Jig (Casting & Pitching) Fishing on Sutton Lake
Sutton Lake · West Virginia · Southeast
This reservoir, covering over 1,500 acres, is characterized by deep, clear water, rock bluffs, and extensive standing timber. It provides a challenging yet rewarding fishery for anglers targeting healthy bass populations in a scenic environment.
A lead or tungsten head with a weed guard, skirt, and soft plastic trailer. Fished on the bottom by pitching, casting, or slow-rolling. The jig imitates crawfish and bottom-dwelling forage. More big bass have been caught on jigs than any other lure category — it's the lure that separates serious anglers.
Jig (Casting & Pitching) Setup for Sutton Lake
| Rod | 7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 15–20 lb fluorocarbon (cover) or 50 lb braid (heavy grass) |
| Weight | 3/8 oz standard; 1/2–3/4 oz in wind or deep; 1/4 oz finesse |
| Hook | Built-in, typically 4/0–5/0 |
Seasonal Tactics on Sutton Lake
Lake: Bass migrate to shallower coves and creek arm pockets, often keying on submerged timber and rocky banks. Jerkbaits and shallow crankbaits are effective as water temperatures rise into the 50s and 60s.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Pre-spawn is prime season — pitch brown/green pumpkin jig to 45° bank transitions and rocky points.
Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth move deeper, frequently suspending over standing timber or relating to primary points and ledges in 20-40 feet of water. Drop shots and deep diving crankbaits are primary tools.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Football jig on offshore ledges 15–30 feet. Swimming jig around grass edges at dawn.
Lake: As water temperatures cool, bass become more active and push baitfish into creek arms and secondary points. Spinnerbaits, topwaters, and jigging spoons can produce aggressive bites.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Swim a jig around baitfish schools near points and flats. Shad trailer colors in fall.
Lake: Bass typically hold tight to deep structure, such as channel swings, bluffs, and timber edges. Slow presentations with jigs, spoons, and suspending jerkbaits are key for targeting fish in 30-60 feet.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Slowest presentation — drag a 3/8 oz football jig on deep hard bottom. Barely move it.
Best Conditions
All seasons, all depths, all cover types; most effective in 50–70°F water; excellent in pre-spawn and when fish are on hard bottom
Match trailer to conditions: craw trailer in cold water (slower fall, bigger profile), swimbait trailer when swimming, chunk trailer for flipping.
More Techniques for Sutton Lake
Ready to fish Sutton Lake?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →