Cast your line and reel in the big one during your trip to Smith Mountain Lake!
There are so many great opportunities to fish during your stay at The Lake House at Smith Mountain. Whether you’re hoping to catch your dinner or you simply want to spend a day on the water, there’s no better place than our gorgeous lake.
Here is everything you need to know about fishing at Smith Mountain Lake
Get Your License
Before you head out on the boat, be sure to acquire a Smith Mountain Lake fishing license. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has made it easy to buy licenses online. You can also purchase them in-person from many license agents. Once you’ve purchased your license, you’re ready to start your fishing adventure!
Rent a Boat
Do you need a boat while you're here? We have you covered. Here are our top boat rental picks.
Head Out on the Water
Once you’ve acquired your license and your boat, you’re ready to fish! Have your own boat? You can also launch from any of the local marinas or the Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
Get Some Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Tips
Black bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, striper, catfish, and sunfish are some of the most sought-after species in the lake. Typically the largemouth bass is most abundant in the spring, and the striped bass are best caught in the summer. Stripers are found in the lake all year-round. The best time for fishing on Smith Mountain Lake would be the early morning or the late evening when fewer people are on the lake. If you’re fishing off the dock of The Lake House at Smith Mountain, you’ll likely have more privacy and more luck catching something in the middle of the day.
Get a Guide
One of the best ways to fish on the lake is with a Smith Mountain Lake fishing guide! They can take you out, show you the ropes, give you plenty of helpful tips for fishing the lake, and hopefully help you catch something impressive.