Whether you want to fish the shoreline, dock, from a bass-boat or in a tournament at Smith Mountain Lake, there is no denying the bite is still on in the winter months. We think that wintertime fishing at this Blue Ridge foothills lake is the perfect excuse for a long weekend getaway.

The frigid dip in the temperature does not diminish the chance for great fishing opportunities at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, in fact some might even prefer it.

Winter fishing when the bite is still on

The park offers ample opportunities for shore and boat fishing. You’ll find striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish and several other species.

TOURNAMENTS

Fishing tournaments are scheduled at the park office. A special-use permit application, which may be obtained from the office, is required and must be submitted at least two weeks prior to a tournament. Tournaments are scheduled first-come, first-served.

Visit the lake's chamber website to keep abreast of upcoming tournaments.

LAUNCH

Boat launch at the park

Boat launching fee required for day-use public; overnight guests launch for free. There are no overnight mooring areas except in the cabin area for cabin guests only. The campers must return their boats to the campsite or overflow parking area.

Boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, hydrobikes, paddleboats, pontoon boats, ski boats and jet skis) are available at the park from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Fishing pier at Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a great fishing hole

The park concessionaire also rents boats offsite the rest of the year. Reservations are taken for those wishing to rent more than six hours. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, call 540-297-3642 for information and reservations; call 540-721-1639 the rest of the year.

Easy launch with plenty of truck and trailer parking onsite

Maps of the lake are available as well as fishing regulations near the boat launch

Call 800-933-PARK to buy an annual boat launch pass. Click here for park fees.

Tournament Bass Fishing in a snowstorm at Smith Mountain Lake:

"Run more areas of the lake"

Sound advice when bass fishing at Smith Mountain Lake from Obsessed Fishing

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.

CABINS

Cabin 9 is a comfy 2-bedroom waterfront cabin with wood burning stove

Docks available for cabin guest use 

Smith Mountain Lake State Park has wonderful rustic cabins that can be rented year-round. The cabins all come with dock access. Learn more about them here, or by calling 800-933-7275.

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