Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.

Bedford County Parks & Recreation Youth Fishing and Outdoor Experience

Location of Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Virginia

Where

Program Location: Discovery Center
Main Park Address: Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Rd., Huddleston, VA 24104.

When

June 6, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Head to Smith Mountain Lake State Park to enjoy all this fishing clinic has to offer. Children ages 6 to 14 who are Bedford County residents will learn how to catch fish. Participants learn to cast, identify fish, choose bait, and then tie it on the line. Fishing tackle and lunch will be provided free to participants. Lunch for the parents is $3 per person, paid on site that day with cash only. Parents are welcome to stay with their child and may also be an assistant group leader. Children are put into age groups so the instructors can talk to the kids on their level. The casting contest is also judged by age level. Therefore, siblings and/or friends might not be in the same group. Other activities include boat/water safety, fire boat rides, paintball range, canoeing, and a biologist exhibit.

Please register at the Bedford County Parks & Recreation by calling (540) 586-7682 between 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration opens March 1, 2026, and is limited to the first 200 participants. This event is free, but regular parking fees apply. Attendees must park at swim beach parking lot; shuttles will run to and from the Discovery Center.

Bedford Youth Fishing and Outdoor Experience event at SMLSP

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: Yes.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-297-6066
Email Address: smlake@dcr.virginia.gov