Smith Mountain Lake January Fishing Report - Please get colder
Well just like in 2020 the start to 2021 is not shaping up like it should be. Virginia is experiencing another super mild winter with nightly temperatures barely tapping on the freezing mark. This has kept the shad alive for much longer and it’s keeping some of the bigger fish from being caught as they have SO much food to eat at their fin tips. Most of the water temperatures in the lake are varying from the low 40’s in the upper ends of both the rivers to almost 50 degrees on the lower end of the lake. This can make it challenging to know how reactive fish will be in both areas and can require an angler to switch baits and presentations based on the area they choose to fish. Pray we get some big cold snaps in the next few weeks because spring time will be here before you know it.
Bass fishing has been a little tough. Most the tournament weights are in the mid to high teens (which is still an awesome day of fishing) but not as big as some winter bags could be. Weather plays a big role in a monster bag of winter bass, but more important is a shad stun event. This happens when the water temp snaps and the smaller shad that were born this year start to die. That is the dinner bell to large fish of call kinds. Most all of our fish are coming on either a 2.8-3.3 swimbait on a very light Dobyns lightwire swimbait head (1/8,3/16,1/4) or an Alabama rig rigged with 1/8 heads and 2.8 swimmers. Take the time to find the bait in the pockets before casting it will pay off.
Striper fishing is great right now. I am finding most of my fish in the standing timber along points that start at the mouth of most creeks. Again, a swimbait, Alabama rig or a spoon are killer for getting them to react. Look for fish in the 25-60 foot range hiding in the standing timber and either cast and count it down or drop the spoon right on their head. This is where knowing how to use your electronics is key. Front facing sonar like Garmin Livescope is a great tool when fishing that deep and for schooling fish, but also being able to use traditional 2D sonar with the A-scope is great. If you’re looking to learn more about your electronics book an electronics training class with me here.
Crappie fishing is also lights out right now. I am finding massive schools of them in 14-25 feet of water in most boat marinas. Again if you find the bait check most the marina areas for dock slips that are stack. Get right on top of them with a small shad bait and have a blast!
Like always if you’re heading out alone please let someone know the area you are going and always wear a lifejacket.