While trout fishing is still a month removed from most area angler’s minds, good opportunities exist to our south.

The West Virginia DNR’s trout stocking program begins each January, with the frequency of plantings increasing January through May. While streams are the primary focus, the state also has several excellent lakes. Here’s a look at three of them.

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Seneca Lake — While it might be easy to perceive three-acre Seneca Lake as a mere wet spot within 11,800-acre Seneca State Forest, this Pocahontas County impoundment provides a nice pond setting in this forested, mountainous region.Formed in 1934, Seneca Lake reaches a depth of 16 feet, with six feet being the average depth. While there is no boat launch, carry down launching is available from many points along the County Route 1/8, which parallels the south shore of the lake. Only non-powered and electric motor driven boats are allowed. The use of live minnows, as well as night fishing, is prohibited.Expect Seneca Lake to be stocked once in February, then every-other-week in March, April and May, with two additional stockings in mid October.Seneca State Forest provides seven rental cabins and 10 primitive campsites. Campers must obtain a camping permit from the park ranger. The lake is located 2.5 miles southeast of Cloverlick.•

Spruce Knob Lake — Located at an elevation of 3,540 feet above sea level, 25-acre Spruce Knob Lake has the distinction of being the highest lake in the state.Unlike the previously described waters, Spruce Knob gets a higher degree of attention from the stocking trucks. With a stocking frequency classification of W-F, Spruce Knob is stocked with trout once each in January and twice in February. March through May, it is stocked weekly, then again twice in October.A 43-site campground is located about a half mile east of the lake, via Forest Service Route 1. Those camping at this facility may moor their boats along the shore of the lake. A boat launch is provided, with only non-powered and electric motor-powered boats permitted.Three handicapped access fishing stations have been constructed. Swimming and the use of live minnows is not allowed.While anglers fishing this Randolph County lake in the spring can expect clear water clarity, typically Spruce Knob takes on a brownish hue once summer arrives, the result of plankton blooms and suspended organic matter. The lake reaches a maximum of 20 feet, with an average depth of 7.5 feet. A lake map is available on the DNR website.The best way to reach Spruce Knob Lake is by taking County Route 29 south, from Whitmer, for 9.5 miles. Then travel two miles east on Forest Service Route 1 to the lake.•

Summit Lake — Greenbrier County is home to 43-acre Summit Lake. May trout anglers will find a lake that reaches a maximum depth of 20 feet, with an average depth of 10 feet.Like Spruce Knob Lake, Summit Lake is stocked once in January, twice in February, and every week in March, April and May. It also receives two October stockings.Found within Monongahela National Forest, Summit Lake anglers will find a gravel boat ramp and two fishing platforms, which are handicapped accessible. The ramp will handle small trailered boats, and again is limited to non-powered boats and electric motors.Annually, limestone is introduced into the tributaries feeding Summit Lake to make the water chemistry more hospitable to trout.A campground found near the southwestern corner of the lake provides 17 sites for tent campers and self-contained trailers. Campsites are available on a first come-first served basis, and require a permit from the park ranger.Night fishing is permitted, but the use of live minnows is not. A national forest stamp is requiring for fishing this waterway. A lake map is available from the DNR website.The lake is accessible from both the Richwood and Mill Point areas by way of WV State Route 39. County Route 39/5 provides the last 2.2 miles to Summit Lake.The latest information on trout stocking in West Virginia can be obtained by visiting the DNR’s website at www.wvdnr.gov.

Jeff Knapp is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle