March Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report by Captain Chad Green

SMITH MOUNTIAN LAKE FISHING REPORTBy: Captain Chad Greenwww.lastcastguideservicesml.com

March is here and the big fish have the menu in their sight. A lot of big fish are being caught right now of all species. The migration has started over the last week and fish are everywhere and vulnerable to many presentations. The colder days will be more productive this month and windy days are preferable. This is the month to catch a citation if that’s what you are looking for. Water temps are still on the cold side, take safety precautions as necessary.

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PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE ON CITATION SIZE FISH

Largemouth Bass/Smallmouth BassThe last 2 weeks have been on fire for bass fishing with numbers and great quality. Citation LM have showed up the last week as they always do in March. It will not last long if it stays warm so get out soon while its time to catch the bigger fish. Once the water temp reaches 55 degrees the 8 lb plus fish rarely get caught on SML. The fish are in many depths as they are migrating but the larger fish have been shallow since January. Jerkbaits are still producing early in the morning along with Crankbaits. The Jig bite has really picked up in the last week and a great way to catch big fish. Half ounce GP with trailer is the bait of choice on SML and heavy rods and line in shallow water will produce. Many fish can be caught on shad imitation baits like swimbaits, A rigs etc. can be great choices. Damiki rigs has been a great bait for numbers but has not known for producing many quality fish. Rocks and Docks in staging areas are where most of the fish are and close to deep water as they migrate. Smallmouth have been biting fairly well also.Striped Bass

Striper fishing has been on fire as well with many fish surfacing in the evenings. Some citation size fish have been showing up over the last week. They are on the prowl traveling in smaller schools but larger areas. I have found fish in just about every part of the lake. It should not be hard to locate fish casting to bank with a slow retrieve with Shad imitation baits and long stick baits. They have been feeding just about all day but as usual the better times are morning and late evening. Night bite has been producing fish as they normally do. Target areas that have baitfish present and you should have some luck. There are still some bigger schools in deep water during the mid day times, Stripers typically stay on the move a lot due to their oxygen needs so if aren’t finding them keep moving until you do.

Crappie Most of the Crappie have been in the 15-25 foot range. The crappie fishing has been a lot better the last month or so. There are plenty of crappie to be found. Small Jigs and Minnows will be baits of choice.TournamentsCatt trail 3-3,3-10, 3-24FLW BFL 3-9Bass Nation 3-16,3-17Anglers choice 3-16

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