… Local guides and outfitters who know all the best places to cast a reel are ready to show you and your family how to catch the big one. Situated in Virginia's scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, 20,600-acre Smith Mountain Lake is nationally recognized for its bass and striper fishing. With the Upper James River Water Trail, there are multiple entry points for the river, giving you easy opportunities to cast your line. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains serve as the backdrop for the calm waters and quiet tributaries that make for great fishing. We Use Only The Best Fishing Products. RodBender Happy Customers! In addition to the lake, Smith Mountain Lake Fishing. Spring is right around the corner! All lines can be mixed with gizzards and alewives. Learn more about the program and what it means for various types of businesses & experiences in the region with our Phase Three Guidelines page. In this video, my girlfriend and I compete in our very first Yeti FLW college bass fishing tournament. If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters Quality large and smallmouth plus Crappie. In addition to the lake, Carvins Cove and the Roanoke Valley's many rivers and streams offer great fishing for trout, muskie, crappie and more. In addition, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries encourage striped bass anglers to quit fishing after catching their 2-fish limit in the months of July-September. Dec 27, 2020. 0. Learn more about fishing on Smith Mountain Lake. When fishing designated stocked trout waters, a nonresident child under 12 will need a nonresident freshwater fishing license and a nonresident trout license." Phase Three >. Smith Mountain Lake is another lake to watch closely this time of year, as it has an impressive population of bass — both smallmouth and largemouth. Fans of river smallmouth bass fishing are perhaps the luckiest of all here in Roanoke. Picture: Nice largemouth bass caught in the spring time while fishing with Captain Dale Wilson Print This Post. Serious fishermen pull some trophy-sized bass from Smith Mountain Lake. March 1, 2021 – Smith Mountain Lake offers an abundance of activities both on and off the water, including a variety water sports such as boating, kayaking, wakeboarding, water skiing, jet skiing, and the most popular pastime, fishing. We have first-class fishing in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. lake. BASS – This lake is famous for night fishing during summer months. If you encounter a school of small stripers in the summer that are not an acceptable size for harvest, leave the immediate area and search for larger fish. Striped bass are the marquee attraction. The tournament was also the first tournament … Captain Kenny perfected his fishing skills and lake knowledge over decades of experience. An overnight frost or two (common even in August) can also decrease the number of annoying mosquitoes. The fishing pressure is high and the pleasure boat traffic is You can catch both types of shad using a cast net. Our fishing tours are great for all ages and skill levels. I still can’t believe we caught so many fish. No pike, no pickerel, no gar. Kenny guides charters on Smith Mountain Lake year round. HOME OF THE BIG SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE STRIPERS - YOU ALWAYS LEAVE HAPPY! Smith Mountain Lake Fishing. Now you'll know where catches are being recorded in the general area, and you can plan your day on the water. Learn more about the various experiences you can have at Smith Mountain Lake. Stripers will be caught in all sections of the lake and in the large creeks. Anglers should not practice catch and release for striped bass during the summer months. Smith Mountain Lake hosted ESPN's Bassmaster Elite Series tournament trail for several years, demonstrating this reservoir supports a very good fishery. However, deeper portions of Smith Mountain Lake are also home to channel catfish, and you'll also find the occasional walleye. If you’ve never fished in our lake before, consider hiring one of our Smith Mountain Lake fishing guides. These fish are plentiful and grow large in this sprawling reservoir. Many people are surprised by the fact that Alabama has one of the southernmost year-round trout fisheries in the nation. WhatsApp Print This Post. Facebook. This 20,600 acre body of water was constructed in 1963 and has a maximum depth of approximately 250 feet. Most striped bass are caught between the dam and buoy R80 of the Roanoke Arm and up to buoy B44 of the Blackwater Arm. Smith Mountain Lake has a vast landscape and record-breaking fishing opportunities. Smith mountain lake va fishing reports smith mountain lake va fishing reports smith mountain lake map premier vacation als smith fish for the money virginialivingSmith Mountain Lake Fishing MapSmith Mountain Lake Map With Depths And ChannelSmith Mountain Lake Insiders 2020Smith Mountain Lake Advances In Ranking Of Top 100 B LakesSmith Mountain Lake Fishing Map Us … Half day isn’t enough excitement. Coves and the upper ends of the reservoir should be the most productive especially near fallen trees, brush piles and docks with structure. I highly recommend 6 pound … Striped bass have been stocked into this reservoir since impoundment in 1963. The Westlake is now Copper Cove Golf Club. The size