Fishing at Smith Mountain Lake

For the fishing enthusiast, whether you are a live bait fisherman or an artificial bait fisherman, Smith Mountain Lake offers plenty of fishing for all seasons. Stop in to one of our local tackle stores to hear stories about the “BIG ONES” that got away, or for tips on what the fish are biting. Don’t have a boat, no worries,

The Lake is best experienced from the water. From leisurely pontoon boats to jet skis or fishing charters, Here are some Smith Mountain Lake Boat Rentals:

Halesford Harbour Boat Rentals: (Previous Camper’s Paradise site) Located at R29, Ski boats, runabouts, pontoons, skis, tubes, wakeboards, kayaks, canoes. 540-797-6258

Bridgewater Marina: Located at R28, large selection of jet skis, pontoons, fishing boats, and runabouts. 540-721-1639

Parrot Cove: Located at R28, Houseboats, pontoons, runabouts and jet skis

Captain’s Quarters: Located at R28, Ski boats, pontoons, jet skis. 540-721-1175

Mitchell’s Point: Located at R2 or by road at the end of 734. 540-484-3980

Saunder’s Parkway Marina: Located at R6 by water, at the end of 626 by road. Pontoon Rentals 540-297-4412

Bridgewater Marina, State Park Location: Located by bouy R19 conveniently located right on the beach in the Smith Mountain Lake State Park and features some of the most beautiful scenary on the lake. • Open Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend-7 days a week 10 am to 6pm. 540.297.3642

Bridgewater Marina, Bernard’s Landing Location: Bernard’s Boat Rental will help you make the most of your cruising adventure. We are conveniently located at beautiful Bernard’s Landing below the check-in center 540-721-7800

3. Check out a nearby winery. Virginia wines wonderful! Take a tour of one: Brooks Mill Winery, Hickory Hill Vineyards, Leo Grande Vineyards, Peaks of Otter Winery & Orchards, Ramulose Ridge Vineyards, Savoy-Lee Winery, Tomahawk Mill Winery or White Rock Vineyards and Winery.

4. Rent a boat. There are tons of local marina that offer rentals of jetskis, pontoons, and ski boats for the day, or for the week. SML is best seen by water!

5. Pamper yourself with a Spa Day. SML Spa offers massages, spa packages, aromatherapy, facials, and much more. 540-719-0025

6. Spend a Saturday morning at the Westlake Farmers’ Market. An open-air market that offers vegetables, fruits, eggs, jams and jellies, herbs and more takes place each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Westlake Corner (adjacent to Lake Inn) Rocky Mount and Bedford also offer larger farmers’ markets.

7. Have an island picnic. Many of the islands at SML have sandy beaches where you can stop to swim and picnic. Don’t forget to take along trash bags so you can leave the area pristine. Of course, respect private-property postings.

8. Learn to Wake Board. Wake Up is your place at SML to try wakebaording, wakesurfing, or wakeskating for the first time or learn techniques and drills to help you improve your skills. Their knowledgeable and energetic instructors are ready to show you a good time! (434) 466-8674

9. Parasail: Check out the lake from the sky. Beautiful scenery from a completely thrilling vantage point. (540) 297-8481

10. Learn to sail. Captain Pete Phillip will show aspiring sailors the ropes during on-water outings tailored to their interest and experience. Call 719-0009 for info and to book lessons or a participatory half-day charter for groups of up to four. Find more details at smithmountainlakesailing.com.

11. Try paddleboarding. This popular new sport is like balancing on a big surfboard while working the abs and exploring the coves. Rental locations include SML Boat Rentals at Mitchell’s Point Marina, Smith Mountain Wake Company and Bridgewater Marina (with additional locations at Bernard’s Landing and SML State Park).

12. Spend a day at the beach at Smith Mountain Lake Community Park or SML State Park. Lifeguards on duty at the white sand beaches. Open daily until dusk.

13. Boat to a restaurant. Any of SML’s 19 waterfront eateries make a great boat-trip destination.

14. Play mini golf. Three different styles are available in the lake area – Harbortown Mini Golf at Bridgewater Plaza, Hot Shots and Westlake Safari Mini Golf at Westlake.

