Alpine Lake is a 150-acre private resort lake in the high country northeast of Terra Alta, in Preston County, West Virginia – the centerpiece of the 2,300-acre Alpine Lake Resort. A thriving, well-managed fishery holding rainbow trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish and panfish, set among a golf course, lodge and mountain cabins at nearly 2,600 feet, it’s a scenic four-season getaway in the state’s northern highlands. This guide is part of our growing West Virginia Lakes Database.
Alpine Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~150 acres
- Depth: a deep, cool highland lake (supports both trout and bass)
- Elevation: high country northeast of Terra Alta, in the Allegheny Mountains
- Location: Preston County, within the 2,300-acre Alpine Lake Resort
- Top fish: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, yellow perch, bluegill
A cool highland resort lake
Alpine Lake sits in the Allegheny high country northeast of Terra Alta, cool and deep enough to hold both rainbow trout and warm-water species – an unusual combination that makes the fishing varied year-round. The lake began in the 1930s as a small hunting-and-fishing camp and grew into today’s 2,300-acre resort community wrapped around the water and an 18-hole golf course. The mountain setting and four-season climate (including cross-country skiing in winter) are a big part of the draw.
Fishing Alpine Lake
The lake is a thriving fishery with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, yellow perch and bluegill – something for anglers of every age and skill level. Note that Alpine Lake is private: fishing is a free amenity for property owners and employees, while the general public, renters and resort guests can buy a permit to fish. A West Virginia fishing license also applies. The cool, clear water fishes well from the bank and small boats.
Lodging, golf and things to do
Alpine Lake Resort is a full four-season destination: the development includes a lodge/motel, restaurant, meeting rooms, a fitness center, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and cross-country ski trails, plus hundreds of private residences. Visitors come to fish, golf, swim, hike and ski, making it one of the more amenity-rich lakes in northern West Virginia. Day-trippers should note the resort/permit access rules.
Water level
As a managed resort lake, Alpine Lake holds a stable pool, varying only modestly with the season. Check with the resort for current access and conditions.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Alpine Lake is northeast of Terra Alta in Preston County, in West Virginia’s northern highlands near the Maryland line. Terra Alta, Cheat Lake, Morgantown and the Cheat River country are nearby.
Know before you go
- Private lake: fishing is free for owners/employees; the public can buy a fishing permit through the resort.
- Fishing license: a West Virginia license also applies.
- Four seasons: trout and bass fishing, golf, swimming and winter cross-country skiing.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Alpine Lake?
Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, yellow perch and bluegill.
Can the public fish Alpine Lake?
Yes, with a permit – fishing is free for property owners and employees, while the public, renters and guests can buy a permit through the resort (a West Virginia license also applies).
How big is Alpine Lake?
About 150 acres, within the 2,300-acre Alpine Lake Resort.
Where is Alpine Lake?
Northeast of Terra Alta in Preston County, in West Virginia’s northern highlands.
Related: explore the small lakes of 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.