LivewellWest Virginia · Lake
R D Bailey Lake
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for R D Bailey Lake, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
1 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury, PCBs
West Virginia also has statewide guidance
West Virginia publishes rules that apply to lakes across the state — 13 recommendations covering 12 species — in addition to anything listed for R D Bailey Lake below.
Strictest statewide rule: White Bass — Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury and PCB.
What's safe to eat from R D Bailey Lake
Channel Catfish
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Over 17" | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury and PCB. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
How to prepare fish from R D Bailey Lake
Some contaminants build up in fat and skin, so cleaning and cooking can lower your exposure. Others — mercury and PFAS — are in the muscle itself and trimming does nothing.
PCBs
- Skin the fish — most of the contaminant sits in the fat just under the skin.
- Trim the fatty areas away: the belly flap, the top of the back, and the dark lateral line down each side.
- Cook on a rack — grill, broil, or bake — so the fat drips off the fillet.
- Throw the drippings out; don't use them for soup, sauce, or chowder.
- Choose smaller, younger fish — they've had less time to build it up.
Is it legal to keep?
These are West Virginia's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 12" min | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12" min | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | 15" min | 8 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 30" min | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Inland Trout | — | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | 4 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: West Virginia — West Virginia DNR