and abundance of smallmouth at Smith is nothing compared to Oneida, but the numbers are growing and the lake can certainly support them. At 20,600 acres, Smith Mountain Lake is the largest reservoir entirely contained within Virginia. Crappie anglers are generally the most productive in March-May and October-November. The catfish fishery is comprised primarily of channel catfish, flathead catfish, and white catfish. BASS – Spring bass fishing begins in earnest in March and April as waters warm above 50 degrees and pre-spawn fish move to the banks. Although the lake produces many quality size crappie, anglers should not expect to consistently catch large numbers of crappie. This reservoir has limited crappie habitat. Coves and the upper reaches of the reservoir are typically not very productive for striped bass during the summer and early fall months so anglers should concentrate their efforts on the lower main lake beginning in late-June or early-July. You and your friends or family will love touring the lake with our experienced guide. It is home to good populations of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and white and yellow perch, but it is really known for its exceptional striped bass fishery. ranging around 240 – 250ft feet. Reports. Come experience one of Virginia's hidden gems! Best lures will be swim baits, buck tails, spoons, Alabama rigs and Zoom flukes fished on 1/4- to 3/4-ounce lead heads. In 2006 he won the National Striped Bass Association's Team of the Year award. Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a major attraction with all it has to offer. Virginia's Blue Ridge is now open in the Phase Three stage of the Commonwealth's Forward Virginia plan. Mar 1, 2021. Learn more about fishing on Smith Mountain Lake. Smith Mountain Lake is also stocked occasionally with musky fingerlings in the upper Roanoke arm (R37-R87) but anglers fishing for other species catch most muskies incidentally. The following is a list of fishing outfitters and places where you can enjoy fishing in Virginia's Blue Ridge. Twitter. For up-to-date information regarding the trout stocking schedule, please call (205) 339-5716. You can also book a guided fishing trip on the James River through Twin River Outfitters. Smith Mountain Lake is one of Virginia's premier fisheries. The increase is part of a growing nu… +2. When you cast your line at Smith Mountain Lake, there's a good chance you'll reel in a prize-winning catch. Next time we’re going to go for the full day charter! General. Sml fishing tournament turns 50 smith mountain lake fishing forums smith mountain lake fishing things to our lake save the cries local boat al to smith mountainCochran Big Stripers Reach 20 Year High At Smith Mountain Lake Sports RoanokeBill Cochran Stripers Getting Bigger At Smith Mountain Lake Local News SmithmountainlakeSmith Mountain Lake Fishing Report January … There are still good hatches of insects, but the trout, sensing the shortening of the season and a growing scarcity of food, are even easier to catch. Boating incidents at Smith Mountain Lake saw a sharp increase in 2020, following a safer than usual 2019. By. The waters even feature white bass, muskies, rock bass and the redbreast sunfish. BASS – Spawning is underway from mid-April until mid-June with most fish remaining in depths of 2 to 6 feet through the end of the post-spawn period. Stock Information. Smith Mountain Lake December Fishing Report- It’s Game Time . They will be able to lead you to the best fishing spots on the lake and teach you the best ways to catch the lake’s most delicious and prized fish, the striper. 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. If you’re looking to cover more ground, you can also take a boat onto Smith Mountain Lake … Bill A. I really enjoyed myself out there! 1/30. Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge 101 Shenandoah Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 342-6025 (800) 635-5535, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The best times to fish are cloudy days, early mornings and late afternoons. The lake became a popular fishing destination due to the abundance and size of stripers, but many anglers now pursue the generous populations of largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappies and bluegills. The Rockfish Dock Party . As fishermen, we know there are times when our favorite spots are just not active so we built our Hot Spots feature to show you where the fish are biting in the area of Smith Mountain Lake. Some of the parks options are picnic areas, a beach, campground, cabins, handicapped fishing pier, boat ramp, hiking trails and scenic views. Oh, and there are no toothy critters. This reservoir is one of Virginia's premier fisheries, offering outstanding fishing and other recreational opportunities. Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke in Bedford and Franklin counties. Fishing 24 hours a day is allowed on all trout streams and all impoundments on trout streams except those in the next paragraph. Sunfish and catfish also are popular game species. Anglers use live shad throughout the year, trolling is most popular during the warmer months, and casting top water or shallow running plugs is most productive in April-June at night. The water is very clear and the fish are very finicky, so you need to use extra lite line. If there is one best time of year for fishing high-mountain lakes, it’s August through September, when nights grow longer. 