15. Take in a movie at the Westlake Cinema. Check www.westlakecinema.com for show times.

16. Feed the fish. Stop by Bridgewater Plaza or Smith Mountain Dock and Lodge and feed the pet carp.

17. Go horseback riding. Smith Mountain Farm & Stables in nearby Sandy Level offers scenic trail rides for riders of all abilities. Age and weight restrictions apply. Rental cottages and skeet shooting also are available. (434) 927-5199

18. Fish with a guide and then chow down on your catch. Catch ‘em, grill ’em and eat ‘em. Striper makes a delicious meal. A professional fishing guide will teach you how to catch them and usually filet them for you.

19. Visit an alpaca farm or retail store to learn about these cute, intriguing animals. Take photos and shop for clothing and novelties made of alpaca fiber. The SML region has a number of area operations to choose from, including Alpaca By Jaca (store only), Alpacas of Smith Mountain Lake Farm & Gifts, Peaks of Otter Alpacas, Pacabella Farm Alpacas, Dreamland Farm and A Goode View Alpaca Farm.

20. Take a nature walk at SML State Park. There are several pleasant and easy walks, many with water views. The park also offers boating, swimming, fishing, hunting and camping. Open daily, 8 a.m. to dusk.

21. Visit the birthplace of Booker T. Washington. Located on Virginia 122 just south of Westlake, this park has scenic walking trails and a variety of educational events throughout the season.

22. Visit the Smith Mountain Dam. Learn how electricity is generated, catch the movie in the mini-theater and try the hands-on displays that help kids and adults grasp the size and scope of electrical concepts at the remodeled Vipperman Center. Afterward, enjoy the picnic area and overlook. The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibits and overlook area close at 4:30.

23. Honor our soldiers at the National D-Day Memorial. Visit the memorial in Bedford to recognize the valor and sacrifice of the Allied Armed Forces on D-Day (June 6, 1944). The memorial is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are asked to check in at the nearby Bedford Area Welcome Center. dday.org

24. Enjoy the nightlife. Mangos Bar & Grill at Bridgewater Plaza has live music on weekends all summer long. Blackwater Café hosts live jazz on the third Thursday of each month. Hot Shots hosts open mic night every Thursday. Waller’s Waterfront has live entertainment as well.

Smith Mountain Lake Restaurants and Dining

“Amazement Square”, located in downtown Lynchburg is a “hands on”, interactive museum with its 4 floors worth of climbing, sliding, and interactive exhibits and activities that cover anything from global and regional topics, arts, humanities, and health and science related themes. The Science Museum of Western Virginia has plenty of hands on exhibits for the whole family as well, including a butterfly room.

Smith Mountain Lake has some historical monuments as well for all you history enthusiasts. The National D-Day Memorial and the Booker T. Washington National Monument both offer tours. If you are a family that love the outdoors stop on by our Smith Mountain Lake State Park. which offers a verity of fun for the whole family from camping, log cabins, a man made beach, canoe and paddle boat rentals, miles of biking and hiking trails, fishing piers, picnic shelters, snack/food bar. Bridgewater Plaza (the one stop shop for the whole family) offers outdoor entertainment with a putt course, an arcade center, a rock climbing station. It also features an art gallery and awesome night life with music and dancing, also plenty of places to eat such as Moosies, Mango’s Bar and Grill, Chopsticks, Oar Knot, Pizza Pub, and the Ice Cream Shop and lots of mini shops for souvenirs, wine, clothes, and crafts. The best part of Bridgewater Plaza is that it is all on the water, so come by boat or come by car but there is something for everyone here!! So rain or shine, Smith Mountain Lake offers you a good time!!!!

Check out a movie at the Westlake Cinema. They get first run movies, even 3D and are open late. Check out one of the public libraries and read a good book. If you sign up for an account, you can use their computers too. Most of our homes have either a pool table, ping pong table, foosball, air hockey or board games.