Every Boat Ramp on Kanawha River

About Kanawha River

The Kanawha River flows through Charleston, West Virginia's capital city, providing urban anglers with surprisingly productive fishing right in the heart of the metro area. The river is best known for its exceptional catfish populations, with channel catfish abundant throughout and flathead catfish reaching trophy sizes exceeding 50 pounds in the deeper pools and lock chambers. Sauger provide excellent cool-water fishing action, particularly during fall and winter months when they concentrate below the navigation dams.

Public boat ramps in Charleston, St. Albans, and other communities along the Kanawha provide convenient access to this navigable river. The lock and dam system creates a series of pools that concentrate fish and provide diverse habitat from swift tailwaters to slack-water pools. Hybrid striped bass have been stocked and provide hard-fighting action on light tackle, while largemouth bass hold in the slower backwaters and along riprap banks. The Kanawha's accessibility, consistent fishing, and proximity to Charleston's amenities make it one of the most convenient fishing destinations in West Virginia.

Nearest towns: Charleston, St. Albans, Nitro