Fishing
A variety of game fish as well as smaller species can be found in the waters of Smith Mountain Lake. Because of this, many fishermens of different skills and calibers come to this beautiful reservoir to test their luck at catching a big one. The species of fish found at Smith Mountain Lake include striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegil, sunfish, and several smaller species. This variety makes a fishing trip to Smith Mountain Lake fun and exciting for both seasoned anglers and youngsters. Easily the most popular target of the reservoir, the largemouth bass has sustained populations at Smith Mountain Lake. This species is most frequently caught beginning in the mid-Spring and continuing into late-Fall. June and July are the best months for catching largemouth bass. When the water temperature drops, fisherman have good chances at catching largemouth bass in the deeper waters of the lake. Using a boat to fish at a depth of 10 to 30 feet is advisable. During the warmer months, the largemouth bass return to the shallow waters and reside in the sand beds near aquatic vegetation. These areas should be targeted using light tackle such as spinners, jigs, and crankbaits (bass information found at ifished.com). Some experienced fishermen have any successfully captured largemouth bass using fly rods. The same methods can be used for catching the deepwater largemouth bass as well. The smallmouth bass is another local favorite of Smith Mountain Lake. This species does not reside in very deep water and can be found close to the shore line. Smallmouth bass are often found hiding near obstacles such as logs, large rocks, and hydrilla. Using a light colored jig, fishermen should cast near these areas. Using a fly rod near these obstacles is also an option. For fishermen who enjoy a challenging fish that fights, Smith Mountain Lake has a population of striped bass that offer this opportunity. This feisty species can be found in the depths of Smith Mountain Lake, so it is necessary to use a boat to navigate to the proper fishing locations. Trolling is the best method of hooking a striped bass. The ideal trolling speed is 3 to 5 miles per hour. For the casual fishermen and families, there are numerous species of sunfish that can be found close to the shore line. These are smaller than the lake's most popular game fish, but with a line with a low test, reeling one in can be quite the challenge. 
Facilities
There are numerous facilities at Smith Mountain Lake and Roanoke City that make visits convenient and enjoyable. This includes piers, boat landings, fueling stations, tackle shops, grocery stores, and sleeping accommodations. This ensures that it is impossible to arrive at Smith Mountain Lake unprepared.
The Lake
Smith Mountain Lake is one of Virginia's largest lakes in the mountains. This lake has an area of 32 square miles. Its average depth is 55 feet. The total length of its shoreline is is almost 500 miles. This size nurtures fish populations and makes for enjoyable fishing trips.

Smith Mountain Lake is a must-visit location for any serious fishermen.

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