Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
Smith Mountain Lake is one of Virginia's premier fisheries. Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass) are the most sought after species by anglers at Smith Mountain Lake and the lake is a top producer of Virginia's bass citations. Largemouth bass comprise the bulk of this fishery and outnumber smallmouth ten to one.
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Smith Mountain Lake is one of Virginia's premier fisheries. Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass) are the most sought after species by anglers at Smith Mountain Lake and the lake is a top producer of Virginia's bass citations. Largemouth bass comprise the bulk of this fishery and outnumber smallmouth ten to one.
Largemouth bass fishing is very good but receives much pressure. Surveys each spring produce many largemouth bass in the 2-4 pound range with good stability for several years. The highest densities of largemouth bass in this reservoir is found upstream (heading away from the dam) of Hales Ford Bridge area in the Roanoke River arm and buoy B26 in the Blackwater River arm. Smallmouth bass are more evenly distributed throughout the reservoir than are largemouth bass. Piers and boathouses provide extensive shoreline cover that anglers should take advantage of. Additionally, natural structure such as fallen trees, rock shoals, and points, are seasonally productive. Coves typically produce the best largemouth bass angling opportunities due to shallower water and less boating traffic. Most anglers, fishing during the summer, fish at night or very early in the morning to avoid heavy boat traffic.Striped bass are the second most popular sport fish at Smith Mountain Lake. Striped bass have been stocked into this reservoir since impoundment in 1963. Limited spawning habitat for striped bass prevents natural reproduction so stocking is required to maintain the fishery. Recent good year-classes of stripers producing many fish up to 28 inches. Stripers are distributed throughout the lake during most of the year but are concentrated in lower lake areas during the summer and early fall months. Summer striped bass anglers should concentrate their efforts on the main lake when water
Local go-to Capt Wendell Dudley of "Pullin Drag Striper Guide and Charter Services" has some advice to offer.
If you need more info contact him at: |
temperatures begin to rise. Cooler weather striped bass anglers might concentrate on back cove, flowing streams during the winter and early spring months. Striped bass anglers often utilize a fishing methods such as drifting live bait such as shad, trolling plugs and bucktail jigs, or casting top water lures. Most striped bass are caught between the dams and buoy 64 of the Roanoke Arm and up to buoy 40 of the Blackwater Arm. Look for information brochures around the lake community or contact the VDGIF regional office in Forest, Virginia, for more details on how to practice effective catch-and-release for striped bass. Also, there is a very active tagging program with a reward for returned tags.
Please see Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries for regulations. Much of this site is taken from Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries pages.
| American Electric Power - power generationVirginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries - valuable site for the fisherman
Spike's Prime Time Fishing - popular Striper Fishing Charters |
Terry's Guide Service -
Striped Bass, Largemouth & Smallmouth Guided Tours Day and Night ChartersThe Shad Taxi- Guide with good fishing info on his site |
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