LivewellWest Virginia · Lake
Summersville Lake
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Summersville Lake, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
2 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
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 Summersville 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 Summersville Lake
Flathead Catfish
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Walleye
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
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
Getting on the water
- Boat Ramp boat ramp 1.1 mi Directions
- Summersville Lake Marina marina 1.1 mi Directions
- Marina marina 1.2 mi Directions
- Boat Ramp boat ramp 1.3 mi Directions
- Boat Ramp boat ramp 1.3 mi Directions
- Boat Ramp boat ramp 2.0 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.