Wednesday, January 31, 2018

All You Should Know About 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, a jewel of Virginia, is a great spot from which to view the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. It has a great reputation for its significant striper and bass population. The total size of the reservoir is estimated to be about 20000 acres. It also boasts a 500 mile shoreline. With such a vast size, finding a good angling location ought to be a walk in the park.

There are numerous public and private boat ramps and marinas along the lake shore. A major attraction within the vicinity is the State Park. Many visitors to the park come in the summer to enjoy its campgrounds, beach, picnic areas, hiking trails and cabins. A golf course is also present for those interested in the sport.

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 dominant fish species in the water is bass. Most anglers prefer the largemouth type. Largemouth bass are more predominant than smallmouth. You may also opt for striped bass. Despite the decent populations of crappies in the lake, many of the other local reservoirs host greater populations of the same.

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.

There are state regulations that guide angling activities. You may ask for a free copy of the regulations at a bait shop. The authorities also post these regulations online. For starters, every angler must have a license. The authorities usually contract the local bait shops to distribute licenses. An annual permit costs $18 for residents and $36 for non residents.

As you prepare to travel, be sure to dress appropriately and carry clean drinking water. Be sure to use a non breakable bottle for the water. Carry your rain gear as well since the area is prone to sporadic rainfall. The local stores have reels and rods for hire, so you should not feel compelled to carry your own. You may also request for a guided angling trip if you like, albeit at a fee.




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