2765. Phase Three >. Jan 21, 2021. Fishing will continue to improve this month. Over 500 miles of shoreline, including waterfront views surrounded by mountains, make Smith Mountain Lake the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge. Bottom fishing with cutbait and live bait is effective. Stocking is required to maintain the fishery, unlike other species such as bass, crappie, catfish, and shad. The water temperature has been rising and … Most of the striped bass released during the summer months will not survive! Need a Partner or a Ride? Smith Mountain Lake. Virginia's Blue Ridge is now open in the Phase Three stage of the Commonwealth's Forward Virginia plan. Fishing Clubs. I use gizzard a lot during the spring to catch record size fish. This lake is home to many local and non-local vacationers throughout the year. Although these are the general areas most striped bass are caught, these fish are very mobile and may change locations continuously depending on forage availability, water temperatures, and spawning. Typical fish run 5 to 10 pounds but monsters still show up, including the 45lb, 10oz state record! Introductions. Updated Mar 10, 2021; Billy McBride III has had a visible role in golf for many years, but recently he has taken on one with more notoriety and greater responsibility. The lake sees considerable fishing pressure, but … Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia Fishing Location and Fishing Information: Smith Mountain Lake is located in Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania Counties. Catch striper on Smith Mountain Lake with a pro! Smith Mountain Lake is known mostly for its bass fishing, with striped bass, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass all present in the lake. Striped bass anglers utilize a variety of fishing methods such as drifting or slow trolling live shad, trolling plugs and bucktail jigs, or casting top water lures and swim baits. Upper Lake (Trout Lake) & Lower Lake (Catfish Lake) We stock each lake WEEKLY! Find out more about our three favorite Smith Mountain Lake fishing guides! Generally speaking, you need at least 2.3 feet on the Blackwater gauge to make the run enjoyable. The Smith and Jackson river tailwaters offer great fishing all year long, and there are countless mountain freestone streams like Roaring Run, Jennings Creek and Little Stony just waiting to be discovered by the fisher with a topo map and a sense of adventure. Hike to hidden creeks for rainbow and brook trout. When an area is located with numbers of stripers, figure 8 your boat over the area. Learn more about fishing on the James River. When the water warms up and the fish go deeper, I use ale wives. Largemouth bass fishing on this 20,600-acre lake is very good but this fishery receives a lot of pressure. Mar 1, 2021. Smith Mountain Lake is known mostly for its bass fishing, with striped bass, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass all present in the lake. Smith Mountain Lake you will find fish in different depths of water. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains serve as the backdrop for the calm waters and quiet tributaries that make for great fishing. Based in Hardy, VA, we offer exciting outings for locals and visitors alike. Dec 27, 2020. When fishing for Striped Bass, I generally use two types of live bait – – gizzard shad or ale wives. Many local rivers and fishing areas in the region are proud partners of Fish Virginia First - an initiative that highlights the amazing fishing throughout the state of Virginia. Smith Mountain Lake has gained national attention for its striped bass fishery, which is the second most popular sport fish at Smith Mountain Lake. ", Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge 101 Shenandoah Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 342-6025 (800) 635-5535. Pinterest. Information About Smith Mountain Lake Call: 540-717-1433 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, EST. The lake has hosted several professional fishing tournaments. The following information from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries provides more details about the different types of fish at Smith Mountain Lake. 16918 Smith Mtn Lake Parkway Huddleston, VA 24104 Phone: 540.297.4412 Weigh-In. There's plenty of fish in the sea - and in Smith Mountain Lake. Mar 1, 2021. If you want to make a catch worth bragging about, book a guided fishing tour with Reel Rock Charters. Sight casting a minnowbait (Rapala, Rogue) or Slug-Go around cover like docks, piers and stumps is effective. Smith Mountain Lakes deepest point is at the Smith Mountain Dam. Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass) are the most sought after species by anglers at Smith Mountain Lake. Jan 21, 2021. Sunfish and catfish also are popular game species. He also fishes other lakes in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Wade and fly fishing on the Roanoke River. Please Note: We Cannot Answer Questions About Advertisers Found Here. Learn more about the program and what it means for various types of businesses & experiences in the region with our Phase Three Guidelines page. Mar 21, 2021. Smith Mountain Striper Club. Smith Mountain Lake Local News. The average depth of Smith Mountain Lake is about 60-90ft, but there are many areas well over 100ft. Be aware of a slot limit for striped bass from November through May to maintain the trophy aspect of this fishery. The float is a water dependent run so pay attention to gauges. Mar 21, 2021. Flathead and channel catfish are most abundant in the upper reaches of the Roanoke and Blackwater arms and white catfish are found primarily in the lower end of the reservoir. Fishing. Smith Mountain Lake has become a popular recreational area. Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report - Change is here! Smith Mountain Lake Fishing. So as long as they are fishing with a licensed adult, the kids should be fine. Starting in the headwaters of Cahas Mountain, the Blackwater River continues until it terminates in the backwaters of Smith Mountain Lake. Experience Great Fishing with an Expert. Smith Mountain Lake Fishing | Virginia Smith Mountain Lake Fishing With over 500 miles of shoreline as the 2nd largest lake in Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake is one of the premier places for fishing on the East Coast. Striped bass are distributed throughout the lake during most of the year but are concentrated in lower lake areas during the summer and early fall months. All Other Species - General Discussion and Reports. Rules, Announcements, and Help . Followers 1728 Catches 364 Spots 644 Fishing at Mountain Lakes Upper Lake & Lower Lake. Meet N Greet. About Us. Smith Mountain Lake Seasonal Bass Fishing Tips You Should Know. Smith Mountain Lake has a numerous boat ramps (public and private) and marinas scattered throughout the reservoir. Boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, riding personal watercraft, and sailing are common activities as is fishing, especially for striped bass. That is if the Stripers don’t push them all out! In 2018, Bassmaster Magazine voted Smith Mountain Lake the 18th best lake for bass fishing in the Northeastern Region of… Lakes Open day after Stock Day for Fishing! Day 1 : 3:00 PM ET Parkway Marina 16918 Smith Mtn Lake Parkway Huddleston, VA 24104 Phone: 540.297.4412 Important Dates. Lakes Closed on Stock Day - No Fishing Permitted. 103 Craddock LAne Huddleston VA 24104 (540) 526-6659; Send Email ; Visit Website; Hours: 24 Hours/Flexible. Extensive electrofishing surveys (conducted by VDGIF fisheries biologists) each spring typically produce many largemouth bass in the 2-4 pound range with an occasional fish up to eight pounds. If you are interested in another lake other than Smith Mountain Lake, call (540) 493-9541 for information and rates. Smith Mountain Lake February Fishing Report - Tough bite . What Our Customers are Saying about our Striper Guide . Largemouth bass comprise the bulk of this fishery and far outnumber smallmouth. OVERVIEW: March is a great month to fish Smith Mtn. Franklin County’s Smith Mountain Lake is a destination for anglers from around the world and has hosted major tournaments. Fishing Remote Mountain Lake - Top Fishing Videos-----Welcome to Top Fishing Videos! You can, too. Smith Mountain Lake. The crappie population is less abundant than most other large Virginia reservoirs but the quality of these fish is very good. Smith Mountain Lake January Fishing Report - Please get colder. The dam’s turbines draw water from deep in Smith Lake, and it’s cool enough to support trout in the tailwaters year-round for about a 12-mile stretch. Planer boards ran with freelines and litelines set at 30-45 ft. behind the boards is always a good method when fishing over points. However, some crappie anglers have invested considerable time and effort for this species and are consistently successful. Fishing the Sipsey Fork (Smith Lake Tailwaters) Alabama's Only Year-Round Trout Fishing Rainbow trout are typically stocked on the third Thursday of each month; however, this is subject to change based on weather conditions, water levels, etc. To find Smith Mountain Lake enter the 37.040977 latitude, and -79.535309 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone. So you're interested in fishing Smith Mountain Lake. Gizzard Shad can be caught during the day in the back of coves. My First Brook Trout! Striped Bass - General Discussion and Reports. He fishes on the professional NSBA Gold Cup Tournament Trail. Jan 21, 2021. Categories. Dec 27, 2020. SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE FISHING REPORT March 2020 DALE WILSON’S SML GUIDE SERVICE PHONE NO: 540-297-5650 / 540-874-4950 www.captaindalewilson.us. We are currently stocking TROUT! The James River in Botetourt County is another of the most popular spots in the region for angling. Limited spawning habitat for striped bass prevents successful natural reproduction. Brian Carter-February 17. Getting Started. Lake News . You'll find quite a collection of species when you fish in Virginia's Blue Ridge. You might leave the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge with some great fish stories, and your tales can actually be true! Priority Registration by Mar 30, 2021 Late Fees Apply on Apr 6, … Experience Great Fishing with an Expert Fishing Related Links. That’s not a misprint. White perch and yellow perch are also present and can be found almost anywhere in the reservoir. 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