Smith Mountain Lake May Fishing Report - Topwater and the shad spawn

If you’ve never experienced the biggest topwater bites you could think of, then its time to hit the water! The shad spawn is here and the most aggressive topwater bites are about to go down. This is one of the most fun ways to catch all types of fish. The lake is just alive from top to bottom.

The stripers are chasing bait on the main lake points in the morning. If you can get up before the sun comes up you can have some of the best mornings of the entire year. A fluke is a great secondary bait after the sun comes up. Work it as fast as you can.

The largemouth and smallmouth are on the secondary points on the way back out to the main water! A buzzbait, walking topwater are key to getting those bites along the rip rap. There is another bite going on we refer to as the bluegill spawn eaters. As the bass finish spawning the bluegills will move up super shallow for their chance to spawn. Some largemouth will stay behind to chew on them. A senko on the last drops before a big flat or fishing a popper super slow can get you some true giants. By the end of May the fish will be near the main lake and it’s hard to beat a dropshot on long points and brush piles.

A quick deal on the shad spawn… Night fishing becomes king in late May. Getting out around dark until 1am-3am throwing wake baits, thunder sticks and jointed topwaters is something everyone should experience once in their life. Focus on main lake riprap that has some deep (3-5 feet) water close and go very slow on the trolling motor. Stay silent and listen for shad splashing on the banks. Once you start to hear them spawning just wait and make repeated cast near them. You have the chance to catch a giant bass, striper and catfish. Also be safe out there and have your navigation lights on. Tight lines!