Fish in Smith Mountain Lake
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Four-hour striped bass fishing adventure with expert Captain Wendell DudleyPontoon boat accommodates up to six guests with coffee and snacksForty years of local lake experience ensures prime fishing locations
Looking for some of the best striper fishing in Virginia? Smith Mountain Lake delivers exactly what serious anglers are after, and Captain Wendell Dudley knows these waters better than anyone. With over 40 years of experience on this lake, he's built Pullin' Drag Striper Fishing Charter into a top-rated operation that consistently puts clients on fish. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's a chance to learn from a master who's seen it all and still gets excited about every bite.
Your morning starts early on Captain Wendell's spacious pontoon boat, where you'll join up to 5 other anglers for a 4-hour adventure that showcases the best of Smith Mountain Lake. Don't worry about coming hungry – there's hot coffee brewing and plenty of snacks to keep you fueled throughout the trip. The pontoon setup gives everyone room to fish comfortably while taking in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountain scenery that surrounds this 20,000-acre lake. Captain Wendell and his experienced crew handle all the details, from rigging your lines to netting your catches, so you can focus on what you came here for. The relaxed atmosphere on board makes this perfect for both seasoned anglers and folks just getting into the sport. You'll find yourself swapping fishing stories with other guests while keeping one eye on your rod tip for that telltale bounce that signals a striper strike.
Smith Mountain Lake's structure and depth make it prime territory for trolling, and that's exactly how Captain Wendell targets the lake's famous striped bass population. The crew sets up a spread of umbrella rigs and live bait that covers different depths and zones where stripers typically hunt. You'll learn why certain lures work better at specific times of day and how the lake's thermocline affects fish behavior throughout the seasons. All tackle is provided, including heavy-duty rods and reels capable of handling the lake's bigger stripers that can easily top 20 pounds. The pontoon boat's electronics help locate schools of baitfish and mark productive structure like submerged points and creek channels where stripers ambush their prey. Captain Wendell explains his approach as you go, sharing insights about reading the water and understanding how weather patterns influence fish activity. This hands-on education makes every angler more successful, whether you're fishing Smith Mountain Lake or applying these lessons to other waters.
Striped bass are the undisputed kings of Smith Mountain Lake, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters were first introduced here in the 1960s and have thrived in the lake's deep, oxygen-rich waters ever since. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action when stripers move shallow to feed aggressively on abundant shad schools. During these peak periods, it's not uncommon to hook fish ranging from schoolie-sized 2-pounders all the way up to trophy specimens pushing 30 pounds or more. What makes stripers so exciting to catch is their incredible fighting ability – they'll make blistering runs, jump clear of the water, and test your drag system to its limits. The lake's stripers are known for their exceptional quality, with many fish displaying the classic torpedo-shaped body and distinctive horizontal stripes that make them one of the most beautiful freshwater gamefish in North America. Summer fishing can be tougher as stripers retreat to deeper, cooler water, but Captain Wendell's knowledge of the lake's summer patterns keeps the action going even when other boats struggle to find fish. Winter months see stripers school up in predictable areas, offering some of the year's most consistent fishing for anglers willing to brave the cold.
Captain Wendell's reputation for putting clients on fish has made Pullin' Drag Striper Fishing Charter a customer favorite among both locals and visiting anglers. With four decades of experience on Smith Mountain Lake, he's witnessed how this fishery has evolved and knows exactly where to find active stripers regardless of conditions. The combination of his expertise, quality equipment, and genuine enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge creates an experience that goes well beyond just catching fish. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce someone to the sport, or simply enjoy a morning on one of Virginia's most beautiful lakes, this charter delivers on all fronts. Smith Mountain Lake's stripers are waiting, and there's no better way to target them than with a guide who's dedicated his life to understanding their behavior. Don't miss your chance to fish with a true professional who still gets as excited about every catch as his guests do.
Hit the water aboard our 23ft Hurricane deck boat, perfectly rigged for serious striper fishing on Smith Mountain Lake. This beauty comes loaded with a powerful 2016 Yamaha V-Max 225 that'll get you to the hot spots fast, plus a Bimini top to keep you comfortable during those sunny Virginia mornings. The real game-changer is our Lowrance HDS 12 touch screen fish finder - this unit will show you exactly where those big stripers are holding, whether they're suspended in deep water or cruising the shallows. We've got you covered with 7ft Ugly Stik rods paired with Abu Garcia 6500 class reels that can handle whatever Smith Mountain Lake throws at you. The GPS navigation keeps us on the productive structure while you focus on landing fish. Captain Wendell knows every creek, point, and drop-off on this 20,000-acre lake, and with four decades of experience reading these waters, he'll put you on fish that'll make your drag scream.
Richmond