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All You Should Know About Smith Mountain Lake Fishing

By Anthony Reynolds


It is no secret that not many lakes and rivers are excellent for angling all year round. If you are ever in Virginia, however, you will appreciate the fact that many of its waterways offer have great spots for yearlong angling. Local and visiting anglers love to travel to the state throughout the four seasons for Smith Mountain Lake fishing.

The lake lies at the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains in the State of Virginia. Many people know it for its incredible bass and striper population. The reservoir occupies an estimated 20000 acres. Its shoreline stretches to about 500 miles. Getting the perfect angling spot when around should not take long.

There are many publicly and privately owned marinas and boat ramps lining up the lake shore. State Park is one key attraction located nearby. The park always welcomes the highest number of visitors in summer, with many of them looking to enjoy the beach, hiking trails, campsites, cabins and picnic areas. A well maintained golf course also sits within the park.

Accommodation is available for visiting anglers at the many cabins, lodgings and rental houses near the lake. From the onset of summer, the reservoir gets dense with boat traffic. For this reason, many anglers who do not like distractions prefer visiting in the cooler months.

The most dominant fish species around are bass. Most anglers prefer going after largemouth bass. They have been proven to outnumber smallmouth bass by far. You should also be able to make a decent catch of striped bass. While there are populations of crappie, they are not as plenty as those in other Virginia reservoirs.

Spring and early summer offer the best time to go fishing. By then, vast numbers of bass populate the shallow water sections. Furthermore, the fish usually fall for different types of bait during these seasons.

The bass tend to move back into deep sections at the peak of summer. The best bait to use at the time is shad. The months of October to November and March to May see an increase in crappie populations in the shallow areas. You should also be able to spot many of them by the marshes and trees close to the shoreline.

All anglers are required to abide by the state regulations. Most of the bait shops in the state offer free copies of regulations. You can also get the same in PDF format on the internet. One key law to bear in mind is that licensing is a must for all angling activities. The local bait stores are also contracted to sell licenses by the authorities. Annual permits go for $18 for locals and $36 for anglers from outside the state.

Before you head out on your boat, ensure you put on appropriate clothing and carry fresh drinking water. Put your water in a non breakable bottle. Some rain gear should also help keep you protected from the occasional rainfall. As most stores have rental rods and reels, you do not have to travel with your own. You can hire a guide to help you out as well.




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