Sutton Lake sits at the geographic heart of West Virginia – a 1,440-acre reservoir on the Elk River right off I-79 near the town of Sutton, and one of the most central, accessible lakes in the state. Held behind Sutton Dam, it’s a muskie, bass and walleye fishery wrapped in steep wooded hills, with several Corps campgrounds making it a popular base for fishing and camping in the Mountain Lakes region.
This guide covers Sutton Lake: the fishing, the camping and recreation, and access. It’s part of our growing West Virginia Lakes Database.
Sutton Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~1,440 acres on the Elk River
- Location: Braxton County, central West Virginia (near Sutton & Gassaway) – close to the state’s geographic center
- Built: Sutton Dam, completed 1961 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
- Top fish: muskie, largemouth & smallmouth bass, walleye, hybrid striped bass, crappie, catfish
Fishing Sutton Lake
Sutton is a well-rounded central-WV fishery:
- Muskie – the Elk River system is muskie country, and Sutton holds good fish.
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass along the rocky banks, points and timber.
- Walleye, hybrid striped bass, crappie and catfish round out a strong, varied catch.
A West Virginia fishing license is required. The long, winding lake with its many coves and the river-fed upper end gives anglers plenty of structure to work.
Camping and recreation
The Corps of Engineers operates several campgrounds around the lake – including Gerald R. Freeman, Bee Run and Bakers Run – along with boat ramps, a marina and day-use areas, making Sutton a fine base for a fishing-and-camping weekend. Boating, paddling and water sports are popular, and the whitewater on the Elk River below the dam adds to the appeal.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Sutton Lake is just off I-79 at Sutton, about 1 hour north of Charleston and an hour south of Clarksburg – one of the easiest lakes in the state to reach. The historic town of Sutton, the Elk River and the Mountain Lakes region surround it, with Burnsville Lake just up the interstate.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a West Virginia license is required; note muskie regulations.
- Central & easy: right off I-79 – a convenient stop or base.
- Best seasons: spring and fall for muskie, bass and walleye; summer for camping and boating.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Sutton Lake?
Muskie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, hybrid striped bass, crappie and channel catfish.
Can you camp at Sutton Lake?
Yes – the Corps of Engineers runs several campgrounds (Gerald Freeman, Bee Run, Bakers Run) plus boat ramps and a marina.
Where is Sutton Lake?
In Braxton County near the geographic center of West Virginia, just off I-79 at Sutton.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in West Virginia, or head back to the West Virginia Lakes Database.
