R.D. Bailey Lake is one of West Virginia’s most scenic and dramatic reservoirs – a deep, narrow 630-acre lake set in a steep gorge on the Guyandotte River, deep in the southern coalfields of Wyoming and Mingo counties. Towering ridges, clear water and a striking concrete dam give it a wild, rugged beauty, and its bass, walleye and crappie fishing draws anglers willing to make the trip to this remote corner of the state.
This guide covers R.D. Bailey Lake: the fishing, the scenery and recreation, and access. It’s part of our growing West Virginia Lakes Database.
R.D. Bailey Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~630 acres; deep, narrow and steep-walled
- Location: Wyoming & Mingo counties, southern West Virginia (near Justice & Pineville)
- Built: R.D. Bailey Dam on the Guyandotte River, completed 1980 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
- Top fish: largemouth & smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, channel catfish, muskie
A dramatic mountain lake
What makes R.D. Bailey memorable is its setting. The lake fills a deep, twisting gorge with steep, forested walls rising straight from the water, and the tall concrete dam and its visitor center overlook one of the most scenic lake landscapes in southern West Virginia. The clear, deep water and the rugged shoreline give it a remote, almost wilderness feel rare for a Corps lake.
Fishing R.D. Bailey Lake
The deep, clear reservoir holds a varied fishery: largemouth and smallmouth bass on the rocky shores, walleye in the depths, plus crappie, channel catfish and some muskie. A West Virginia fishing license is required. The steep structure and clear water reward anglers who fish deep and target the points and bluff lines.
Recreation and access
The Corps provides a marina, boat ramps, a campground (Guyandotte Point) and a visitor center, supporting boating, fishing and camping in the gorge. The scenery makes it a rewarding lake for paddling and cruising, and the surrounding country – including Twin Falls Resort State Park nearby – rounds out a trip to the southern mountains.
Getting there and what’s nearby
R.D. Bailey Lake is in the southern coalfields near Justice and Pineville, about 1.5 hours southwest of Beckley. Twin Falls Resort State Park and the Hatfield-McCoy Trails (a major ATV-riding network) are nearby, making the area an emerging adventure-tourism destination.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a West Virginia license is required.
- Remote & scenic: a deep gorge lake in the coalfields – come prepared and enjoy the views.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for bass and walleye; summer for boating and camping.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in R.D. Bailey Lake?
Largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, channel catfish and some muskie.
Why is R.D. Bailey Lake special?
It’s a deep, narrow reservoir set in a dramatic, steep-walled gorge on the Guyandotte River – one of the most scenic lakes in southern West Virginia.
Where is R.D. Bailey Lake?
In Wyoming and Mingo counties, southern West Virginia near Justice and Pineville, about 1.5 hours southwest of Beckley.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in West Virginia, or head back to the West Virginia Lakes Database.
