginia Fishing

During our visit we were fortunate to encounter enthusiastic visitors from all over Putnam County, West Virginia and surrounding areas. One of the most surprising facts we gathered from these conversations was the number of visitors coming here to fish from other counties and from out of state. We talked with several of these visitors and discussed their views on the recent improvements at the Winfield Locks and Dam and the fishing quality here in Putnam County. Most everyone we spoke with was thrilled with the improvements and happy the location was once again open to the public. One beneficial suggestion was made to add trash containers in and around the fishing area and to empty them on a regular basis. Overall the response was a positive one and I was sure they could see the pride in our faces as we discussed the new improved fishing area.

Leaving the public access area at the locks we traveled a quarter mile north on 817 to a well known Putnam County fishing area below the dam locally called the sandbar. The sandbar is not part of the Winfield Locks and Dam public area but a local spot with a view of the dam. Locals have been fishing this spot for many years and say they have seen some really huge fish come out of these waters. The area is rustic, but the dirt path leading down to the rivers edge is easy to navigate. On many warm summer nights you may see diehard fisherman fishing these waters all night long. Fishing the sandbar is a great experience for new anglers and avid anglers alike. There is plenty of room to spread out a blanket and have a family picnic right on the sandy beach area. Kids can try their hand at casting and parents can enjoy just sitting on the shore in a peaceful relaxing environment. The sandbar does disappear when we have heavy rains and then reappears when the rains subside and the river goes down to a lower level. Watching the giant coal barges go in and out of the locks is also a great pastime at the sandbar, the view is very good from this vantage point. On any given weekend, weather permitting, you will find people from all over West Virginia and beyond hooking a catfish, a carp, a bass or many species of fish found in the Kanawha River.

The Winfield Locks and Dam public access area is a great place to fish in Putnam County. You can relax, cast a line and spend a quiet day at the waters edge. We have so many beautiful places here in Putnam County to fish and it’s up to us to help keep it clean and inviting. So come on out and bring a pole. Spend a day fishing at the Winfield Locks and Dam area in Putnam County.

One of the great pastimes in West Virginia is spending the day fishing the rivers, lakes, streams and ponds. We are blessed here in Putnam County that we have several public access sites to the Kanawha River along our many banks. Sunday, we took a look at the recently improved public access site at the Winfield Locks and Dam. The fishing area at the locks was closed recently to undergo a complete facelift. The site is now reopened to the happily awaiting faces of avid fisherman, sightseers and visitors alike. The project, which moved along quickly, boasts a 72 step stairwell down to the base of the dam, a handicap ramp and an impressive rock wall cascading from the parking area to the fishing area below. The project is a wonderful display of improvements that are made to create an enjoyable fishing experience here in Putnam County.

Fishing the Winfield Locks & Dam

by: Deborah Heckman, Putnam County Magazine September 2009

“I’m tickled to death they opened the new lock area for fishing, it’s my favorite place to fish.”

Kathy, Scott Depot

“I come to Putnam County to fish because the fishing is so much better than the fishing near my home.”

Andrew, Saint Albans

“I’ve seen some really huge fish come out of these waters at the sandbar area below the dam.”

Paul, Putnam County

“If I had a wood burning stove, I’d pick up the wood down here and help clean up the area.”

Joseph, Bancroft

“It would be nice if we could see the trash picked up on a regular basis.”

Ron, Cabell County

Most of the people that fish these areas do so as sport fishermen. They catch and release the fish from the Kanawha River. Very few keep their catch for consumption due to possible unsafe conditions. You can read about those concerns here.

For West Virginia Fishing Regulations click here.

Photograph by Putnam County Magazine 2009: Handicap Ramp at the Winfield Locks & Dam, Putnam County, West Virginia

Photograph by Putnam County Magazine 2009: 72 Step stairwell at the Winfield Locks & Dam, Putnam County, West Virginia

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