| Smith Mountain Lake is a quiet community settled in the Blue Ridge mountains of Southwestern Virginia. The 23,000 acre man-made lake attracts a growing number of boaters, fishmen, nature seekers, and wine lovers every year. |
| | | Add An Info Link | Built by developers as an alternative energy source and potential future tourist mecca, Smith Mountain Lake covers over 22 acres of waterway bordering three counties of Bedford, Franklin and Pittzylvania. The Appalachian power company invested 60 million dollars putting the Smith Mountain Dam into full opertion on March 7, 1966. The Smith Mountain Dam subsequently flooded the area farmland and formed the new Smith Mountain Lake.
Early planners understood how to design a waterway conducive to world class fishing when their efforts created over 500 miles of shoreline. The many docking stations covering the expansive shoreline provide beneficial breeding grounds for its most sought after fishery prize, the Striped Bass. Striped Bass caught in the waters of Smith Mountain Lake commonly weigh in at 10 to 15lb, but some prize anglers catch striped bass in the 40lb class.
The fiercest stripers can be caught all year long and present a satisfying challenge for fisherman of all experience levels. Lake experts claim that the stipers prefer shad over baits or lures. To take full advantage of the world class fishing the lake has to offer, hire an experienced fishing guide.
ESPN/BASS Elite Series – The Blue Ridge Brawl
The sports fanatic television network, ESPN, helped spread the word Smith Mountain Lake is a fisherman's paradise when it selected Smith Mountain Lake as the host of the the Blue Ridge Brawl, an event that is part of ESPN/Bass Elite Series. Many world class anglers flock to the lake in the hopes of winning this captivating tournament. Spectators and Anglers enjoy the Outdoor Expo Showcase where they can view exhibits set up by the tournament sponsors. Area businesses team together to make the professional anglers welcome and supply quality services and accomodations to visiting spectators. |
| 1. Black Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) are the most popular catch at Smith Mountain Lake. | | 2. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries require bass anglers to stop fishing once the 2-fish limit is met during the months between June and September. | | 3. In 2001, biologists tagged bass fish at Smith Mountain Lake for a study on the habits of the fish. When the yellow tags are found, instructions on the tags request that the finder mail them back. This mailing bass tags back may earn you a $5-$50 reward. | | 4. Anglers generally catch striped bass in Smith Mountain Lake in the 10-15 pound class, but a lucky few may catch striped bass ranging as large as 40 pounds. | | 5. In 1999, a new state record of 49 pounds 4 ounces was recorded at Smith Mountain Lake, however a 53 pound bass caught by angler at Leesville Lake, located below Smith Mountain Dam, broke the record in 2000. |
|
  | All Fishing Hot Spots Maps are produced using the latest computer drafting and imaging technology for optimum accuracy and clarity. Each detailed map provides depth contours, boat ramps, structure, navigational aids and lake info such as gamefish abundance, forage base, water clarity, weedline depth and bottom composition. Maps also contain expanded GPS waypoints and an easy-to-use latitude and longitude grid. In addition, productive fishing spots are marked and numbered on L-series maps. Descriptions are provided for these specific areas, offering suggestions on how to fish them and when they are most productive. Each Fishing Hot Spots map is printed in full color on tear-resistant, waterproof paper. Map size is 24" x 36" and folds down to a convenient 4" x 9" size. Virginia Fishing Hot Spots Maps Lake Anna Lake Chesdin Smith Mountain Lake |
|
|
|
