Smith Mountain Lake July Fishing Report - Dog days and deep fishing

Summer is finally here! Air temperatures are mid 80’s to mid 90’s almost everyday, thunderstorms roll in almost every evening and the fish are BITING!!!

Most fish off all species are heading for the deep water for the rest of the summer to stay cool and now is the perfect time to cut them off at the points and secondary points. The only fish that is sticking it out shallow is the big bull bluegill and bream.

Stripers are on most main lake points, shoals and schooling in the standing timber. If you get out early throw a topwater or swimbait. Good topwater choices include walking baits like a Zara spook, Strike King sexy dog or a Lucky Craft gunfish. A Missile Baits shockwave or something similar for a swimbait is a awesome starting bait as well. Keep an eye out for big schools coming to the surface and fire your bait right in there.

The smallmouth are back and have attitude! The lower end of the lake holds the most so look for rocky points and steep dropoffs. Topwater in the morning is a great choice but as the sun comes up switching to a dropshot, or a Ned rig with a Ned bomb will bring more fish to the boat.

The largemouth are still getting gathered together on the points. Check secondary points with crankbaits (DT10, DT16, 6xd, Spro little John MD and DD’s) or drag around a worm. We are still a few weeks out from fishing being stacked on the points, but its close. Also don’t be afraid to go check super shallow as some largemouth stay back in the cuts to chew on bluegill and bream. It may not be great numbers, but you could find yourself a monster back there.

As always check in with Captains Quarters for any baits your need. Tell Dewayne I sent ya :)