Smith Lake, Virginia: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Smith Lake sits in Augusta County, out in Virginia. The bank is 1,270 feet above sea level. At roughly 6 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Virginia listings. For supplies, Fishersville is 1.6 miles out. After that come Waynesboro at 4.4 miles and Dooms at 4.8 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Smith Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Species logged across Augusta County include fantail darter, bluegill, white sucker and brook trout. The county list is broader than any single water. On Smith Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 74°F for July and 32°F for January. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Plan any trip to Smith Lake around it. Water temperature lags behind air temperature by days, not hours.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Should this one be busy, Massie Pond is 4.8 miles off. Ask locally about Smith Lake if anything is unclear.