O'Brien Reservoir (Jackson Co. WV)

[Marvin Lewis]

Hey Guys,

Hoping I get lucky here being ask about a Lake in WV.  I live near the Kanawha / Jackson County border and I love to fish O'Brien, which is affectionately known as the mud hole.  Many quality fish make their home there.  However, I am truly concerned with the low water levels right now.  The lake is approximately 2 feet below what Corps of Engineers consider "operational level".  I saw the lake first hand yesterday and I am extremely concerned.  With no rain forecasted and the high heat,  the low water has to be putting large amounts of stress on the fish.  I haven't seen the lake from the dam, but from the ramp at Staats Mill it is bone dry as far as you can see from atop the bridge.

 

Anyone else concerned, or know what the heck is going on?  I know this place isn't a natural beauty or a major tourist draw, but we shouldn't let it go to crap for no good reason.  Like I said, anyone who has fished there know the quality of fish that can be caught.  Any info would be helpful. - Thanks

[TnRiver46]

They have lowered a lake near me twice in the past ten years well over 20 feet and it stayed low for a year or more both times. The fishing actually improved each time, a 2 foot drop shouldn't hurt a thing. You may be concerned but the fish aren't and they make due 

[Marvin Lewis]

Thanks TnRiver46,

 

The lake is 2 feet below "operational".    In all, It has dropped somewhere between 10-15 feet, which is an usually large drop for this lake.  But, if you have seen this before in your region - I hope it will be OK here.  Thank for the information.  The WV DNR in my opinion doesn't put a lot of its resources to bass fishing, much less a small impoundment.  My level of comfort with them knowing what they are going is low.  You have a great state in regards to fisheries.  Love the Chic.

[Bird]

I fish many lakes in WV and have seen that lake lower than it is now, the rains will come.

I fish Stonewall and Tygart the most though. 

[Marvin Lewis]

Thanks Bird,

 

I guess I will just have to learn to fish other lakes.  I fish Stonewall too, but I don't have much luck there.  My brother wears them out, but he won't give up anything.  He is a better fisherman than me, but I wont let him know that.  Any pointers?  Especially this time of year.  I love fall fishing.  I mostly throw square bills and Jigs.  Stonewall just fishes hard for me.