Smith Mountain vs Kerr / Gaston Lakes

This topic has 7 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 7 months ago by PumaTrac.

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October 27, 2010 at 2:00 pm #378381

BassnBatz
Participant

FINALLY, We are going to make the move to either Smith Mountain, Kerr, or Gaston Lake, but still cant decide on which lake. I am looking for the positives and negatives from either area, buying lake front property, fishing, clubs, tournaments, facilities, things to do, etc.Any input on these two areas would be Greatly Appreciated! Thank you,TroyLast edited by BassnBatz on October 27th, 2010, 2:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.

October 27, 2010 at 4:43 pm #378384

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Lake front property is probably deflated some now on Gaston, though it will be expensive. Kerr is a Corp of Engineers reservoir, so there will be no lake front property, just to the government strip. Kerr is a better fishing reservoir to most peoples opinions as well as a more versatile fishing lake with better recreational use. Gaston offers on the water blends of river style creeks and flatter transition banks with different cover. The on the water locations are on the water there for property. Look at the amenities of the neighboring towns to get a vibe on where you prefer. BCB

October 27, 2010 at 5:06 pm #378387

SAMRUSH
Participant

Definitely the Kerr area, as you can easily fish Gaston or Buggs Island from any location around Kerr. It was my home lake for 9 yrs, outstanding fishery, I know back then you could have a home or camp off of the water, but very close. Youve got river fish, creek fish, big water fish- lg mouth, stripers, crappie, bream, catfish in abundance. I was more familiar with the VA. area and would recommend. SAMBAYOU BANDIT

October 27, 2010 at 6:26 pm #378390

Cape Fear
Participant

The fishing at Kerr has been declining during the past several years. A report from Virginia fish and game released 2 weeks ago confirmed the bass population has LMV. With all the water flowing from Kerr to Gaston I will not be surprised if they find it there as well. The report states that is may take 6 years for the lake to recover.

October 28, 2010 at 3:11 am #378393

phatestkat
Participant

Gaston remains the top fishery for our area, lots of property for sale now (buyers market), BWS Div 19 fished Smith Mountain this year and was by far the best weights for a 1 day tournament. Kerr is still a numbers lake but the weights are declining due to the LMBV. I just sold some land north of Kerr, brought a fair price and some larger tracks are available in the area for a deal. The central VA. area has great fishing in all directions. As a whole the entire central Va., northern N.C. area is a good value right now.Good LuckBruce

October 28, 2010 at 10:01 pm #378396

BassnBatz
Participant

Thank you all for the information, I will let you know what we decide and if anyone else has information it would be greatly appreciated.Thank you again!Troy

October 28, 2010 at 10:04 pm #378399

BassnBatz
Participant

There is definately more available in the Kerr / Gaston area vs Smith Mountain in reference to acres & dollars. At Smith Mountain it seems you get alot less for your money and I was hoping for five acres on the water, so Kerr / Gaston is probably going to be more like it. But, being so far away form a bigger city seems to be the biggest draw back with the wife.We shall see,Thank again!TroyLast edited by BassnBatz on October 28th, 2010, 10:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.

October 29, 2010 at 11:31 pm #378402

PumaTrac
Participant

Smith Mountain is the get away lake for Northern VA. There are numerous large back and forth boats and jet skis during the summer so boat traffic can make it a “not fun” lake if youre fishing. Kerr is much larger, so the boats get spread out. Gaston was built as a recreation lake so the water level is maintained normally within a foot. Kerr feeds Gaston, so depending on rainfall, the level of Kerr can vary quite a bit as they must maintain Gastons level.
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