Lake MapsUS Lake Database
Reservoir•Virginia Lakes•Bedford, Franklin, Pittsylvania County

Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia: Map, Depth, Size & Information

Comprehensive hydrographic guide to Smith Mountain Lake featuring verified USGS & USACE water statistics, interactive topographic mapping, shoreline facilities, boating ramps, and game fisheries.

Directions
Surface Area
20,600 acres
83.4 km²
Max Depth
250 feet
76.2 m
Elevation
795 feet
242 m ASL
Shoreline
500 miles
805 km
Coordinates
37.050°, -79.620°
GPS WGS84
Verification
Official Data
2026-03-08
Live Hydrographic & Conditions Telemetry

Smith Mountain Lake Live Water Level Status & Wind Conditions

Reservoir Hydrography
Water Level Status & Capacity
Current Water Elevation
795.09 ft
Normal Full Pool: 795.00 ft
Full Pool
Difference from Full Pool
+0.09 ft(above)
Reservoir Waterline & Storage Capacity95.7% of Conservation Pool
0%
25%
50%
75%
100% Full
Full Pool: 795.00 ft
24h Change: -0.08 ft / 24hEst. Volume: 1,084,281 acre-ft
Inflow Rate
1,826 cfs
River tributaries
Dam Outflow
1,775 cfs
Hydro & spillway
Water Temp
67°F
Surface layer
Water Clarity
11.9 ft
Secchi disc depth
Hydrologic balance: Current net flow is +51 cfs (Gaining volume). Water level is falling at 0.08 ft per day.
Atmospheric & Surface
Live Wind & Wave Simulator
Caution for Small Craft
Nautical Wind Compass Rose
NESW
S 190°
18 mph
Gusts: 29 mph
Blowing from S (190°) at 18 mph
Surface Wave Conditions1.5 ft wave height
Moderate Chop (1.0 - 2.0 ft)
Whitecap Chop & Swell
Barometer
30.02 inHg
Steady pressure
Solunar Bite
Slow Bite
High game fish bite
Hourly Forecast Timeline Scrubber:12 PM • 18 mph S
Calculate Water Level & Volume ChangesModel acre-feet storage loss, shoreline recession, and drought reserve projections for Smith Mountain Lake.
Open Calculator

Interactive Map of Smith Mountain Lake

37.0500° N, 79.6200° W|Get Directions
Centroid Coordinates: 37.05° N, -79.62° WOpen Directions in Maps

Where is Smith Mountain Lake?

Smith Mountain Lake is located in Bedford, Franklin, Pittsylvania County in the state of Virginia, at geographical coordinates 37.0500° North latitude and 79.6200° West longitude. The water body lies at a surface elevation of approximately 795 feet (242 meters) above mean sea level.

Nearby Cities & Distances

Moneta
4 miles away
Roanoke
25 miles away
Lynchburg
38 miles away
Greensboro (NC)
65 miles away
Richmond
140 miles away

About Smith Mountain Lake

Blue Ridge Mountains rising above the sparkling water of Smith Mountain Lake Virginia
Reservoir • Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric ImpoundmentVerified 2026-03-08

Smith Mountain Lake, celebrated as the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains," is the second-largest freshwater lake in Virginia, spanning over 20,000 acres and 500 miles of shoreline on the Roanoke River. Impounded in 1963 by the Appalachian Power Company, the reservoir is renowned for its panoramic mountain vistas, pristine deep water, luxury waterfront homes, and a nationally acclaimed trophy striped bass fishery.

Hydrographic Classification:

Smith Mountain Lake is categorized as a Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Impoundment. Its designated primary authorized uses include Pumped-Storage Hydro Generation, Recreation, Flood Retardation.

Activities & Recreation

Sport Fishing

Smith Mountain Lake is known for its resident game fish species. Common targets include:

Striped BassLargemouth BassSmallmouth BassBlack CrappieWalleyeChannel Catfish
Boating & Watersports

Popular watercraft activities permitted across regulated channels:

Striped Bass Guided FishingPower Boating & Wake SurfingSailing RegattasSmith Mountain Lake State Park CampingLakefront Dining & Marina Hopping

Boat Ramps, Marinas & Public Parks

Marinas (4)

  • •Bridgewater Plaza Marina
  • •Pelican Point Yacht Club
  • •Crazy Horse Marina
  • •Crystal Shores Marina

Public Boat Launches (3)

  • •Smith Mountain Lake State Park Launch
  • •Hardy Boat Ramp
  • •Hales Ford Boat Launch

Parks & Recreation (3)

  • •Smith Mountain Lake State Park
  • •Smith Mountain Lake Community Park
  • •Bridgewater Plaza

Boating Safety, Wake Zones & Aquatic Regulations

• Speed & Wake Buffer Zones:

A mandatory 100-to-200-foot no-wake zone is enforced around all public boat launches, designated swimming areas, private docks, and moored vessels. Vessel operators must maintain idle speed in narrow coves and bridge passes.

• Safety Gear & AIS Protocol:

Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, or III PFDs are required for all vessel occupants. To prevent aquatic invasive species (quagga mussels, hydrilla), boaters must adhere to Clean, Drain, and Dry inspection procedures prior to launching.

