Fishing Frenzy

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 lies at the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains in the State of Virginia. Many people know it for its incredible bass and striper population. The reservoir occupies an estimated 20000 acres. Its shoreline stretches to about 500 miles. Getting the perfect angling spot when around should not take long.

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.

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 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.

Spring and early summer offer the best time to go fishing. By then, vast numbers of bass populate the shallow water sections. Furthermore, the fish usually fall for different types of bait during these seasons.

When the summer hits its peak moment, the bass move into deeper waters. Shad usually comes in handy as bait at this point in time. Crappies move to the shallow sections from March to May and from October to November. The trees and marshes dotting the shoreline also get flocked by crappies at the time.

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.