Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre man-made reservoir nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, created in the early 1960s primarily for hydroelectric power generation. The lake’s deep, clear waters and extensive shoreline provide varied habitats that support a wide range of species. It has developed into a nationally known fishing destination, hosting major professional tournaments and drawing anglers from across the country.
The Premier Game Fish: Bass and Stripers
The most sought-after fish in Smith Mountain Lake are black bass, including Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass. Largemouth Bass comprise the majority of the population, with many fish typically caught in the two to four-pound range during spring surveys. They are most abundant in the upper, more stained sections of the reservoir, particularly in the Roanoke and Blackwater river arms. Anglers commonly find Largemouth Bass seeking shelter in coves, around natural structure like fallen trees, and near man-made cover provided by piers and boathouses.
Smallmouth Bass are present in smaller numbers but are more prevalent in the lower, deeper, and clearer sections of the lake. They contribute significantly to the reservoir’s reputation as a top bass fishery. Both species use natural features like rock shoals and points, but the Smallmouth favors the steeper, rockier terrain found closer to the dam.
The Striped Bass, or striper, is the lake’s second most popular sport fish, known for its trophy potential. Stripers are a cool-water species that concentrate in the lower, cooler, and deeper main lake areas, especially during summer and early fall. These highly mobile fish are often found suspended over deep channels, constantly following schools of forage. The record weight for a Striped Bass caught on the lake is nearly 50 pounds.
Secondary Sport Fish and Panfish
Smith Mountain Lake offers a healthy population of secondary sport fish and panfish. The robust catfish fishery includes Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, and White Catfish. Channel and Flathead Catfish are most abundant in the upper arms of the Roanoke and Blackwater rivers, favoring turbid, shallower water. White Catfish are found primarily in the lower sections of the reservoir.
Black Crappie are present, though the lake has limited crappie habitat compared to other large reservoirs. Despite lower overall abundance, the Crappie caught are often of high quality size. These fish are typically found in the large coves and upper reaches of the reservoir, especially near submerged cover like brush piles and docks.
Sunfish, including Bluegill and Green Sunfish, are highly abundant throughout the lake. These panfish are a popular target, especially for family fishing, as they are found along nearly all shoreline structure. Sunfish along riprap shorelines provide consistent action. White Perch are another common species found in large schools, often suspended in deeper water or along points.
Essential Forage and Non-Game Species
The foundation of the lake’s productive sport fishery is a substantial population of forage fish, primarily shad species. Both Gizzard Shad and Threadfin Shad are the main food source, fueling the rapid growth and large sizes achieved by Striped Bass and Largemouth Bass. Gizzard Shad are particularly important, showing a strong correlation with improved Striped Bass growth rates.
Threadfin Shad complement the diet but are susceptible to winter die-offs, which can temporarily reduce the available forage base. Other non-game species, such as Common Carp, are also present. Additionally, the lake features a small, elusive population of Muskellunge, which are occasionally stocked and provide a rare trophy opportunity.
Maintaining the Fishery
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) actively manages the Smith Mountain Lake fishery, focusing on maintaining the popular Striped Bass population. Since the reservoir lacks the necessary riverine spawning habitat, Striped Bass cannot naturally reproduce to sustain their numbers. To counteract this, DWR conducts an annual stocking program, releasing hundreds of thousands of juvenile stripers into the lake each year. Stocking rates are continually adjusted based on monitoring population health and forage availability.
DWR biologists also conduct regular electrofishing surveys to assess the health and size distribution of species like Largemouth Bass. Furthermore, the department has been deploying PVC and other structures since 2017 to provide habitat for juvenile fish in the lake’s developed shoreline areas. These management processes, including monitoring population trends and setting regulations, sustain the quality of the fishing experience.