SMITH MOUNTIAN LAKE FISHING REPORT
By: Captain Chad Green
www.lastcastguideservicesml.comIt 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 may 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
April bass fishing is upon us and the bass are wanting to spawn. Some have already spawned but the weather has them held up for now. We expect to see them spawn in a larger wave sometime next week as we get in to the full moon phase and warmer weather. We encourage to avoid sight fishing to let them do their thing and not be stressed to preserve the fishery we have worked so hard to build here. During this time period other tactics are catching fish including Swimsuits, spinnerbaits, soft plastics etc. All the fish seem to be mostly shallow but there are still fish in deep water that I’m sure haven’t moved up yet as the spawn takes a long process. Look for the shad spawn in the next 14-21 days. The fishing will pick up tremendously then and any shad imitating lures will be productive. Winning weights of this month or around the spawn typically fall off a little until the shad spawn starts. Tournaments coming up this month are listed below.
Big Bass tour
You will need one over 8 pounds to take home the boat. Best of luck to all
Bass Cast April 18th
Catt Trail Championship April 27th
Striped Bass
Stripers have been very shallow on most points in mid lake sections and can be caught on minnow plugs and shad imitating soft plastics. Planer boards on the bank will be very productive this month. Remember the slot limit is still in effect.
Crappie
Crappie will also start their spawn in the next week or so. Look for them in the 5-10’ range around shallow trees and docks during this time.