Largemouth Bass

Altavista, Virginia, offers some solid largemouth bass fishing, primarily in the area's smaller lakes and ponds. While Smith Mountain Lake gets most of the attention in this region, don't overlook smaller bodies of water closer to town. These can provide more intimate fishing experiences and hold surprisingly large bass. Spring and fall are prime times, as bass move shallow to spawn or fatten up before winter. Focus on areas with structure like fallen trees, docks, and weed beds. Local tip: Check out Leesville Lake. It's known for its good bass population and less crowded conditions compared to Smith Mountain. Also, many smaller private ponds are accessible with landowner permission, so consider knocking on some doors. The largemouth in this area tend to be aggressive, so don't be afraid to experiment with reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits.