Smith Mountain Lake April Fishing Report - Bed Fishing and Shad Spawn

April is an excellent month for fishing at Smith Mountain Lake. The water temperature starts to warm up, and many species of fish become more active. Nature will show you signs of when the fish are going to start moving like dogwoods blooming, grass growing and trees starting to bud. The weather will start to be stable for long stretches with random thunderstorms popping up. The bite will tend to be better in the afternoons and after a few days of sunny weather.

Largemouth bass can be found in shallow water this month as they prepare to spawn. The full moon in April will have a wave of fish move up to make beds and spawn. Look for pockets that are getting the most sun throughout the day. They become more active as the water temperature reaches 60-65 degrees. Look for bedding bass around shallow dock post or near lay downs as they make their beds in the most protected areas. In mornings skipping a senko under docks is a great way to catch. A light shaky head worm set up is also a top choice. If you fish on a cloudy day focus on deep points with a smaller swimbait for fish that are still pre-spawn. Topwater lures can also be effective early in the morning and late in the evening.

Smallmouth bass can be found in clear and rocky areas, such as points, ledges, and drop-offs on the lower end of the year. Smallmouth will tend to bed on main lake points and will spawn deeper than largemouth will. A ned rig is a great choice for bedding smallmouth as they are more aggressive. Again, a swimbait is a key search bait this time of year for fish moving up and down to spawn.

Stripers can be found on most main lake pockets back in the main creek arms. Most days a fluke rigged on a 1/4 or 1/2 oz head will always get it done. You can also try fishing dock lights at night for a chance at a monster. If you can net shad you can use live bait over tree tops in main creeks like Craddock or Strawberry Banks.

Crappie can be caught in a variety of habitats, such as around brush piles, trees, and docks. Look for them moving shallow towards the middle of the month to start spawning.

The shad spawn will be starting soon with the water getting into the mid 60’s towards the end of the month. Focus on main lake riprap as early as an hour before sunrise and a few hours after sunset. Please use your running lights if you do decide to go out in the dark. A topwater wake bait like a thunderstick is a great choice for the shad spawn.

In April, the water temperature at Smith Mountain Lake is usually in the mid-50s to low 60s, making it an excellent time to fish for all of these species. Please practice catch and release on bedding fish so they can lay their eggs to keep this lake a special place forever. Tight lines and be safe!