bluecordfishermen 
Smith Lake, Virginia Beach VA
Lat / Long: 36.890109 -76.161521
Description:
Smith Lake is a Norfolk fresh water Reservoir located in the middle of Virginia Beach. There is public fishing from shore at the park as well as a public boat access is available off US 13 [36.907727 -77.027270]. The Nature area has several docks and piers to fish from the shore. This lake is subdivided by man made jetties but there are narrow channels to pass back and forth between them.
Access:
Take US 13 to the entrance of the Lake Smith Natural area. Ramp is clearly marked with signs on US13. The ramp has excellent parking, picnicking and restroom facilities.
Launch Site.
A public boat ramp is located at the Lake Lawson/Smith Natural Area [LAT/Long: 36.892226 -76.164529] and can support a trailers and john boats. The ramp has two adjacent docks. There is a restroom next to the parking area. This is a very well set up site but you have to wait for the gate to open in the morning. Unfortunately times vary based on the alarm clock of the municipal worker. I have seen over ten trucks and trailers waiting for the gate to open on a Sunday morning.
You must have a Norfolk Boating permit. These run $40/year and can be purchased at Ocean East Bait and Tackle. This permit covers several freshwater lakes in Suffolk and Norfolk. Included in this permit is Burnt Mills, Prince Lake, Western Branch, Lake Cohoon and Whitehurst Lake.
Bank Fishing:
The Natural area has numerous paths that lead to piers and fishing platforms, but that is pretty much the limit. The properties beyond the Natural Area are private homes with lake front properties and docks.
Boat Fishing:
Jon boats and kayaks can traverse the extent of the lake but there is a intersection that channelizes traffic at LAT/LONG: 36.887667 -76.164991. This choke point goes under a foot bridge and is limited to one boat at a time with only one way traffic. Smith Lake has lots of hidden coves.
Hot Spots:
Point #1: Public Boat Launch [LAT/Long: 36.892226 -76.164529]
Point #2: Caught large Bass measuring 17 inches
Point #3: Choke point between man made peninsulas.
Editor’s Opinion:
Smith Lake gets a great deal of pressure from both shore and boats. Smith Lake is a fast way to get on the water if you live in Virginia Beach. I made two trips to Smith Lake and caught a very nice 17 inch large mouth bass using a rebel popper. Two fishermen I spoke with had very good success using rubber worms near structures along the bank.
Spring is best before the hot days of June. Summer fishing is slow with fish heading to deep water.
LOGISTICs:
Lodging: Virginia Beach is a resort location with seasonal rates. Lots of choices in all price ranges.
Food: Bars, Grills and every franchise you can imagine. CP Shuckers in Lynnhaven and Shorebreak Pizza and Taphouse never let you down.
Tackle: Ocean East Bait and Tackle. Salt and fresh water tackle is available at Ocean East Bait and Tackle, but their merchandise is geared more to salt water fishing. This is the location to purchase a Norfolk Reservoirs boating permit. Kayaks require a permit ($40/year)
5785 Northampton Blvd #104, Virginia Beach, VA 23455