February Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report By Captain Chad Green

            SMITH MOUNTIAN LAKE FISHING REPORT
                          By: Captain Chad Green
                   www.lastcastguideservicesml.com

It is cold outside, but the fishing is getting hot. Get out on the water when you can and enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. Practice catch-and-release as much as possible to preserve our great fisheries. As always, just make one more Last Cast, as it could be the next trophy fish.

Visit Indian Point Marina for any tackle you need, and they will fix you up.
Visit https://missilebaits.store/ and check out all they have to offer.
Special Thanks to Brian Carter at the https://thebasscast.com/
Check out Smith Mountain Boat and Tackle Penhook for your boating needs https://www.smboats.com

PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE ON CITATION SIZE FISH

Largemouth Bass/Smallmouth Bass
February fishing has gained ground with big weights and numbers being caught so far. Recent tournaments reached 25 lbs and numerous bags over 20 lbs. The bass have started their springtime migration routes and headed for their staging areas where they will be until time for them to spawn. Look for deep water areas that lead into spawning areas is the best place to find them. The action can be fast and furious. The last week fishing trips produced 20-plus fish days and many 5-plus pound fish being caught including fish in the upper 7lb range. Jerkbaits, swimbaits, jigs, damiki rigs, Alabama rigs and crankbaits will be the producers this month. Fish can be found anywhere from 5 -30 ft deep depending on the tactic you prefer The shad die-off has started here in certain areas where you will see seagulls diving randomly across the water. This is a great presentation to resemble when targeting bass or stripers. Main points, docks, drop-offs, rocks, etc can be great places to find largemouth any given day.

Striped Bass
Stripers can be found just about on any main lake point that is close to deep water right now. Mornings and late evenings seem to be when they are more active as they are full of dying baitfish. Bigger fish are roaming large pockets and creeks in smaller numbers and can be aggressive with a tough fight. Late evenings have been producing the best as always in the early spring. They will travel to smaller schools searching for feeding opportunities. Jigging in the 20-40ft range will produce fish throughout the day. Larger fish will show up this month at times and may be in smaller schools. The upper end of the lake to mid-lake is where most of the action will be this month. Seagulls will start to find some feeding fish in the cold months so keep an eye out. Look for fish in the mouths of the larger tributaries. Swing by Indian Point Marina they provide you with a great selection of what you need.

Crappie
Most of the Crappie have been in the 15-25 foot range.