Burnsville Lake is one of West Virginia’s premier muskie waters – a 960-acre reservoir on the Little Kanawha River in Braxton County, just off I-79 in the central highlands. Beyond the fishing, it’s wrapped in history: the Bulltown Historic Area on its shore preserves a Civil War battlefield and a restored pioneer village, making Burnsville a rare lake where you can chase trophy muskie and walk 19th-century history in the same afternoon.
This guide covers Burnsville Lake: the fishing, Bulltown and the recreation, and access. It’s part of our growing West Virginia Lakes Database.
Burnsville Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~960 acres on the Little Kanawha River
- Location: Braxton County, central West Virginia (near Burnsville)
- Built: Burnsville Dam, completed 1976 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
- Top fish: muskie, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill
Fishing Burnsville Lake
Burnsville has a statewide reputation for muskie – the Little Kanawha system grows them well, and the lake is a top destination for anglers chasing the “fish of 10,000 casts.” Beyond muskie, it offers solid largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, channel catfish and bluegill. A West Virginia fishing license is required. The timber, points and creek arms hold fish, and the upper river end is prime muskie water.
Bulltown Historic Area
The lake’s signature attraction is Bulltown, on the shore near the upper end. It preserves the site of the 1863 Battle of Bulltown, with interpretive trails and earthworks, alongside a collection of restored 19th-century farm buildings that recreate a central-WV pioneer village. A large Corps campground, a visitor center and an amphitheater make Bulltown the recreational and historical hub of the lake.
Recreation and access
Besides the Bulltown campground, the Corps provides the Riffle Run campground, boat ramps and day-use areas, supporting boating, paddling, fishing and camping. The quiet, wooded lake is well suited to pontoons, kayaks and anglers, with little of the heavy powerboat traffic of the bigger lakes.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Burnsville Lake is just off I-79 near Burnsville, about 1 hour north of Charleston and close to Sutton Lake – the two central lakes pair naturally for a fishing trip. The Mountain Lakes region and the Little Kanawha River surround it.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a West Virginia license is required; note muskie size and creel rules.
- History on site: don’t miss Bulltown’s battlefield and pioneer village.
- Best seasons: spring and fall for muskie and walleye; summer for camping and history.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Burnsville Lake?
Muskie (its claim to fame), largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, channel catfish and bluegill.
What is the Bulltown Historic Area?
A site on Burnsville Lake preserving the 1863 Battle of Bulltown and a restored 19th-century pioneer village, with a campground, trails and a visitor center.
Where is Burnsville Lake?
In Braxton County, central West Virginia, just off I-79 near Burnsville.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in West Virginia, or head back to the West Virginia Lakes Database.
