Smith Mountain Lake May Fishing Report - Shad, Shad, Shad!
DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE BAIT SHOP FOR ALL THE SPRING TACKLE
I RECOMMEND
Shad is on the menu! What a fun time of year to fish. We have bass in all three stages of the spawn. I would say about 20% of the bass are up spawning and the rest are either fry guarding or already thinking about schooling up. I am finding smaller groups of fish almost out on the main lake chasing bait balls (groups of 5-10 bass). Some of the larger fish I am seeing during the day are up around shallow docks focusing on grabbing a bluegill. If it’s your cup of tea the night bite is on fire right now. Shad spawn is starting around 10:30pm most nights and lasting until around 3 am. There is a good early morning bite from 5:00-7:00am before a little bit of a bite window fall off. I am seeing fish biting again around 11:00-12:00. If you’re not an early riser I would consider fishing mid day until early evening.
Stripers are grouped up on a lot of the main lake points down near the dam. Islands are holding fish in 20-40 feet in great numbers. Topwaters, flukes and swimbaits are getting some great bites.
Crappies are stacking near some deep docks up both the rivers back in pockets.
Bluegills are all over the docks and shallow rounded pockets. It’s a great time to get the kids out with some corn around the docks and catch tons of them.
Where to find the bass and what baits is all depending on how you want to fish. Here’s a break down for how I am tackling each day!!!
SHAD SPAWN: This is a really straight forward approach. Shad spawn on rock, rip rap with a good drop is key which is a lot of places. I like to focus on areas up the Ronaoke and around the bridge. It’s all about finding a bank that is loaded with shad before you start fishing. Don’t waste time on banks with no activity since your time is short in the mornings. If you do find a bank with activity take it slow hitting every small point or change on the bank. Short and accurate cast are key to getting the best bites. Make sure your lure is right against the bank!
Shad Spawn Baits:
OFF SHORE FISHING: Fish are on the way out to the main lake for most of the summer. These fish will be plentiful, but also can be somewhat frustrating. These fish get a lot of pressure from anglers and can be picky eaters. Keep that in mind that if you find yourself seeing a lot of followers or fish that just don’t seem that aggressive that you need to focus on a different group of fish or go shallower. A good tip for off shore schooled fish is to try to come at them from a different angle then how most anglers cast on them. The other side to off shore fishing is dragging something under the fish. Each morning is different on how the fish are set up. So having something like a swing head or Carolina rig is a great way to get some bigger fish to eat that are holding tight to the bottom.
Off Shore Baits:
Keitech Swimbait : 2.8 and 3.3 size
BLUE GILL EATERS: This is my favorite way to fish in May. This is your chance to catch some true SML giants. As the bass wrap up their spawn the bluegills are coming up to eat bass eggs and start their spawning as well. Some of the largest female fish will turn around from going off shore to stalk bluegills in the back of pockets. This is not a numbers type of fishing. You may only get a few bites a day, but I can almost guarantee that you will be catching 5-7lb fish. This also requires a lot of time and gas running around looking for their beds. I would focus on the back half of pockets and around shallow dock post to find the bluegill beds. Bass will be close by on docks, laydowns or shade line. Some of the baits are text book, but this can also be some of the best glide bait fishing of the entire year.
Blue Gill Eater Baits:
Depps Bullshooter : Gill Color
Best of luck to everyone this month. Be safe if you’re out there night fishing. Run your lights and always wear your life jacket. Tight Lines!