Soft Plastics
Yamamoto Senko 5 in
The original salted stick bait. Fish it weightless or wacky rigged.
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A Roanoke River reservoir known for striped bass and tournament bass fishing.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Smith Mountain Lake for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass. The best months overall are Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct. In October, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass are in season, and Soft Stick Bait, Ned Rig and Bass Jig are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles (4 fly, 8 bait and tackle); the closest is Smith Mountain Boat and Tackle in Penhook, 5 mi away.
Best Months
Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct
In October
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Smith Mountain Lake Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
13 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Walking Topwater 4 to 5 in
LureTopwater · Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass · Surface blitzes.
Shop This LureSoft Stick Bait 4 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureNed Rig 2.5 to 3 in
LureFinesse · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureBass Jig 3/8 to 1 oz
LureJig · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureSpinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz
LureMoving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Stained water.
Shop This LureBladed Jig 3/8 to 1/2 oz
LureMoving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Around grass.
Shop This LureSquarebill Crankbait 1.5 to 2.5 in
LureCrankbait · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureLipless Crankbait 1/2 to 3/4 oz
LureCrankbait · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureSuspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Striped Bass
Shop This LureTube Jig 3 to 4 in
LureSoft Plastic · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureBucktail Jig 1/4 to 2 oz
LureJig · Striped Bass
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass · Live shad or herring.
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Largemouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 7 or 8 wt rod, bass-taper floating line, 12 to 16 lb leader for poppers and divers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting rod, 7:1 reel, 15 lb fluorocarbon or 50 lb braid around heavy cover.
Smallmouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Striped Bass
Fly 9 ft 9 wt rod, intermediate or sinking line, 20 lb leader. Clousers and Deceivers.
Spin / Cast 7 to 8 ft medium-heavy spinning rod, 4000 to 5000 reel, 30 lb braid with a 20 to 30 lb leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Smith Mountain Lake
Crankbaits
Strike King KVD 1.5 Squarebill
A shallow squarebill that deflects off wood and rock.
Check PriceCrankbaits
Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap
The classic lipless rattling crankbait for flats and schooling fish.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
Check PriceTopwater
Heddon Zara Spook
The walk-the-dog topwater that works in fresh and salt.
Check PriceRod & Reel Combos
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Smith Mountain Lake
Bait & Tackle
Smith Mountain Boat and Tackle
Penhook, Virginia· 5 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Penhook, VA.
Bait & Tackle
Indian Point Marina SML Boat rentals, Tackle shop
Hardy, Virginia· 9 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Hardy, VA.
Bait & Tackle
Bullseye Tackle Fishing Outlet
Chatham, Virginia· 21 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Chatham, VA.
Bait & Tackle
The Honey Hole Bait And Tackle Llc
Blue Ridge, Virginia· 25 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Blue Ridge, VA.