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, a jewel of Virginia, is a great spot from which to view the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. It has a great reputation for its significant striper and bass population. The total size of the reservoir is estimated to be about 20000 acres. It also boasts a 500 mile shoreline. With such a vast size, finding a good angling location ought to be a walk in the park.
There are numerous public and private boat ramps and marinas along the lake shore. A major attraction within the vicinity is the State Park. Many visitors to the park come in the summer to enjoy its campgrounds, beach, picnic areas, hiking trails and cabins. A golf course is also present for those interested in the sport.
One can get ready accommodation at the several nearby lodgings, rental houses and cabins. When summer begins, boats start to flock the waterway. As such, you should consider visiting in the other seasons, more so if you do not fancy getting routinely distracted.
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.
The initial summer months and spring are the most opportune moments to go angling. This is because bass flock the shallow parts of the waterway in these months. Anglers also love fishing at this time as the fish are prone to all sorts of bait.
At the peak of the summer season, most bass venture into deep waters. The local anglers love to use live shad as bait. Crappies inhibit the shallow waters between March and May and from October to November. They also love to hang around the marshes and trees close to the shoreline.
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.
The lake, a jewel of Virginia, is a great spot from which to view the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. It has a great reputation for its significant striper and bass population. The total size of the reservoir is estimated to be about 20000 acres. It also boasts a 500 mile shoreline. With such a vast size, finding a good angling location ought to be a walk in the park.
There are numerous public and private boat ramps and marinas along the lake shore. A major attraction within the vicinity is the State Park. Many visitors to the park come in the summer to enjoy its campgrounds, beach, picnic areas, hiking trails and cabins. A golf course is also present for those interested in the sport.
One can get ready accommodation at the several nearby lodgings, rental houses and cabins. When summer begins, boats start to flock the waterway. As such, you should consider visiting in the other seasons, more so if you do not fancy getting routinely distracted.
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.
The initial summer months and spring are the most opportune moments to go angling. This is because bass flock the shallow parts of the waterway in these months. Anglers also love fishing at this time as the fish are prone to all sorts of bait.
At the peak of the summer season, most bass venture into deep waters. The local anglers love to use live shad as bait. Crappies inhibit the shallow waters between March and May and from October to November. They also love to hang around the marshes and trees close to the shoreline.
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.
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