Smallie fishing at Thompson Lake in VA

[rondef]

All,

I am going to go fishing for smallies at Thompson Lake in Virginia for the first time.  I am curious how you would fish for smallies in a lake.  I have fished for them in rivers using tubes but never in lakes.  Should I still use tubes or should I fish with a different bait?  Any help you can provide would be appreciated.  I attached a link to the lake below.

I may also try some trout fishing while I am there.

Ron

https://dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/lake-thompson/

[Tin]

Tubes are always a good choice for smallies and jerbaits this time of year can be a lot of fun. Both should do the trick. Any maps of the lake?

[rondef]

tin2win,

If you open the link in my first post you can get to the map.

Ron

[Tin]

Are you fishing in a boat or from shore?

[rondef]

From shore, it is only a small pond and my boat is not allowed in the pond.

[Tin]

I have seen a few pics of the lake that show rocks around the shoreline. I would throw the jerkbait, tube or a 4" senko around the rocks. The other spot on the map I liked if you have access to, is in the back there is a little cut, and infront of and to the right of the cut there is a steep drop where it goes from 2 to 8 feet according to the map. Try all three of those baits around that area as well. Good luck.

[rondef]

Thanks tin2win, I will let you know how I do.  It is looking like a Sunday trip to the lake because they are calling for rain tomorrow and the temps in the 40s.  Sunday's forecast is cloudy and in the 50s so I most likely go Sunday.

[Tin]

Go both days, smallie fishing in New England with clouds or rain can only mean one thing The Winnie Special.... Chartruese spinnerbait with tandem chartruese indiana blades  8-)

[rondef]

I may break out the rain jacket and go Saturday as well. Tin2win where in New England are you from? I used to live in Westford Massachusetts and I used to fish Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.

GO PATS!!!

[Dan:]

There aren't very many rocks around this lake. I would say your best bet is to fish the dropoff. WHen you get there, you will have to park at the first parking lot, walk up the hill, then walk across the dam and fish that side. That's where the biggest dropoff is. Make sure you have a trout stamp before you get out there. It is designated trout stocking right now so you need a stamp to fish the lake.

I've been there a few times and honestly, I wouldn't expect much along the lines of smallmouth. I would use a jerkbait, preferably one that can get down deep near that dropoff. This is also a good bait for the bigger brown trout. They'll nail an x-rap, especially if you work it really fast. Maybe try a jig along the dropoff too. I've been the whole way around the lake and I really don't think there is much to cast to except the dropoffs on the east, west, and south (dam) sides of the lake. Make sure to use light line because you'll need to cast pretty far.

As for the tube, I fished one in shallow areas and I got snagged really bad, I don't know about by the dropoff though, the bottom might be cleaner there.

Good luck, take some pictures.

[rondef]

Dan,

Any recommendations on the line 4lb, 6lb?  Do you know if I can I get a trout stamp at Walmart?

Ron

[AnglerNFuego]

They sell Trout stamps at the Walmart near my house.

[Dan:]

you can usually get a trout stamp anywhere you can get a fishing license, including the internet at the vdgif website.

I think you would be alright with 6lb line. Good luck man, let me know if you see any hunters there with any game, I've been wondering how that WMA is for hunting.

[rondef]

I am waiting on the weather to break, it is still raining pretty good here.  Hopefully it lets up today so I can head out to fish.  I do not want to get soaked this morning when the temps are only in the mid 30s.

[Dan:]

This week is supposed to be in the 50s and 60s all week, I'm going to try to head out sometime between my exams.

[rondef]

I did not get out there today because the wife was not feeling well, I am hoping to make it there tomorrow morning if she feels better.