smith mountain trophy striper patterns
- Spring – (March-May) As fish transition from the cold water deep forage patterns to spring the fish will go shallow. Sometimes being only feet off the banks. With spring usually one pattern dominates and that’s big gizzard shad. As the water warms these fish gorge themselves preparing for the upcoming spawn. Although they don’t successfully spawn at Smith Mountain Lake, they’ll try. Unlike many inland lakes where fish go upstream, Smith Mountain’s striper concentrate on the lower lake. Many fish though will choose to spawn on main lake points or up creeks. This creates many dependable patterns that can produce trophy striper throughout the spring.
- Summer – (June-August) From the end May though June stripers can be caught during their post spawn feeding. Patterns will stay consistent with the spring and big bait will continue to work. As the water continues to warm the bait spawns will wrap up and the fish will begin moving to their summer locations. These fish will school throughout the summer and large schools of striper can be targeted on the lower half of the lake. Targeting trophy fish when water warms above 75 is not encouraged. This is normally mid to late June. Plenty of smaller fish can be targeted and fishing can be fast and fun. Mornings with double and triples are common.
- Fall – (September-November) As the heat of summer begins to lessen its hold striper will start moving back up the river arms. Again the best trophy pattern involves big bait. Some of the best fishing can be had in the fall. October and November striper busting on the surface can be an exhilarating fishing experience.
- Winter – (December-February) Fall fishing patterns hold up into late December on most years. Once water temperatures cool into the mid 40s its time for some jigging. By this time most fish have gone back to deeper water. If we have a warmer winter patterns the fall can continue well into the winter.
