Upper Mud River Lake is a 306-acre fishing and family-recreation lake in the hills of Lincoln County, West Virginia – the largest lake in our southern-coalfields cluster and the heart of the Upper Mud River Wildlife Management Area. Known for largemouth bass, muskellunge, crappie and catfish, with a swimming beach, two boat ramps and a quiet, forested setting about 12 miles south of Hamlin, it’s a genuine all-rounder. This guide is part of our growing West Virginia Lakes Database.
- Upper Mud River Lake at a glance
- Size, depth and the dam
- Fishing Upper Mud River Lake
- Swimming, boating and things to do
- Water level
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Know before you go
- Frequently asked questions
- What fish are in Upper Mud River Lake?
- Can you swim at Upper Mud River Lake?
- How big is Upper Mud River Lake?
- Where is Upper Mud River Lake?
Upper Mud River Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~306 acres
- Depth: a flood-control impoundment with deeper water near the dam (varies with pool level)
- Location: Lincoln County, ~12 miles south of Hamlin, within the Upper Mud River WMA
- Dam: a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood-control dam on the Mud River
- Top fish: largemouth bass, muskellunge, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill
Size, depth and the dam
At about 306 acres, Upper Mud River Lake is the biggest water in this part of the coalfields. It’s a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood-control impoundment on the Mud River, so depth is greatest near the dam and tapers up the forested arms; the pool level is managed for flood control and can change seasonally. That variety of depth and abundant woody cover is what supports the lake’s strong bass, musky and panfish populations.
Fishing Upper Mud River Lake
The lake is a quality mixed fishery for largemouth bass, muskellunge, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill – the musky and big-bass potential are the standouts. A West Virginia fishing license is required. Anglers work the flooded timber and arms for bass and musky, the channels and brush for crappie, and the flats for bluegill and catfish. Two boat ramps provide access, and boat motors are limited to 10 horsepower, keeping the lake calm and well suited to johnboats, kayaks and canoes.
Swimming, boating and things to do
Upper Mud River is more family-friendly than most WMA lakes: amenities include a swimming beach with a bath house, picnic areas, playgrounds, a softball field and restrooms. The 1,425-acre WMA around it offers hunting, hiking and wildlife watching across steep, forested terrain. Note that camping is not available at the WMA, so plan it as a day trip or stay in nearby Hamlin or Huntington.
Water level
As a Corps flood-control lake, the pool can be raised or lowered for flood management, so the level varies through the year. Check current conditions before launching or planning a beach day.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Upper Mud River Lake is about 12 miles south of Hamlin in Lincoln County, southwestern West Virginia. Hamlin, Huntington and the Mud River valley are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a West Virginia license is required.
- 10 HP limit: ideal for johnboats, kayaks and canoes.
- Day use: a swim beach and picnic areas, but no camping at the WMA.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Upper Mud River Lake?
Largemouth bass, muskellunge, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill.
Can you swim at Upper Mud River Lake?
Yes – the lake has a swimming beach with a bath house, plus picnic areas and playgrounds. Camping, though, is not available at the WMA.
How big is Upper Mud River Lake?
About 306 acres, making it the largest lake in this part of southwestern West Virginia.
Where is Upper Mud River Lake?
About 12 miles south of Hamlin in Lincoln County, southwestern West Virginia.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in West Virginia, or head back to the West Virginia Lakes Database.
Explore more West Virginia lakes: the largest lakes in West Virginia and the deepest lakes in West Virginia.
