Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area

Rt. 1 Box 186
Scarbro, WV 25917
(304) 469-9905

Plum Orchard Lake is located in Fayette County near Pax, WV. You can reached it by taking the Pax (Exit 54) or Mossy (Exit 60) Interchange off the West Virginia Turnpike (Interstate 77) and following County Rt. 23 to the area. This is the only entrance, there is no access from Rt. 19.

Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area , located in Fayette County, was purchased in 1960, and encompasses 3,201 acres. The area is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources through the Wildlife Resources and Parks and Recreation sections.

The lake is nestled between Haystack and Packs mountains on Plum Orchard Creek. These mountains rise 700 to 900 feet above the lake (elevation 1,765). Most of the area is forested in hickory and stands of mature, red, white and chestnut oaks.

Camping facilities include 23 rustic sites at Beech Bottom campground and 19 rustic sites above the dam. Each campsite has a tent pad, grill and picnic table. There is a centrally located restroom and wells for drinking water. Camping is permitted in designated areas only. Lake swimming, water-skiing and jet skis are prohibited.

Hunting: Whitetail deer numbers are limited although the habitat is diverse and ideal for a healthy population. Wild turkey have been released and a growing population is established. Present regulations allow spring gobbler hunting only.

Mature oak, hickory and beech trees support an abundance of squirrel, the most commonly pursued game animal in the area. The raccoon is a common forest visitor. Rabbit and grouse habitats are limited to small abandoned fields and scattered thickets. Resident and migratory water fowl provide additional hunting opportunities. A practice rifle range is available on the area.

Fishing Prospects: Plum Orchard Lake was constructed in 1962 and impounds 202 acres. It provides 6.5 miles of shore line and a has a maximum depth of 40 feet. Good populations of sunfish, large mouth bass, channel catfish and crappie have been established. Water conditions are usually clear, and nighttime angling is successful. Three boat launching ramps are located on the lake. Boat motors may be of unlimited horse power in the unrestricted portion of the lake, but in the restricted part of the fishing area, only electric motors are allowed. Fishing with minnows is prohibited.

• Online at: www.plumorchardlake.com

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