Brushy Fork Lake is a small, clear 18-acre stocked-trout lake in southeastern Pendleton County, West Virginia – a quiet mountain impoundment near Sugar Grove in the Potomac highlands, stocked with trout in spring and holding bass and panfish the rest of the year. With electric-only boating and an easy, peaceful feel, it’s a pleasant little fishing lake in the high country. This guide is part of our growing West Virginia Lakes Database.
Brushy Fork Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~18 acres
- Depth: average ~8 ft, maximum ~20 ft
- Location: Pendleton County, southeastern West Virginia, about 3 miles south of Sugar Grove
- Built: 1982, on the South Branch South Fork of the Potomac
- Top fish: rainbow & brown trout (stocked), largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish
Fishing Brushy Fork Lake
Brushy Fork is managed as a spring trout lake, stocked with rainbow and brown trout – once in February and then every two weeks through March, April and May – and also holding largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. A West Virginia fishing license is required (with a trout stamp for trout). Note that live minnows are prohibited. Anglers fish from the bank or from small boats; only electric motors are allowed, keeping the little lake quiet.
Boating, camping and water level
The lake suits canoes, kayaks and small johnboats with electric motors. Camping is not permitted at the lake itself, so plan a day trip or stay nearby in the Potomac highlands. As a small mountain impoundment, its level stays fairly stable through the season.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Brushy Fork Lake is about 3 miles south of Sugar Grove in Pendleton County, southeastern West Virginia, in the high country near the Virginia line. Franklin, Spruce Knob and the Monongahela National Forest are in the broader area.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a West Virginia license (and trout stamp) is required.
- Electric motors only; no live minnows.
- Spring trout: stocked February through May – the prime season.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Brushy Fork Lake?
Stocked rainbow and brown trout, plus largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish.
How deep is Brushy Fork Lake?
It averages about 8 feet and reaches roughly 20 feet at its deepest, across about 18 acres.
Can you use a motor on Brushy Fork Lake?
Only electric motors are allowed; live minnows are prohibited.
Where is Brushy Fork Lake?
In Pendleton County, southeastern West Virginia, about 3 miles south of Sugar Grove.
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.