Fishing Smith Mountain Lake

AKA: Smith Mountain Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Video
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Smith Mountain Lake, VA

Popular Fish Species Smith Mountain Lake, VA

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Smith Mountain Lake offers great fishing for largemouth bass, however it does get a lot of fishing pressure. Subtle techniques like small lures on light line can often fool these wary bass. Some very big bass roam Smith Mountain Lake, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, as well as the availability of extensive cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Smith Mountain Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass also reside here in good numbers.

Striped Bass Fishing

Trophy-size striped bass reside here in good numbers and are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Smith Mountain Lake. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day and feed close to the bottom, 50 feet or deeper. Morning often draws the stripers to the much shallower water, look for them around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.

Crappie Fishing

Black and white crappie both reside in Smith Mountain Lake, with black crappie typically out-weighing white crappie. The population of crappie has dwindled a bit due to lack of cover, but the remaining fish average a very nice size. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, white perch, yellow perch, striped bass and muskie at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.

The most popular lake in VA, Smith Mountain Lake, is a 20,000-acre lake in the south-central part of the state, at Penhook. There are over 500 miles of shoreline for enjoying outdoor activities on land or boating and fishing on the water.

There are more than a half dozen boat launch ramps for launching everything from canoes and kayaks to power boats and fishing boats. Fishing enthusiasts will be happy to know that Smith Mountain Lake has a reputation as an excellent bass fishing lake. Additionally the lake has healthy populations of stripers, muskie, perch, crappie, catfish and sunfish. Access to shoreline for fishing from the bank is available at numerous locations around the lake. Several VA fishing guides offer guided fishing trips on Smith Mountain Lake with all fishing gear included. Marinas, stores, restaurants, camping and lodging choices surround the lake for convenient access.

Fishing Report

Primary fish species residing in Smith Mountain Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Smith Mountain Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

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