The Smith Mountain Lake Striper Tournament draws anglers every spring to compete for striped bass

The Smith Mountain Lake Striper Tournament is an annual spring fishing event held on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia, typically running in April or May. The tournament focuses on striped bass — the lake's most popular game fish — and draws both recreational and competitive anglers. Participants fish during designated hours, weigh their catch at an official location, and compete for prizes based on total weight and sometimes largest individual fish.

The tournament is organized by local fishing clubs and the Smith Mountain Lake Association, with support from Virginia's Department of Wildlife Resources. Entry fees vary by year and division, and the event typically includes separate categories for different angler types, including youth divisions. Most years the tournament runs for one or two days, with fishing windows that start before dawn and end by mid-afternoon.

Key Takeaways

  • Smith Mountain Lake Striper Tournament typically takes place in April or May each year, with exact dates announced by the Smith Mountain Lake Association.
  • You must register in advance and pay an entry fee to compete; registration usually opens several weeks before the tournament date.
  • Striped bass must meet a minimum size requirement (usually 18 inches) to count toward your tournament weight.
  • All fish are weighed at an official weigh-in station during set hours, and you cannot weigh fish after the deadline passes.
  • Youth anglers often fish in separate divisions with their own prize categories and sometimes reduced entry fees.

How to Register and Entry Requirements

Registration for the Smith Mountain Lake Striper Tournament opens several weeks before the event and closes a few days before fishing begins. You can register through the Smith Mountain Lake Association website or at designated local tackle shops around the lake. You will need to provide your name, contact information, and Virginia fishing license number at registration.

Entry fees cover your participation and access to the official weigh-in. Fees are typically between $50 and $100 per angler, though youth divisions may cost less. Some tournaments offer a "big fish" side pot — an optional additional fee that enters you into a separate prize pool for the largest single striped bass caught. You must have a valid Virginia fishing license to enter; a license is separate from tournament registration and can be obtained through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Tournament Rules and Fish Size Requirements

Striped bass must be at least 18 inches long to count toward your tournament weight. Fish are measured from the tip of the mouth to the end of the tail, and tournament officials will measure every fish at weigh-in. Any fish under the minimum size is returned to the lake and does not count.

Fishing typically begins at sunrise or shortly before and ends by mid-afternoon on the tournament day or days. You must fish only during the official tournament window — catching fish before or after those hours disqualifies them. All fish must be kept alive and brought to the official weigh-in station; dead fish may not be weighed, depending on the tournament's specific rules that year.

Anglers are usually limited to a certain number of fish per tournament — often five striped bass — though the exact limit varies. Check the current year's rules when you register, as they can change from year to year based on lake conditions and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources guidance.

Fishing Locations and Techniques on Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake covers about 20,000 acres and has several productive areas for striped bass. The main lake channel, the upper Blackrock area, and the lower lake near the dam are traditional striper grounds. Early in the season (April), stripers are often in deeper water and around structure like submerged trees and rocky points. By May, they may move shallower as water temperatures rise.

Live bait — particularly shad and herring — is effective for stripers on Smith Mountain Lake. Many anglers also use jigging spoons, swimbaits, and topwater lures early in the morning. The lake's size means you will need a boat to reach the best fishing areas; bank fishing is possible but less productive for tournament competition. Arrive early on tournament day to scout your preferred location, as popular spots fill quickly.

Weigh-In Procedures and Prize Structure

The official weigh-in station is typically located at a marina or boat ramp on Smith Mountain Lake — the specific location is announced when you register. Weigh-in hours are strict; fish brought in after the deadline cannot be weighed, so plan to arrive well before the cutoff time. Bring your fish in a livewell or cooler with water to keep them alive until they are weighed.

Fish are weighed individually and your total weight is recorded. Prizes are usually awarded for the heaviest total weight in each division, and sometimes for the largest single fish. Prize money or merchandise is distributed at an awards ceremony held the same day or shortly after. Youth divisions have their own prize pools, so young anglers compete against other youth rather than adults.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring your boat, fishing rod, tackle, and a livewell or cooler with ice to keep fish fresh. You will also need your Virginia fishing license and tournament registration confirmation. Wear layers — April and May mornings on the water are cold, and the weather can change quickly. Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat are useful for a full day on the water.

Check the weather forecast the day before and the morning of the tournament. High winds can make the lake unsafe or unproductive for fishing. If you are unfamiliar with Smith Mountain Lake, consider fishing the lake a week or two before the tournament to learn the bottom structure and where stripers are holding. Local tackle shops can offer recent reports on where fish are being caught.

Youth Divisions and Family Participation

Most years the Smith Mountain Lake Striper Tournament includes a youth division for anglers under 16 or 18, depending on the year's rules. Youth anglers fish during the same tournament window as adults but compete in their own category with separate prizes. Some tournaments allow a youth angler to fish with an adult supervisor, which is a good way for young people to learn tournament fishing in a structured setting.

Family teams are sometimes permitted, with combined weight counting toward a family division prize. Check the current year's rules when you register to see whether youth and family divisions are offered and what the age cutoffs are.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Smith Mountain Lake Striper Tournament happen each year?

The tournament is typically held in April or May, with the exact dates announced by the Smith Mountain Lake Association several weeks in advance. The specific date changes year to year based on water temperature and fish activity. Check the Smith Mountain Lake Association website or local tackle shops for the current year's dates.

Do I need a boat to fish the tournament?

A boat is strongly recommended because the most productive striper fishing on Smith Mountain Lake requires access to deeper water and structure away from shore. Bank fishing is possible but puts you at a significant disadvantage in competition. If you do not own a boat, some marinas offer rental boats, or you may be able to fish with another angler who has one.

What happens if I catch a fish under 18 inches?

Any striped bass under the minimum size must be released immediately and does not count toward your tournament weight. Tournament officials will measure every fish at weigh-in, so there is no benefit to bringing undersized fish in. Handle and release small fish carefully to give them the best chance of survival.

Can I fish alone or do I need a fishing partner?

Most tournaments allow solo anglers to compete. You do not need a partner, though fishing with someone else can make the day safer and more enjoyable. If you fish alone, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return, and wear a life jacket at all times on the water.

How much does it cost to enter the tournament?

Entry fees typically range from $50 to $100 per angler, though youth divisions may be less. Optional side pots for the largest fish may add another $10 to $25. You will also need a Virginia fishing license, which costs between $16 and $27 depending on whether you buy a one-day or annual license. Check the Smith Mountain Lake Association website for the exact fees for the current year.