Crews Says the Giants Are Coming: Smith Mountain's About to Turn On

By Pete Robbins 

 

Veteran Virginia pro John Crews said that things are lining up for major fireworks at the upcoming Smith Mountain Lake Big Bass Tour event. 

 

“The lake has been producing big ones consistently the last couple of months,” he said. “At every tournament, it takes between a 7- and 9-pounder to win big bass. Two weeks ago an angler had a 10-pounder in a 26 pound bag. Some of our guys had five for 36.88 the weekend of the Bassmaster Classic.” 

 

Making it potentially better, the BBT tournament will fall on the full moon, so any fish that aren’t already up should be moving that way. There’s one complication, though – some colder weather in the days leading up to the tournament could confuse those same fish, and the anglers chasing them. 

 

“I’d still look toward traditional spawning pockets,” he said. “They’ve been moving up and should continue that way. There are probably still some out, so also look at staging cover like docks and secondary points.” 

 

He said that the biggest fish tend to move up first, but they don’t spawn in obvious places. Typically, that means they’re deeper than their smaller cousins, so he’d try to anticipate where the beds are going to be and drag a soft plastic through them. 

 

“Bottom baits are best for that,” he said. “Fish a big creature bait just out of sight.” 

 

He explained that anglers going off the bank looking for solo giants could have some success, but he wouldn’t look for them to be following the shad. 

 

“It’s weird right now,” he explained. “There’s not a ton of bait and fish aren’t locked onto it like in the wintertime.” Nevertheless, a small swimbait or jerkbait could prove to be players, especially if there’s some wind. 

 

While the cold weather is coming, Crews said it’s likely not going to impact the bass. 

 

“Cold fronts don’t affect Smith Mountain bass movements as much as they do on shallower impoundments,” he explained. “Don’t let water In the mid-50s scare you away. The bass should still be up there.” 

 

One factor which could play a role would be water clarity. He said that a few weeks ago the water had some stain and the fish bit well on shallow crankbaits. While a little bit of stain remains, the water cleared up a bit since then. If some rain occurs this week, he’d seek out more colored water and try to hunt down a giant with a square bill, spinnerbait or Chatterbait. 

 

Indeed, giants will be the name of the game. Smith Mountain Lake used to be a fishery where 5-pounders were comparatively rare, and 6-pounders raised eyebrows. That’s no longer the case. The big fish trends that Crews cited are borne out by BBT results as well. The last time we didn’t weigh in a 7-pounder in a spring tournament at SML was in 2019, when there were four over 6. Each of the last four events there have been multiple bass caught over 8 pounds, including in 2021, when a gigantic 8.09 took top honors. 

 

Because so many hourly checks will be claimed with fish in the 3-4 pound class, it’s critical to watch the live leaderboard to maximize your winnings. Crews explained that all sectors of the lake have the potential to claim hourly prizes – as well as the grand prize – right now, so use your time wisely and don’t waste a long run at the wrong time.

Top Berkley Baits for Smith Mountain Lake in April

 

• Powerbait Power Hawg

• Maxscent the General

• Powerbait Drip Minnow

• Frittside 5

• Stunna 100

• Power Blade Spinnerbait