With a population of 1.791 million people and as the only state served by the Appalachian Regional Commission, West Virginia is ideal for magnet fishermen to try their luck.
If you are wondering how the Appalachian region carries any significance for magnet fishing, the reason is primarily due to the historical significance. The region has a rich history both culturally, politically, and economically.
Logging and coal mining are very prominent in the state as well as various outdoor recreational activities such as skiing, whitewater rafting, fishing, hunting, and more.
West Virginia is mostly mountainous terrain which does pose a certain amount of challenge in terms of potential magnet fishing spots. However, if you do some research on the various lakes and rivers in the state which see heavy footfall, you should be able to figure out the prime spots.
You may face issues with magnet fishing in areas protected by the National Historic Preservation Act and the Antiquities Act and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. So make sure you do thorough research before you zero in on a particular location.
To get you started, here are a few potentially good locations you might want to check out.
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5 of the best places for magnet fishing in West Virginia include:
- North Bend State Park
- Tygart Lake State Park
- Summersville Lake
- Jennings Randolph Lake
- Charleston
North Bend State Park
North Bend State Park is one place that attracts thousands of people throughout the year. The name originated from the horseshoe curve formed at the north of the Hughes River. It offers a little bit of everything for those who love outdoor activities such as swimming, biking, hiking, fishing, boating, and more.
This presents a good opportunity for magnet fishing, particularly around the lakeside. One unique aspect about this park is that some of the hiking trails such as the Water Edge Trail follow the lake which vastly increases your chance of finding loot.
The only thing you have to figure out is ‘when' there is heavy footfall and you should be able to pinpoint the best fishing spot near the area. Also, check out popular fishing spots and parts of the lake where people go for boating and other water-based activities.
Address – Doddridge, Harrison, Ritchie & Wood countries, West Virginia
Photos of North Bend State Park
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Tygart Lake State Park
The Tygart Lake State Park is another prime spot for magnet fishing due to the various recreational activities being offered there.
The area that now covers the park once belonged to the Government which used the land as a way to regulate the waters of the Tygart Valley. In 1945, the land was then transferred to the state of West Virginia and then became what we know as the Tygart Lake State Park.
One of the best locations here for magnet fishing is of course the lake itself as well as trails that follow or lead to the lake. Apart from hiking, people also go fishing, swimming, and boating on the lake which again presents a great opportunity for you to find valuable items.
The park has 40 campsites, 11 cabins, and a 20 room Lodge. If you figure out the time of the year or month when the park is heavily populated, you will be significantly increasing your chances of finding lost valuable items.
Address – Taylor, West Virginia
Photos of Tygart Lake State Park
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Summersville Lake
As the largest lake in West Virginia with 2700 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline, it is one of the most popular tourist spots in the state.
Apart from tourists, Summersville lake is frequently visited by native residents as well, making it a great place for magnet fishing. It was constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers for flood control but today it is home to various recreational activities.
What makes this lake ideal for magnet fishing is that it comes with a long stretch of beautiful shoreline which a lot of people visit frequently. Therein lies a great opportunity for finding valuable items. Add to that the various water-based recreational activities in the lake and you might be able to fish out coins, gear, key chains, and other objects.
Address – Nicholas County, Near Summersville, West Virginia
Photos of Summersville Lake
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Jennings Randolph Lake
Another water reservoir built by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Jennings Randolph Lake, similar to the Summersville Lake, is another prime location for finding valuable items.
There are various recreational facilities available near the lake too such as a picnic area, camping ground, and boat ramps. A lot of people go swimming, hiking, boating, and even kayaking in the lake which leads to a wide variety of discoverable goodies in the water.
Apart from the above activities, a lot of people visit the area for bird watching too. When it comes to footfall, it may not be high throughout the year but it does get packed in the summer seasons. So do keep track of the average footfall that comes and goes throughout the seasons to gauge which is the best time to try some magnet fishing.
Address – Taylor, West Virginia
Photos of Jennings Randolph Lake
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Charleston
Lakes and other popular tourist spots may not have heavy footfall throughout the year and so you may not be able to just head out whenever you want to try some magnet fishing.
Here is where cities and towns come in and Charleston is one such great place to explore if you live nearby. Located at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha rivers, the city has many great locations for magnet fishing.
The city has plenty of recreational facilities and events throughout the year and heavy footfall is pretty much guaranteed. The only thing you have to look out for is the location of nearby water bodies and bridges and you will be good to go.
There are also plenty of parks in the city as well as areas of historical significance. One great way to find some ideal spots is to join any local magnet fishing community in the city and explore different spots together. With time, you will be able to figure out the places where you get the best chances of finding valuable items.
Photos of Charleston
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Conclusion
Magnet fishing in West Virginia is similar to most other states in the country; however, there might be a few exceptions when it comes to state-owned parks and other locations.
It would be wise to check with your local authority before you try magnet fishing in any such areas. Even if it isn’t allowed, there are ways in which you can fish for loot without breaking any laws.
If a particular area doesn’t allow magnet fishing, all you have to do is find a place nearby outside its borders but is still connected by the water body.
Also remember that the unlikeliest of places may yield the greatest treasure and so don’t ignore potential spots like under bridges, streams, and small rivers. Good luck and happy magnet fishing!
Enjoy your magnet fishing adventure! If you find anything cool please send us a picture! Tell us your story so we can share it with the other readers!
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