Smith Mountain Lake May Fishing Report - Fry guarding, shad spawning and topwater time!!!

May is an exciting time to fish at Smith Mountain Lake, as many species of fish become more active as the water temperature continues to warm up. One phenomenon that occurs in May is the shad spawn, which can make for some great fishing opportunities.

The shad spawn usually occurs in May when the water temperature reaches around 65-70 degrees. During this time, shad will spawn in shallow areas, such as around rocks, riprap and points. This will attract predatory fish, such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, stripers, and catfish. You can use lures that mimic shad, such as swimbaits, topwater lures and crankbaits. Getting up early or staying out past dark will increase the number and size of fish you will catch. Remember to be safe driving during those times and have the correct lights working on your boats.

Largemouth bass can be found in shallow water moving back out to deeper water as they start their post spawn movements. We will still have fish coming up to spawn but the majority of the population will be moving around. The topwater bite is about to start heavy as you have post spawn females that are looking for larger meals after the stress of laying their eggs. Start to look at water that is close to main creek channel swings or high spots near secondary points. The fish will also use docks heavily at this time as cover and ambush areas. Once the topwater bite stops for the day this is a great time to focus on dragging. A Carolina rig, dropshot and heavier shaky head shine this month. Focus on smaller profile baits like 4-6” worms to catch numbers and size.

Smallmouth bass can be found in clear and rocky areas, such as points, ledges, and drop-offs. These fish will be the first to really start moving out deeper towards the main lake. These fish will be very aggressive this month so keep trying different baits until you find what they seem to want on each day. A small swimbait is about all you need on a cloudy or windy day on the lower end.

Stripers are about on every point up and down the lake and are eating heavy now. Keep an eye as you’re riding around on your big motor for massive schools of fish blowing up on top. Its a good idea to have a swimbait, fluke or topwater at the ready so you can zoom your boat right over to the active school. These fish are chasing the shad spawn around after the sun comes up. You will be surprise how shallow some of the bigger fish get to find the food.

Crappie fishing will also be great this month. Most of the schools have spawned and are on the move back out to deeper water. They are hungry and grouped together. Look for brush piles in the 8-15 foot ranger outside of flat spawning pockets.

In May, the water temperature at Smith Mountain Lake is usually in the mid-60s to low 70s, making it an excellent time to fish for all of these species. Be sure to take advantage of the shad spawn by using lures that mimic shad, and always follow local fishing regulations and properly release fish back into the water to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.