Smith Mountain Lake February Fishing Report - Fish are on the move!

Smith Mountain Lake is a great place for fishing, especially for those looking to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, stripers and crappie. With already warming temperatures in early February you are going to see all species of fish be on the move to shallower water.

Largemouth Bass are usually found in areas near drop-offs where flats meet on the topography map. Learning to use your electronics and how to read the map can really help you cut down on what areas to focus on. Windy and cloudy days will be better with more active fish. Jerkbaits, swimbaits, crankbaits and jigs will be your best bet or slug around an A rig. Look for stained water this time of year since it tends to warm up faster.

Smallmouth Bass can be found in clear and rocky areas, such as points, ledges, and drop-offs. The best baits for smallmouth bass include Jerkbait and jigs. Don’t be afraid to try some wacky colors around smallies as they tend to be sight eaters. A clown jerkbait is a killer this time of year. These fish also tend to like sunny windy days on the lower end of the lake.

Stripers are typically found in deeper waters, such as near the main channel, where they can be caught using live bait, like shad, or artificial lures like jigheads and flukes or spoons. The best time to fish for stripers is during the early morning and late afternoon. Also take the time to find the bait balls and the fish will be near.

Crappie can be caught in a variety of habitats, such as around brush piles, trees, and docks. Live minnows and jigs tipped with minnows are a good choice for luring crappie. These fish are most active when the water temperature is between 40-50 degrees.

In February, the water temperature at Smith Mountain Lake is usually around the low to mid-50s, making it a good time to catch all four of these species. It is important to remember to always follow local fishing regulations and to properly release fish back into the water to ensure the sustainability of the fishery. Good Luck!