Hansbarger noted that during the summer months, barring exceptionally wet weather, the water takes on a green hue, indicative of plankton blooms that occur there. Though the Upper Mud lacks extensive amounts of flooded timber, Hansbarger said some flooded wood is found in the Left Fork of the reservoir, which incidentally is an area focused on by bass anglers.įorage wise, the primary food in Upper Mud is that of young sunfish and minnow species. Hansbarger said this aquatic weed growth project is being considered on the Upper Mud. In addition to the existing weeds, there are laydowns, places where trees have fallen." So, the cage (enclosure) gives the weeds a head start, the chance to get a colony started before they are depredated and removed. When weeds start to grow, carp and turtles tend to do a number on them. The reason for this is that we are in a northern climate. This entails creating an enclosure to get some vegetation going. "As we've done on some of our larger reservoirs, such as East Lynn, is that of a pilot vegetative project. "The operator of the reservoir wants the water to evacuate quickly, without any problems with the spillway. "Because most of our lakes are managed as flood-control lakes, there is not a lot of habitat," Hansbarger said. Such instability in pool level does not bode well for the growth of aquatic vegetation.
Interestingly, Hansbarger said the DNR is looking at ways to increase aquatic weed growth in its lakes, most of which are flood-control waters, subject to dramatic fluctuations in level.
Naturally, the lake can become turbid during periods of high rainfall, but typically, anglers can expect the lake to be relatively clear. This growth exists in part because though its name implies otherwise, Upper Mud is a fairly clear body of water. Wood and weeds are the primary forms of bass cover, and Upper Mud has a bit of both.Īccording to Hansbarger, Upper Mud Lake has a fair level of submergent aquatic vegetation. Such habitat also serves as a place for anglers to target in hopes of connecting with bass. In general, the better the habitat, the more bass a lake can support. Habitat is a significant factor for both bass and bass anglers. The lake does have a 10-horsepower limit, though. Once at the lake, though, Hansbarger said the main boat launch is a good one, capable of handling larger boats. The management area is located approximately 10 miles north of the near reaches of the Big Ugly Wildlife Management Area.įurther information on lodging, dining, and recreation near Upper Mud River Wildlife Management Area may be found in our guide to travel in the Hatfield & McCoy Region of southern West Virginia, in which the management area is located.Reaching Upper Mud Lake involves traveling the back roads, an activity many anglers shy away from. The Upper Mud River WMA is managed by the W.Va. From Hamlin, follow Upper Mud River Road (CR-7) approximately 14 miles south. Camping is prohibited in the management area.ĭirections: The Upper Mud River Wildlife Management Area is located in southern Lincoln County approximately 12 miles south of Hamlin, WV. The lake accommodates fishing for bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, muskellunge, and channel catfish, and has been equipped with two boat ramps. Hunting is prohibited in developed lake areas, where playgrounds, restrooms, a bath house, a soft ball field, picnic areas, and a swimming beach have been established for guests. The 1,425-acre Upper Mud River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) ranges across steep oak and hickory forests surrounding 306-acre Mud River Lake, an impoundment of the left and right forks of the Mud River. Game traditionally hunted in the management area includes deer, grouse, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, turkey, and waterfowl.
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