Episode Details

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, I sit down with Billy Kohls of Smith Mountain Lake Guide Service to break down a can’t-miss Smith Mountain Lake fishing report and a masterclass on spring to early summer bass fishing transitions.

We dive deep into one of the most important—and often misunderstood—patterns in bass fishing: the shad spawn. Billy explains exactly how to identify a shad spawn, when it happens during the late spring to early summer window (May–June transition), and how to turn it into a tournament-winning pattern whether you’re fishing Smith Mountain Lake, the Potomac River, or any bass fishery across the country.

If you’re into Bassmaster-style tournament fishing, this episode is loaded with actionable insight. We cover shad spawn patterns, key bait selections, how to locate active fish during low-light feeding windows, and how to adjust once the bite shuts off. Billy also breaks down how to approach a lake strategically during this seasonal shift—giving you a blueprint for consistent summertime bass fishing success.

Topics covered include:

• Smith Mountain Lake spring bass fishing report 
• Shad spawn patterns and timing 
• Tournament bass fishing strategies (Bassmaster-level insight) 
• Late spring to early summer bass fishing transitions 
• How to locate and catch bass during the shad spawn 
• Summer bass fishing patterns that work on any lake 

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Check out Billy Kohls website at:  Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Guide
https://www.smithmountainlakefishing.com/about

Check Billy out on Instagram down below:
https://www.instagram.com/billy_kohlsfishing/

Check out Billy Kohls YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@billykohlsfishing3697

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ 

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ 

Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ 

Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech 

 Phone Number: (757) 566-1278

Email: lin@fishingprotech.us

Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 

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