Touting itself as wild and wonderful, our neighboring state to the southwest can boast of an abundance of outdoors opportunities.

West Virginia is blessed with outstanding angling options for a variety of species. Many can be pursed right now.

If you are looking for a road trip to shake off the holiday season madness, the following may be of interest.

Few species bite as well during the winter months as do walleyes, particularly river- dwelling walleyes. The Gauley River, the portion located between Summersville Dam and the Gauley's merger with the New River near Gauley Bridge, is worth investigating for winter river walleyes.The Gauley River is perhaps best known for the outstanding rafting it provides, particularly when Summersville Lake is drawn down during the early fall.But the river also plays host to a good walleye fishery, including fish of trophy proportions. The former state record walleye for weight, taken in 1990, weighed 17.22 pounds and taped out at 33 inches. The Summersville Lake tailwaters were the site of the record catch and represent one of the better areas on the Gauley.If river conditions aren't good, it's certainly worth checking out Summersville Lake. If open water conditions exist, the reduced pool of the lake can make for some outstanding winter walleye fishing.

The state manages the South Branch in Pendleton County in three sections: the Franklin, Smoke Hole and Catch and Release sections. Between the three, there is something to meet the needs of pretty much any trout angler.The Franklin section is stocked from about a half-mile from the Virginia line downstream, past Franklin, to about two miles south of the Upper Tract, located near the old Poor Farm. Route 220 provides good access to most of this stretch. The Franklin section is stocked every week from March through May. It also receives a stocking in January and two in February.The Smoke Hole section runs from the Route 220 bridge downstream to the Big Bend Recreation Area. U.S. Forest Service Route 74 provides access to a portion of this stretch, as does State Secondary Route 2. The Smoke Hole section is stocked on the same schedule as the Franklin section.Located within the Smoke Hole section is a one-mile stretch managed as catch-and- release waters. This stretch begins about two miles below the Route 220 bridge. This area is stocked once in April.

Stonewall Jackson Lake was developed with a more enhanced plan in mind than older Corps of Engineers flood control lakes. Anglers continue to benefit from this, especially those who target largemouth bass.Unlike most state reservoirs, bass anglers will find plenty of cover in Stonewall Jackson Lake. Flooded timber, present in many of this 2,650-acre lake's bays and coves, will be one of the cover options you'll want to investigate.The 26 miles of shoreline ensure it will take you some time to do so. Catch-and-release regulations on black bass, put in place since the lake was first opened, ensure the potential for lunker-sized largemouths.By West Virginia standards, the lake is somewhat wide and shallow. About a fifth of the it is under a no-wake restrictions. There is no horsepower restriction.Stonewall Jackson Lake is located in Lewis County, near Weston, just off of Interstate 79.Being a flood control lake, subject to changing levels, it's wise to check on conditions before embarking on a trip. Daily lake and recreation information on Stonewall Jackson can be obtained by calling 304-269-7463.West Virginia's non-resident fishing license costs $35. Trout stamps are an additional $15. A national forest permit, which costs $2, is required to fish, hunt or trap on national forestland in West Virginia.Additional information on the state's excellent outdoors adventures can be obtained by visiting the Division of Natural Resources' website at www.wvdnr.gov.