Smith Mountain Lake

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Largest Lake in the State

Smith Mountain Lake’s 500-mile shoreline stretches across three counties in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The lake, which spans 20,600 acres, is the largest entirely within the state, and it boasts an average depth of 55 feet, perfect for water sports enthusiasts. From Roanoke to Norfolk, Smith Mountain Lake is coveted for its location, recreation, and real estate.

Essentials

There are several small airfields and landing strips around the lake, but the nearest major airports are Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, one hour away, and Piedmont Triad International Airport, two hours away. In addition, there are three hospitals near the lake for emergency medical services: Carilion Roanoke, Carilion Franklin, and Centra Bedford.

Humble to Hollywood

Officials first proposed to dam the Roanoke and Blackwater rivers in the 1920s to generate electricity, but construction did not begin until 1960. It only took three years to complete the dam; however, the area remained predominantly rural and agricultural — farms and tobacco. Nevertheless, the humble community grew steadily in the 80s, and the 90s saw exponential growth through retail and commercial development plans.

Smith Mountain Lake served as a backdrop for the silver screen, with two notable films shot here: the independent film Lake Effects, which premiered on Hallmark, and the 1991 movie What About Bob? starring Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss.

Fishing and Recreation

Smith Mountain Lake offers a wide array of recreational opportunities both on and off the water. On land, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, established in 1983, provides a beautiful beach and designated swimming area, allowing visitors a cool dip in the water. Due to the lake’s residential and commercial growth, six government-operated boat launches ensure public access. 

The lake boasts a diverse range of fish species, including striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and yellow perch. Furthermore, over the years, the lake has become renowned for its thriving population of walleyes and muskies, which are steadily increasing in number. As a result, the lake’s abundant fish population has attracted prestigious fishing tournaments like the Bassmaster and ESPN, making it a highly coveted destination for anglers.

A Blue Thread

A tapestry of the landscape and its community, Smith Mountain Lake invites us to explore its depths, bask in its beauty, and find solace in its timeless allure.

Lake Information

  • Shoreline: 500 miles
  • Shoreline Borders: State Park (Some), Mountains
  • Average Depth: 55 feet
  • Deepest Depth: 250 feet
  • Acreage: 20,600
  • Water Level: Seasonal Full Pool
  • Schedule: May
  • Water Drops: 1 foot
  • Dam: Smith Mountain Dam
  • Ownership: Public
  • Dam Managed By: Appalachian Power
  • Dam Year Built: 1963
  • Public Boat Ramps: 8
  • Counties: Bedford County, Franklin County, Pittsylvania County
  • Fish: Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass
  • Sailing Clubs: Yes
  • Condos Available: Yes
  • Notable Events: Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour, "Nite at the Races"

  • Permit is not required to use the lake.

  • Jet skis are allowed.

  • Motorized boats are allowed.

  • Houseboats are allowed.

  • Boating restrictions (Yes). — Must take boat safety course if under 50, those under 15 may not operate PWC (See http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/education/requirement/)

  • Dock restrictions (Yes). — Must obtain permit to enhance or construct (See http://www.smithmtn.com/shorelinemgmt/Forms.aspx)

    • Resources Nearby

    Piedmont Triad International Airport

    Address: 1000 Ted Johnson Pkwy, Greensboro, NC 27409

    Roanoke-Blackburg Regional Airport

    Address: 5202 Aviation Dr NW, Roanoke, VA 24012

    Arrowhead LLC

    Phone: 540-420-7625
    Address: 5625 Smith Mountain Rd, Penhook, VA 24137

    Lazy Cove Campground

    Address: 37 Plantation Dr, Penhook, -1 24137

    Smith Mountain State Park

    Phone: 540-297-6066
    Address: 1235 Rd 888, Huddleston, VA 24104

    Mariners Landing Golf and Country Club

    Phone: 540-492-4851
    Address: 2052 Lake Retreat Rd, Huddleton, VA 24104

    Waterfront Golf and Country Club

    Phone: 540-721-2397
    Address: 275 Anchor Dr, Moneta, VA 24121

    Waters Edge Country Club

    Phone: 540-576-1556
    Address: 1825 Water's Edge Dr, Penhook, VA 24137

    Lake Haven Marina

    Phone: 540-297-7347
    Address: 15844 Smith Mountain Lake Pkwy, Huddleston, VA 24104

    Bayside Marina and Yacht Club

    Phone: 540-721-3664
    Address: 500 Shoreline Dr, Moneta, VA 24121

    Craddock Creek Marina

    Phone: 540-297-7325
    Address: 15826 Smith Mountain Lake Pkwy, Huddleston, VA 24104

    Crazy Horse Marina

    Phone: 540-719-0620
    Address: 400 Crazy Horse Dr, Moneta, VA 24121

    Crystal Shores Marina

    Phone: 540-297-1888
    Address: 1617 Crystal Shores Dr, Moneta, VA 24121

    Lakeside Marina and Construction

    Phone: 434-927-5380
    Address: 629 Lakeside Rd, Penhook, VA 24137

    Magnum Point Marina

    Phone: 540-576-3001
    Address: 2200 Old Salem School Rd, Union Hall, VA 24176

    Parkway Marina

    Phone: 540-297-4412
    Address: 16918 Smith Mountain Lake Pkwy, Huddleston , VA 24104

    Pelican Point Yacht Club Inc.

    Phone: 540-576-2019
    Address: 60 Marina Point Ln, Union Hall, VA 24176

    Carolion Franklin Memorial Hospital

    Phone: 540-483-5277
    Address: 150 Floyd Ave, Rocky Mt, VA 24151