Guide To Fishing At Smith Mountain Lake

AKA: Smith Mountain Reservoir

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.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

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.

What to fish for...

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.

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Captain's Quarters
Rentals: Pontoon boats
540 721-1175

Halesford Harbour Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
540 238-5606

Parkway Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
540 297-4412

Parrot Cove Boat Rentals
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
540 721-5363

The Dock at SML
Rentals: Pontoon boats
540 565-0222

Westlake Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
540 721-1159

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Anthony Ford #4 Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Hardy Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Crazy Horse Marina Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Crazy Horse Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Hales Ford Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Meadow Point Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Hardy Ford Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Hardy Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Oak Grove Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, south side, off Oak Grove Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Penhook #9 Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Jefferson Dock Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Scruggs #8 Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Dudley Amos Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Smith Mountain Lake Parkway Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, off Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off County Road 888, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.