Smith Mnt Lake early April

[bassmasher]

I am taking my son on a boys weekend getaway and was wondering if I could get some advice for fishing this time of year there(April).
I'm not looking for spots just some simple advice to get me started for a short weekend of fishing.
Thanks in advance for any advice!

[PsuHntr]

make sure that you don't plan it the same weekend as the Big Bass tournament would be my best advice

[Meadows]

PM Sent.

And as PSUHntr said, I'd make sure it's not the same weekend as the Big Bass tournament because there will literally be 400+ boats on the lake that weekend.

[bassmasher]

Thanks guys!

[Pagregss]

I'll echo what others have said. The weekend of the 24/25/26 is Big Bass Tour. There is also a FLW High School and College tournaments on the weekend of the 17/18. Not nearly the number of boats as Big Bass Tour, though.

[SETDHK]

4/4/2020 Will also have the Elite 70 fishing

[jakekups88]

Fishing that time of year is a day to day pattern. It all depends on weather and how cold or warm the end of winter into spring is. My advice would be to start in the backs of creeks and work your way out. If we have a warm march the fish could be spawning or even some post spawn. If we have a cold march (it has been a very mild winter here) this fish could be prespawn looking to spawn.

Start in the backs with wacky rigs and poppers around docks and lay downs and work your way out. Secondary and main points with cranks, shaky heads and carolina rigs.
When fishing in the creeks keep your eyes open and pay attention if you see fish on beds or just see them cruising around. Down towards the dam the water is crystal clear, up the rivers there is a little color but still very clear.

[bassmasher]

Fishing that time of year is a day to day pattern. It all depends on weather and how cold or warm the end of winter into spring is. My advice would be to start in the backs of creeks and work your way out. If we have a warm march the fish could be spawning or even some post spawn. If we have a cold march (it has been a very mild winter here) this fish could be prespawn looking to spawn.

Start in the backs with wacky rigs and poppers around docks and lay downs and work your way out. Secondary and main points with cranks, shaky heads and carolina rigs.
When fishing in the creeks keep your eyes open and pay attention if you see fish on beds or just see them cruising around. Down towards the dam the water is crystal clear, up the rivers there is a little color but still very clear.

Great info!! thanks

[Wingnutt]

Free-line big shad on planer boards close to the shore on the northern banks and points (southern sun warms them first) with just enough speed to make the boards work (medium to slow trolling motor speed). If the water is warm (50 degrees+) work the nooks and crannys in the coves too. Big stripers are putting on the spring feed bag about then and will knock them three feet out of the water and pounce on them when they land. If you're not sure where to go, there several excellent guides that I can recommend.

[Pagregss]

Looks like I'll be there the 16th-19th, boating for a high school team. Used to go down that weekend for Big Bass Tour before they moved it. One year did very well with spinnerbaits in the backs of creeks. Another year, caught them in 15'-20' on points using a Carolina rig. All depends on how the weather goes and how shallow they push up.

[bassmasher]

Looks like I'll be there the 16th-19th, boating for a high school team. Used to go down that weekend for Big Bass Tour before they moved it. One year did very well with spinnerbaits in the backs of creeks. Another year, caught them in 15'-20' on points using a Carolina rig. All depends on how the weather goes and how shallow they push up.

Thanks for the info! What end of the lake were you fishing.

[Pagregss]

Southern end. Launched at the Penhook ramp.

[bassmasher]

Southern end. Launched at the Penhook ramp.

Thanks!