Page 28 - Discover Summer 2020

Fisherman’s Almanac CONTINUED

yourself, or upstream of any current. Fish usually
face upstream, and this will put your bait right

where they are most likely to see it. To fish the
shoreline from a boat, always approach the shore
slowly, to avoid disturbing the water on the
shore.

Smith Mountain Lake is man-made,
created by a dam with turbines. The following
technique is applicable to any lake with similar
features. On Smith Mountain Lake, there are

2 islands located just north of the dam. Behind
the second island is very deep water, with a long
point coming out from the north side. I like to
sit in 35-40 ft of water with live baits (usually
shad) on a deep rod just above the fish I am
marking on a my graph.

When the whistle blows at the dam, they
run water thru the turbines, and this pulls the
bait fish over the point where my boat is. I also
fish free lines off the back of the boat. If the
fish are not hitting, I throw a free line onto the
point in the more shallow water to draw a strike.
Many anglers have left that area without a single
fish because they failed to observe the proper
moon phase. I have gone in there in accordance

with the proper moon phase with clients on
the boat, and we would normally get our limit
within 30 minutes.

Summer fishing takes time and dedication, but
with persistence and a little luck, you can do it!

As always, use safety gear, operate your boat
safely, dress properly and ‘’TAKE A KID
FISHING!”

Questions? Send me an Email!
fishing@discoversmithmountainlake.com

26 Discover Smith Mountain Lake SUMMER 2020