🎣 Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Forecast: March
Report Prepared By:
Captain Chad Green
Last Cast Guide Service SML
www.lastcastguideservicesml.com
Essential Resources & Support
Anglers are encouraged to maximize their time on the water and practice catch and release whenever possible to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of our fisheries.
| Category | Partner / Resource | Contact / Website |
| Tackle & Gear | Indian Point Marina (at Hales Ford Bridge) | Visit in Person |
| Lures & Baits | Missile Baits | https://missilebaits.store/ |
| Boating Needs | Smith Mountain Boat and Tackle (Penhook) | https://www.smboats.com |
| Special Thanks | Brian Carter at The Bass Cast | https://thebasscast.com/ |
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
Both bass species are exhibiting a full pre spawn phase this month with March arriving we have had. Anglers should anticipate fish moving shallower and closer to their spawning grounds. A lot of big fish will be caught over the next few weeks and a 10 plus is not out of range.
Key Target Areas: Staging areas that lead to spawning grounds
Effective Techniques and Lures:
Moving Baits: Highly effective during morning hours and likely to yield quality catches.
Primary Spring Lures: Baits designed to imitate crawfish and baitfish typically generate the highest catch rates.
Bottom Presentation: Jerkbaits, Alabama rigs, Minnow presentations and Jigs are productive in depths ranging from 5 to 20 feet. Crankbaits/Spinnerbaits are also a significant component of the arsenal. Look for fish suspended or on the bottom depending on the weather/wind and rain. Any structure will be key target points.
This time of year presents an excellent trophy fish opportunity. Smallmouth Bass are consistently located near humps, shoals, and rocky areas, and respond to the same lure presentations.
Conditions: Low water levels will continue to present a challenging fishing conditions. We are in a time period now where rain runoff will help raise the water levels back to normal. There has been numerous fish caught over 9 lbs the last 2 weeks.
Striped Bass (Stripers)
Striped Bass activity is projected to be strong this month as the species aggregates into larger schools in preparation for the fall season. Fish may also be observed moving in smaller groups while actively seeking feeding opportunities.
Location and Depth: The majority of the action is concentrated from the mid-lake to the upper end.
Jigging: Technique remains productive throughout the day in the 20-40-foot Larger individual fish may appear periodically within these smaller traveling schools. Trophy fish have been very shallow and readily bite, typically are around points.
Structural Focus: Target the mouths of major tributaries and large bay areas.
Crappie
The majority of Crappie catches are currently being reported in the 15- to 25-foot depth range.