SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE FISHING REPORT
April 2022
DALE WILSON’S
SML GUIDE SERVICE
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 540-297-5650 / 540-874-4950
www.captaindalewilson.us
John Jones with a huge crappie caught at Smith Mountain Lake on March 15.
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The fishing has been good for the past few weeks. Numerous weather fronts have caused several changes in lake conditions. The water temperature remained relatively low for this time of year. As the water begins to warm, baitfish will continue to move into shallow water. Most species of fish will start spawning this month.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass has been excellent at producing big bass this month. Most tournaments have taken a limit of five fish 20 pounds or more to win in recent weekends. The best lures are jigs, senkos, umbrellas and spinner baits. Most bass will be caught on side spots, shallow coves around stumps, docks and rocks. The best depths will be 10 feet or less. As the water begins to clear, largemouth bass fishing will improve at night. Riprap embankments, stumps, shallow brush, and docks are a key factor in finding them. Please practice catching and releasing when bass spawn.
Smallmouth Bass
Fishing will improve this month. The best spots will be rocks, stumps, docks, and side spots. The best lures will be jigs, spinner baits, senkos, square beak crank bank and surface lures. The best areas will be in the middle and lower sections of the lake. Most smallmouth bass will start spawning later this month. Cloudy days are good times to try your luck. The light line will help catch more fish.
Striped Bass
Fishing will be good at night this month. Stripers will be caught in the middle and lower sections of the lake and in larger streams. Due to recent heavy rains, the lake has a lot of stained water, which should make for good fishing when the water starts to clear up. The best lures to use at night are shallow Thunder sticks, wake baits, swim baits, and Zoom flukes fished on 1/4 to 3/8 ounce lead heads. The best depths will be from the surface to 30 feet. Try to find the areas with the greatest concentrations of baitfish. Night fishing will improve as the water temperature increases. Night fishing later this month will be the best time to catch striper. Some striper schools will start to surface towards the end of this month. Live bait fished on planer boards and downlines will work well this month. Trolling is also productive this month.
crappie
Crappie fishing has been good. Crappie will spawn this month and will be in shallow water. The best spots will be in the main streams in the middle and upper sections of both rivers around docks, fallen trees, stumps and brush piles. Small live minnows and 1½ to 2 inch tubes or shad shaped plastic lures fished on 1/32 to 1/16 ounce lead heads will work best for catching them. The beamline will increase the chances of a catch.
Tips of the month
Heavy rain, wind and dirty waters have slowed fishing, but it will improve as the water clears up. Be aware of large debris in upper rivers and streams when boating. Nighttime will be one of the best times to catch fish in the shallow waters when the baitfish begin to spawn. Fish will move to shallow areas to spawn due to warmer water temperature. Wear a life jacket and never fish alone at night. Keep traffic lights on after dark. Don’t forget to practice catch and release and bring a child fishing.
