Woodrum Lake is a quiet 240-acre fishing lake in the rolling hills of Jackson County, West Virginia – the centerpiece of the Woodrum Lake Wildlife Management Area, about 3 miles east of the aptly named community of Romance. Known for bass, muskellunge, crappie and bluegill across three timbered forks, with a boat ramp and a low-horsepower rule that keeps it peaceful, it’s a classic small-water gem in the western part of the state. This guide is part of our growing West Virginia Lakes Database.
- 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
- Depth: maximum ~17 ft
- 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?
Woodrum Lake reaches a maximum depth of about 17 feet across its 240 acres – a shallow, fertile lake whose three branching forks (Middle Fork, Laurel Fork and Second Creek) are full of the flooded timber and creek-channel structure that bass, musky and panfish love.
Fishing Woodrum Lake
The lake is popular with bass and muskellunge anglers as well as panfish fans chasing bluegill, crappie and catfish. A West Virginia fishing license is required. The black-bass daily creel limit is six, with only one allowed to exceed 16 inches – so it’s managed for quality. Anglers fish the standing timber and fork channels for bass and musky, and the flats and brush for panfish. A boat ramp provides access, and motors are limited to 10 horsepower (trolling), keeping the lake quiet and ideal for johnboats, kayaks and canoes.
Boating and water level
With its 10-horsepower trolling limit, Woodrum is a calm-water lake perfect for paddlers and small-boat anglers – no wakes, no jet skis. The three forks give plenty of shoreline to explore. As a WMA impoundment its level is fairly stable but varies modestly with the season; check conditions before launching.
Things to do and what to know
The surrounding Woodrum Lake WMA covers 1,696 acres of hilly oak-hickory woods and old farmland, offering hunting, hiking and wildlife watching alongside the fishing. It’s an undeveloped, peaceful spot – there’s no developed swim beach, so it’s primarily a fishing and day-use lake. Charleston and Ripley are within easy reach for lodging and supplies.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Woodrum Lake is about 3 miles east of Romance in Jackson County, western West Virginia, off the Ripley-Charleston corridor. Ripley, Charleston and the Kanawha River valley are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a West Virginia license is required.
- 10 HP trolling limit: ideal for johnboats, kayaks and canoes.
- 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?
It reaches a maximum depth of about 17 feet across 240 acres.
Is there a horsepower limit on Woodrum Lake?
Yes – boat motors are limited to 10 horsepower (trolling), keeping the lake quiet and paddler-friendly.
Where is Woodrum Lake?
About 3 miles east of Romance in Jackson County, western 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.