Seasonal Fishing Patterns for Smith Mountain Lake

Spring (March – May)Pre-Spawn & Spawn

Game fish move into sheltered secondary coves, shallow flats (4–12 ft depth), and creek mouths as surface temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s. Target submerged timber, riprap, and emerging vegetation with spinnerbaits, suspending jerkbaits, and soft plastics.

Summer (June – August)Thermocline & Main Basin

Predators retreat to deep underwater humps, main river channel ledges, and thermocline layers (20–45 ft). Peak activity shifts to dawn, dusk, and night trolling. Use deep-diving crankbaits, spoons, drop-shots, and downrigger spreads.

Autumn (Sept – November)Fall Turnover & Feeding Blitz

Cooling weather triggers lake turnover and intense schooling feeding. Bass, trout, and walleye push baitfish into primary points and pocket coves. Fast-moving topwater plugs, lipless crankbaits, and swimbaits produce explosive strikes.

Winter (Dec – February)Deep Suspension & Ice

Fish consolidate around deep wintering holes (40–80+ ft) or under safe solid ice on northern waterways. Slow finesse presentations—vertical jigging spoons, blade baits, and live bait rigs—dominate the cold-water season.

Smith Mountain Lake Statistics & Hydrography

MeasurementImperial ValueMetric Equivalent
Surface Area20,600 acres83.4 km²
Maximum Depth250 feet76.2 meters
Average Depth55 feet16.8 meters
Water Surface Elevation795 feet above sea level242 meters
Shoreline Length500 miles805 km
Lake ClassificationReservoir (Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Impoundment)
GPS Coordinates37.0500° N, 79.6200° W

Frequently Asked Questions about Smith Mountain Lake

8 verified answers
Why is Smith Mountain Lake called the Jewel of the Blue Ridge?+
Smith Mountain Lake earned its nickname because of its crystalline waters, dramatic mountain backdrop, 500 miles of winding shoreline, and vibrant waterfront community in southwestern Virginia.
How big do striped bass get in Smith Mountain Lake?+
Smith Mountain Lake regularly produces trophy striped bass weighing between 20 and 40 pounds, supported by fertile open-water forage fish and deep oxygenated water.
How deep is Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia?+
Smith Mountain Lake reaches a verified maximum depth of 250 feet (76 meters), with an estimated mean operating depth of approximately 55 feet (17 meters). The lake bathymetry features typical reservoir bottom topography with distinct drop-offs, deep submerged channels, and shallow littoral zones that support aquatic vegetation and forage species.
What is the surface area, shoreline length, and elevation of Smith Mountain Lake?+
At normal conservation pool, Smith Mountain Lake covers approximately 20,600 surface acres (about 32.2 square miles or 83.4 km²) at an elevation of 795 feet above sea level. The shoreline extends for 500 miles (805 km) throughout Bedford, Franklin, Pittsylvania County, featuring numerous sheltered coves and bays.
What game fish can you catch in Smith Mountain Lake?+
Anglers on Smith Mountain Lake target Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Walleye, Channel Catfish. Peak fishing occurs during spring spawning runs in shallow bays and submerged timber, followed by summer deep-water trolling near thermocline depths and structural humps. Autumn brings aggressive feeding activity along windward points.
Can you boat on Smith Mountain Lake and where are the public ramps?+
Yes, recreational boating is permitted on Smith Mountain Lake. Public boat launch facilities include Smith Mountain Lake State Park Launch, Hardy Boat Ramp, Hales Ford Boat Launch. Full-service marinas including Bridgewater Plaza Marina and Pelican Point Yacht Club offer slip rentals, marine fuel, and boat repair services. Boaters must adhere to state navigation laws, maintain required life jackets and safety gear, and respect posted no-wake zones near docks, coves, and designated swimming beaches.
Who manages Smith Mountain Lake and are there campgrounds or parks nearby?+
Smith Mountain Lake is managed and monitored in coordination with Appalachian Power (AEP) & Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Lakeside recreation areas and campgrounds include Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Smith Mountain Lake Community Park, Bridgewater Plaza. Visitors can take advantage of developed campgrounds with tent and RV hookups, scenic hiking trails, day-use picnic areas, and boat launch access.
Where does the data for Smith Mountain Lake come from and how is it verified?+
All hydrographic statistics, water surface elevation gauges, surface acreage measurements, and bathymetric soundings for Smith Mountain Lake are cross-referenced from authoritative federal and state geospatial databases, primarily Appalachian Power (AEP) & Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the USGS National Hydrography Dataset (NHD). Records undergo programmatic sanity verification and were last verified on 2026-03-08. Detailed ingestion pipelines, calibration procedures, and agency citations are published on our Data Methodology page (/methodology/).
Review Full Data Methodology & Verification Guidelines
Authoritative Data Source: Appalachian Power (AEP) & Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR)
Last verified: 2026-03-08 • Record ID: smith-mountain-lake-va
View Official Source

Nearby Lakes to Explore

Lake Norman
North Carolina•32,510 acres
Summersville Lake
West Virginia•2,790 acres
Lake Hartwell
South Carolina•56,000 acres

Explore More Lakes in Virginia

Discover the largest reservoirs, alpine tarns, public boat launches, and fishing regulations across Virginia.

View All Virginia Lakes →

Compare Smith Mountain Lake

See how Smith Mountain Lake measures up against Lake Tahoe, Lake Superior, or Lake Mead in surface acreage, depth, and volume.

Launch Comparison Tool →

National Lake Guides