Woodrum Lake, WV: Bass, Muskie & Paddling Guide

Woodrum Lake is a roughly 240-acre reservoir on the Middle Fork of the Pocatalico River in Jackson County, West Virginia. The surrounding wildlife management area is owned by WVDNR and managed by its Wildlife Resources Section. Anglers come for bass, muskellunge and panfish; a public boat ramp provides access. The old 10-horsepower cap changed in May 2026, so check the boating rules below before bringing a motorboat. This guide is part of our West Virginia Lakes Database.

Table of Contents

Woodrum Lake at a glance
How deep is Woodrum Lake?
Fishing Woodrum Lake
Boating and water level
Things to do and what to know
Getting there and what’s nearby
Know before you go
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Woodrum Lake?
How deep is Woodrum Lake?
Is there a horsepower limit on Woodrum Lake?
Where is Woodrum Lake?

Woodrum Lake at a glance

Surface area: ~240 acres
Mapped depth: the 2018 WVDNR map scale reaches about 54 ft (16.4 m); this is not a current water-level reading.
Location: Jackson County, ~3 miles east of Romance, within the 1,696-acre Woodrum Lake WMA
Layout: three forks – Middle Fork, Laurel Fork and Second Creek
Top fish: largemouth bass, muskellunge, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish

How deep is Woodrum Lake?

The WVDNR fishing map dated October 16, 2018 shows five-foot depth contours and a depth scale reaching 53.88 feet — about 54 feet (16.4 meters). The map is a historical reference, not a reading of today’s water level. WVDNR labels it for informational use, not as a navigational aid.

Fishing Woodrum Lake

The lake is popular with bass and muskellunge anglers as well as panfish fans chasing bluegill, crappie and catfish. Check West Virginia fishing-license requirements and any exemptions before fishing. The 2026 fishing regulations, page 2 allow six black bass per day at Woodrum, with only one over 16 inches. This covers smallmouth, spotted and largemouth bass together. The boat ramp and a fishing pier listed by WVDNR District 6 provide access; the pier is listed as accessible to anglers with disabilities.

Boating and water level

Under the WVDNR update effective May 6, 2026, boats with motors over 10 horsepower may use Woodrum Lake at no-wake speed. No special permit is required for this change. Ordinary boating registration and safety requirements still apply. Older maps and listings may still show the former 10-horsepower limit.

Check conditions before towing a boat to the ramp. The WVDNR District 6 office can advise on local access; its published number is 304-420-4550. The state also maintains a lake and stream conditions page. Neither the historical depth map nor the directions below guarantees a particular water level or usable ramp on the day of your trip.

Things to do and what to know

The surrounding Woodrum Lake WMA covers 1,696 acres of hilly woods and former farmland. WVDNR lists fishing and hunting opportunities and does not permit camping in the WMA. At public fishing and boating access sites, WVDNR rules also prohibit swimming or bathing, camping and open fires. The launch area is for putting in or taking out a boat and fishing from shore; keep it clear and park in the designated spaces after launching.

Getting there and what’s nearby

Woodrum Lake is about 3 miles east of Romance in Jackson County. WVDNR describes access from I-77 via Route 42 at Romance or Route 19 at Kentuck. The official WMA map (2022, PDF) marks the boat ramp and parking on the northern arm near Fletcher. Other parking symbols on that map do not necessarily mark another boat launch. Use the signed public access and check the map before choosing the final local road.

Know before you go

Fishing license: check current license requirements and exemptions.
Motors over 10 hp: permitted at no-wake speed under the May 2026 update.
Quality bass rule: six black bass daily, only one over 16 inches.

Frequently asked questions

What fish are in Woodrum Lake?

Largemouth bass, muskellunge, crappie, bluegill and channel catfish.

How deep is Woodrum Lake?

The 2018 WVDNR depth map has a scale reaching about 54 feet (16.4 meters). This is a historical mapped value, not a current water-level measurement or a navigational chart.

Is there a horsepower limit on Woodrum Lake?

The old 10-horsepower cap changed on May 6, 2026. WVDNR now permits motors over 10 hp at no-wake speed, with no special permit required for that change. Regular boating requirements still apply.