Back to map

Raystown Lake

West Virginia
32.92 km²
40.3639, -78.1023
18 species
NHD 65851063
Open interactive map →
Imagery © Esri
View on map Google Maps Apple Maps

Find a fishing partner near Raystown Lake

Match with other anglers nearby, share the boat, learn from each other and become better fishermen together — free to join.

Open Fishing BuddyExplore the fishing map

About Raystown Lake

Raystown Lake is a natural lake or pond in West Virginia, United States. It covers approximately 32.92 km² (8136 acres). The lake centroid is located at 40.3639° N, 78.1023° W. 18 fish species are commonly found in waters like this one, including 2 introduced species. Lake boundary and identifier come from the USGS National Hydrography Dataset.

At a glance

Best season
April – October
Long open-water season
Natural lake
Large
Room for multiple techniques
Species diversity
Diverse
18 species in this region
Access
Public waterbody
Check West Virginia fishing regulations

Weather at Raystown Lake

Loading forecast…

Best fishing times today

Day length: 11h 34m
Dawn10:47
Sunrise11:14
Sunset22:48
Dusk23:15

Bite windows today

  • Dawn10:17 – 12:14Excellent
  • Morning12:14 – 17:01Good
  • Midday17:01 – 19:48Calm
  • Afternoon19:48 – 21:48Good
  • Dusk21:48 – 23:45Excellent
  • Night23:45 – 10:17Good
Moon: 13% · waning↑ 07:56

Fish species

Species data comes from GBIF and is refreshed by donors.Support this →

Showing 18 of 18 species

Gear & tips for rainbow trout

Rod
5- to 7-weight fly rod
Sage X
Vision XO
Loop Q
Reel
5/6-weight fly reel
Mainline
WF-5/6 floating line + intermediate
Leader
Tapered + 0.20 mm tippet
Lures / bait
  • Streamers
  • Egg patterns
  • Nymphs
  • Dry flies
  • Boobies
Find fly fishing gear at Sportfish
Season
April–November (put-and-take year-round)
Time of day
All day
Tip

Put-and-take fishing is common. Vary your depth. Popular Swedish waters: Bunn, Sommen and many small stocked put-and-take ponds.

Full guide

Plan your trip to Raystown Lake

Everything you need before you launch — license, regulations, and current water conditions.

Buy West Virginia fishing license
West Virginia DNR
Water conditions & levels
USGS gauge data near Raystown Lake
Browse more fishing tips from the community

Plan a fishing day trip

How far are you willing to drive? We'll show other West Virginia lakes within your range.

50 mi

Nearby lakes

See all fishing lakes in West Virginia →
Sponsor this lake

For $5/month you help keep species, boundaries and coordinates fresh for 35 000+ lakes. FishMap is independent and community-funded.

Become a supporter →

A business wanting to appear here? Advertise & partner →

Frequently asked questions

What fish species live in Raystown Lake?

Species you can expect in or near Raystown Lake include Striped Bass, Rainbow Trout, Crappie, Yellow Perch, Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, and others. The list is based on species present in West Virginia waters and GBIF occurrence records.

How big is Raystown Lake?

Raystown Lake covers approximately 32.92 square kilometres (8136 acres), based on the USGS National Hydrography Dataset.

Where is Raystown Lake located?

Raystown Lake is located in West Virginia, United States, with its centroid at 40.3639°, -78.1023°.

Bass Pro Shops gift card

Bass Pro Shops gift card — October deal

Ad

A digital gift card delivered by email, redeemable at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's in the US — in store and online. Great for fall fishing gear or as a gift for an angler. October only.

$50$100$250

Photography and fishing go hand in hand

Ad
10% off Retropia

A good catch photo turns a session into a memory. The soft, grainy disposable-camera look — captured optically with Retropia's lens — gives an ordinary fish picture real character. Get 10% off through the link in our photo guide, no code needed.

Read the photo guide

Data sources: USGS National Hydrography Dataset · GBIF