Friday, February 9, 2018

A Guide To Smith Mountain Lake Fishing

By Anthony Reynolds


One of the challenges that experienced anglers face is finding rivers or lakes that are good for fishing all year round. For those in Virginia, however, this is never an issue. All through the year, many anglers from the state and beyond head to Smith Mountain Lake fishing.

The lake is located at the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. It has a glowing reputation for hosting a vast population of bass and stripers. In total, the waterway is estimated to cover about 20000 acres. It also has about 500 miles of an undeveloped shoreline. As such, finding a great spot to drop your line should not be difficult.

The lake shore is filled with private and public marinas and boat ramps. State Park is the main point of interest for many tourists visiting the area. Tourists flock it from the onset of summer, with a large number opting to stay in the campgrounds and cabins while exploring the many hiking trails, picnic areas and beach. The park hosts a great golf course as well.

If you are a visiting angler, you can get accommodation at any of the numerous rental houses, cabins and lodgings near the lake. During summer, the waterway always experiences heavy boat traffic. You might therefore want to travel in the cooler seasons if you want to fish undisturbed.

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.

The best months for fishing are the spring and early summer months. During these two seasons, vast populations of bass inhabit the shallow sections of the reservoir. This is also regarded as the perfect time for angling as the fish normally fall for all types of bait.

At the peak of the summer season, most bass venture into deep waters. The local anglers love to use live shad as bait. Crappies inhibit the shallow waters between March and May and from October to November. They also love to hang around the marshes and trees close to the shoreline.

All angling activities within the reservoir are guided by state laws. You can get a free copy of the regulations at most bait shops across the state. The regulations are also available in digital format online. One important regulation to remember is that every angler must have a license. You may apply for one online or at any bait shop in the locality. Annual licenses cost $36 for nonresidents and $18 for the locals.

Before setting out for your activity, make sure you dress appropriately and pack some drinking water. Anglers are discouraged from carrying glass bottles within the reservoir. Ensure you stay protected from the impromptu rainfall with the right rain gear. Since many of the stores nearby offer rental reels and rods, it is not a must to go with your equipment. There are local guides available for hire as well.




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