Book a Guide or Take a DIY Excursion

Let’s meet SML’s top fishing guides. There are a number of experienced and knowledgeable professionals who typically offer half-day and full-day excursions with equipment provided. It’s recommended you book in advance. These guides can show you the best techniques and places to fish on Smith Mountain Lake.

Billy Kohls, Smith Mountain Lake Fishing

Billy has been a fisherman for most of his life and has a deep passion for teaching others the sport. He loves his home waters of SML because of the vast landscape and record-breaking fishing opportunities. With his passion and knowledge of bass fishing combined with years of experience, Billy can offer anglers an unforgettable fishing experience on SML. He is known to be one of the only guides on the lake that specifically targets Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.

John Mathena, Patriot Fishing Charters

Captain John is a licensed USCG (United States Coast Guard) Master Captain, providing SML with full and half-day striper fishing charters. An avid fisherman since childhood, he has been fishing lakes across West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee. Growing up, Captain John spent time fishing with his father, also an avid angler.  Since moving to the Smith Mountain Lake Region, Captain John has become one of the fisherman known in the area for not only great catches, but experiences not soon forgotten.

Kenny Short, Kenny’s Striper Guide Service

Kenny has a great passion for striper fishing. He caught his first at the age of 13. Since then, he has consistently strived to improve his fishing techniques and with the asking, he will share these techniques with you to better your chances at that "Trophy Striper" you are hoping to catch. While you’re out striper fishing with Kenny, he will assist you in fishing but you will bring the fish to the boat yourself to get the full thrill of each catch.

Spike & Kathy Franceschini, Spike’s Prime Time Fishin’

Spike and Kathy have been full time-resident fishing guides at Smith Mountain Lake since 1988 and also are U.S. Coast Guard licensed. Two completely equipped 22-foot deck boats make up their fleet and accommodate parties of up to six each, using live bait and artificial lure techniques. All equipment is provided, along with pictures of the day's catch posted on Spike’s Facebook page, as well as your fish filleted and packaged. Trips can be customized to fit the needs of your group according to their angling experience.

Do-It-Yourself Fishing at Smith Mountain Lake

If you are more of a casual fisherman looking to take it slow and at your own pace in a boat or fishing from a pier, you’ll want to keep the list of public boat launches outlined below close by.

Fishing piers available to the public can be found at the Smith Mountain Lake State Park and the Smith Mountain Lake Community Park.

Also, don’t miss out on the friendly staff at Gills Creek Marina who will assist you in refueling and restocking on fishing supplies. You can grab fishing rods and reels, tackle, minnows, and other live bait at the marina.