Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.

Home > Blog > New Fish Habitat Installed at Smith Mountain Lake Thanks to YCC

New Fish Habitat Installed at Smith Mountain Lake Thanks to YCC

By Pat EastwoodPosted August 19, 2011

Smith Mountain Lake State Park’s Youth Conservation Corps Crew has gone home now. During their three weeks in the park this all female crew of 8 youth and three supervisors left the park with a more hospitable environment for the lake’s fish, along with 8 new picnic pads. The new fish habitats were described by Rebecca Jackson of the Smith Mountain Eagle as looking like “aliens having a bad hair day.”

YCC crew made structures to enhance fish habitat Smith Mountain Lake

YCC crew made structures to enhance fish habitat Smith Mountain Lake

The YCC crew constructed the fish habitats from cinder blocks filled with concrete with various sizes of plastic hose extending out in a tree pattern. Then, the crew and park staff placed the habitats in several locations: around 3 of the park’s docks, at the Franklin County Park's pier, and off a point close to the boat ramp that can be accessed from shore when fishing. It was a cooperative effort between the park and Appalachian Power/American Electric Power (AEP) as part of their long term plan for management for recreational fishing in Smith Mountain Lake. AEP operates the dam and regulates much of the shoreline.

YCC crew and park staff place fish structure in Smith Mountain Lake

They were placed in groups of 3-5 at a depth of about 15 feet of water, where they provide habitat, structure and protection for fish, and improve fishing opportunities also. The design and water hose is snag free - cutting down on line and lure getting tangled and causing the angler to cut the line, loose the lure and leave it in the water. They're heavy enough to not be moved by current and the materials will last years under water without degrading or coming loose.

For more information about Virginia State Park's award-winning Youth Conservation Corps program, click here.

FISHING, BOATING: Located on Smith Mountain Lake, the park offers ample opportunities for shore and boat fishing. You’ll find striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish and several other species. For more information about fishing in Smith Mountain click here.

LOCATION: The park is on the north shore of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, approximately 40 miles from both Lynchburg and Roanoke and 140 miles from Richmond. To get there, take U.S. 460 to Route 122 South to Moneta, then go east on Route 608 to White House. Next go south on Route 626 for two miles to park entrance.

Click here for a Google map. Latitude, 37.079625. Longitude, -79.610993.

PARK MAP: Trail guide (PDF). Facility guide (PDF).

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES: Cabins and camping. For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees.

Thanks to Assistant Park Manager Nate Clark for contributing to this blog.