Fist time smith mountain lake va.

[Turbobuick21]

Visiting sml for first time later this month.  Wanted a little advice on part of the lake to fish.  Such a big lake. Will be staying close to the state park so will probably use that ramp.  Any help would be awesome.  Hope to get my dad on a couple nice bass 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

 

I've been there once. We stayed in a cabin at the state park.

 

The big dock there has a lot of bass hanging out at the pylons, the water

was very clear, and we caught several on wacky rigs suspended (some)

under a bobber.

 

Also kayaked across from there to several coves that were plentiful with

bass, carp, etc.

 

There's a thread here of that, and threads of others fishing there.

[custer]

When choosing your lures,  remember sml is usually stupid clear.... farther up lake you'll find smallies......

 

enjoy!! It's the most beautiful lake I fish!!!

[Sam]

Set up a five mile radius from your ramp and fish that area as the lake is way to large to fish it all.

 

Get a GMCO map of the lake and study it to find the places you would like to try your luck.

 

You can also use the map to find specific places, like the one of the motel's dock and the cove to the left.

[Hyrule Bass]

the stripers will be all over the lake gorging then and probably are moving into the main lake now. so dont be surprised if you hook into any of them.

 

you will be there during the spawn as well.

 

smallmouth can be found by the rocky walls over at/by the dam. but largemouth outnumber smallmouth 10-1 on SML.

 

the drop shot can be your friend.

 

also, i have success on cranks with a white/silver/gray belly and a black back

 

fishing is usually better at sundown/night and early mornings due to the boat traffic on that lake. but shouldnt be too bad since youre going before memorial day.

 

be prepared to be checked by game wardens if you go out on a boat. and have your boating safety course card and up to date fishing license, and all the other boat safety equipment requirements

[Turbobuick21]

Thanks everyone for the great information.  I looking forward to this trip.  Should be a good time. 

[Hyrule Bass]

Latest Update i seen, bass are fanning beds now. Water temps right around 60 give or take. water pretty clear and improving to more clear. the person who gave this info put in at the state park

 

c-rigs and jerkbaits are two of the baits working right now.

 

fish holding tight to the bottom and on secondary points and transition areas. dock fishing has always been a popular pattern at SML as well, there are tons of docks.