Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, May 25, 1990 TAG: 9005260441
SECTION: SMITH MOUNTAIN TIMES PAGE: SMT-1 EDITION: BEDFORD/FRANKLIN
SOURCE: By BILL COCHRAN OUTDOOR EDITOR
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
But that doesn't mean it's a pushover when it comes to giving up wall-hanging size fish. Even small ones. More about that later.
The facts do show that last season the lake produced 1,050 citation catches. A citation is issued by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for a catch that meets a minimum-size standard.
We are talking about huge numbers of trophy fish here. Smith Mountain's citation total was nearly three times its nearest competitor, Kerr Lake. And Kerr is more than twice the size of Smith Mountain.
There's more. Smith Mountain produced citations in 18 different species. That's a greater grab-bag variety than from any other spot in the state. The James River was next with 15 species.
Smith Mountain accounted for the state's greatest number of striped bass (749) and walleye (105) citations; the second most crappie (27) and muskie (14) citations; and the third most smallmouth bass (55) and white bass (37) citations.
So you think that being asked to go fishing at Smith Mountain Lake is akin to being invited to a fish fry?
Not quite.
The same lake that churns out a record number of citations annually also can be Scrooge-like to the casual fisherman.
For the novice, the problem is twofold: There is a scarcity of easy access and there is a void of easy-to-catch, family type panfish.
It is a feast-or-famine situation. The lake can be a banquet table spread with all kinds of goodies for the accomplished fisherman who has the boat, the tackle, the know-how and the persistence to excel. The famine is for the fisherman who simply wants to dig a can of worms and search for a few decent fish - no matter what kind or size - that will jiggle his or her red-and-white bobber.
Here are some tips for the novice looking to land the big one at the 20,000 acre hydroelectric reservoir:
Since our regular Sunday Outdoor Page and outdoor columns frequently cater to the big-catch syndrome, let's dedicate the bulk of this piece to the needs of the novice:
Where to go: Smith Mountain Lake has 500 miles of shoreline, but very little of it is available for public bank fishing. An exception is Smith Mountain Lake State Park, where there is 16 miles of mostly gentle sloping terrain along the shoreline. Much of it is suited to bank fishing. Off limits to fishing is the park's beach area and its wooden boat docks.
During the summer months, the park charges a parking fee: $2 weekends and $1.50 weekdays, except Wednesdays, which are free. The free Wednesdays are designed to lure some of the crowd away from the weekend and to the lightly used midweek, park officials say.
From the Roanoke Valley, the park can be reached by traveling east on Virginia 24 out of Vinton, then right on 122, left on 608 and right on 626 to the entrance.
If you have friends who own shoreline property, that's another source of access for bank fishing. All the better if their property has a boat dock. Docks provide food and cover that attract gamefish species. If some brush has been placed beneath them, the fishing is even more promising.
Several of the lake's campgrounds provide fishing for their guests, and a few marnias permit fishing. State boat ramp also offer access; however, the ramps themselves are for boat launching. Fishermen should cast from the bank on either side of the ramps.
Boat rentals: There are more than a half-dozen marinas on the lake that rent fishing boats or pontoon boats suitable for fishing. The prices range from $30 to $85 a day, depending on the size and type.
A boat fisherman will have much more mobility than a bank fishermen. Ask the person whom you rent it from to suggest some nearby spots to try.
Guides: It will cost you big bucks, but a day spent with a fishing guide can result in both an outstanding fishing trip and a sound learning experience.
If you go with a guide, choose a time when the fishing potential is at a peak, which most likely will be early spring or fall-through-early-winter. Ask the guide to suggest the best dates. The target species of guides are black bass and striped bass.
Fees generally range from $125 to $200 for a day's fishing, which will include a first-class boat and tackle. The cost can be divided between two fishermen. Half-day trips also are available.
There are a dozen guides working the lake. The veterans include Danny Garrett, Hardy, 703-890-4331; John R. Jones, Vinton, 703-890-2424 and Dale Wilson, Huddleston, 703-297-5650.
Tackle: For the novice, a simple closed-faced spinning outfit, or what ever feels comfortable, can be used for casual fishing. Line in the 8-to 10-pound class is adequate, unless you expect to tangle with a husky striped bass.
Many fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, crappie and carp, are cover-seekers. Look for them around docks, pilings, brush, fallen trees, riprap and the like. All the better if the cover is found on or near a point, which is a projection of inundated land that fingers well out into the impoundment.
A variety of fish can be caught on nightcrawlers. Small minnows are even better. Lures that imitate the looks, flash or sounds of minnow-like shad and alewives are productive, especially early in the morning and just before dark.
Kids, especially, can have fun with the lake's under-utilized carp population. These fish are numerous and large enough to put up a rod-bowing fight. They can be caught on nightcrawlers, dough balls or some of the new prepared bait that is scented. Keep the bait near the bottom, using just enough weight to cast well.
License: Most fishermen are required to have a $12 annual fishing license. The exception is children under 16. There is a $1 license for fishermen 65 or older.
Landowners and their children are not required to have a license when fishing from their property or a dock on their property; however, their guests must comply with the state's license requirements.
by CNB