Smith mountain lake dam. This property offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hunt, fish, hike, view wildlife and enjoy vistas overlooking beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. Smith mountain lake dam

 
 This property offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hunt, fish, hike, view wildlife and enjoy vistas overlooking beautiful Smith Mountain LakeSmith mountain lake dam  Built on the Roanoke River and completed in the mid-1960s, the project’s two dams and reservoirs have added about 600 miles of new shoreline and about 24,000 surface acres of water for multiple uses

. Organizers said they hope the event, sponsored by AEP and the Franklin County YMCA, will start and finish on top of the dam and take runners on a winding route that will include mountain trails. By michaelaB3470SP. The dam created Smith. Smith Mountain Lake Community Park. Fatalities dropped slightly to 19 after tying a ten-year high in 2020 of 21. The mountain area is covered with trees with lake access. Save. The development, proposed by Willard Investment Properties, would include 30 single-family homes and a. Rates on Smith Mountain Lake for Full day trip 8-9 hours, up to 6 people. Nagy, a Johnson City, Tennessee resident and U. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains serve as the backdrop for the calm waters and quiet tributaries that make for great fishing. Smith Mountain Lake was formed in the 1960s as a power generation project of Appalachian Power, part of American Electric Power (AEP). Smith Mountain Lake, nestled in a broad valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, covers 20,600 acres and has over 500 miles of shoreline. Along with a marina, the Smith Mountain Lake Community Park also can be found in the North Shore area. Closed now : See all hours. Smith Mountain dam holds water in the Smith Mountain Lake reservoir until releasing it to generate power. Dams. This is a huge lake with lots to do: boat, fish, swim, water ski, and hike. 27. Social Security Administration claims representative, just completed his second history book, “Smith Mountain Dam and Lake”, one in a legion of Images of America texts for South Carolina-based Arcadia Publishing. At the base of Smith Mountain in Pittsylvania and Bedford counties is the Smith Mountain Lake Dam. By November 1962, Virginia roads and bridges that would be affected by the lake had been rebuilt. Kerr Reservoir, located partly in North Carolina, is the largest in Virginia, with a total of 49,000 acres and 800 miles of shoreline. In other words, a two-foot decrease in Smith Mountain Lake (from 795 to 793 feet) results in Leesville Lake increasing 13 feet (from 600 to 613 feet). It is the largest lake in the state and covers an impressive 20,600 acres. Local News. Popular mentions. Firstly, it's essential to know that Smith Mountain Lake State Park has six hiking trails which include the 1. Service 3. There are many scenic coves dotted mostly with vacation homes but there are also some marinas, restaurants, hotels, and parks scattered along the shoreline. What is biting at Smith Mountain Lake? Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass) are the most sought after species by anglers at Smith Mountain Lake. Beautiful Lake. Smith Mountain Lake. Putt Around Smith Mountain Lake! No one visits Smith Mountain Lake with the aspiration of playing mini-golf, but at Harbortown Mini-Golf at Bridgewater Plaza, Westlake Safari Miniature Golf off Route 616, or Hot Shots Family Fun Center on Route 122, you may find that playing a fun and exciting game of miniature golf might just be the. Destination. Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy (SMLCA) recently welcomed its high school students to the 2023-2024 school year with a new 26,000 square-foot facility, featuring 13 classrooms and a 300-seat cafeteria/conference room. For a unique experience, head to the Smith Mountain Project visitor’s center for an up-close look at how the lake’s dam was constructed in the 1960s. Very quiet as opposed to9 Smith Mountain Lake which can be riotious on warm weekends. Nov. 55' and at altavista 856 cfs, stage 2. This long-time lake event allows you to tour eight spectacular waterfront homes while raising money for area charities. In other words, a two-foot decrease in Smith Mountain Lake (from 795 to 793 feet) results in Leesville Lake increasing 13 feet (from 600 to 613 feet). 95. 9. Appalachian Power decided to build the dam and create the lake in 1963. SMLA WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM 2022. Nature & Wildlife Areas. A Brief History of Smith Mountain Lake. Reports. 16430 Booker T. It expands for 40 miles and offers 500 miles of shoreline. A team of officials surveys the future site of Smith Mountain Dam in 1960, the year that the Smith Mountain Project began construction on the border of Bedford and Pittsylvania counties. Construction on the Dam began in 1959. Hotels near Lewis-Smith Lake & Dam: (3. ” Smith Mountain Lake encompasses over 40 miles, holds 20,000 acres of water, and is surrounded by 500 miles of shoreline. . . 21' AND AT ALTAVISTA 618 CFS, STAGE 1. Built and operated by American Electric Power (formerly Appalachian Power Company), the damThese tours can be conducted within a 25 mile radius of the airport and include sights of the Smith Mountain Lake Dam, the Peaks of Otter, the D-Day Memorial, or even your own lake house! Cessna 172. Game. Filters. Gear Check; News; Fishing; Hunting; Regional ReportsSmith Mountain Lake is a large reservoir in the Roanoke Region of Virginia, located southeast of the City of Roanoke and southwest of Lynchburg. Smith Mountain Lake has approximately 500 miles of shoreline. SML 50 years Gallery 2. There is a new fishing record in Virginia. The lake was created in 1963 by the Smith Mountain Dam impounding the Roanoke River. While there is a lot of fish still in the main basin around the dam, a lot of fish have moved up the river arms to feed before the water. Written August 10, 2020. The center has exhibits explaining the history of the dam and how power is generated in the unique two-lake complex. Appalachian Power deploys divers on Friday to make an underwater inspection of the Smith Mountain Dam. 2. It can be rented from 8 a. Follow the Lynchburg directions above. Dissolved oxygen depth profiles for Smith Mountain Lake in 2020. There is a picnic area located below the Smith Mountain Dam on Leesville Lake open to the public. Today, we’re unveiling a complete overhaul of the SML Insiders’ Guide, which has been the go-to resource for those looking for Smith Mountain Lake vacation, recreation and relocation information since it was started by Brian and Erin Raub in 1998. Population: 22,000 Lake Size: 32 square miles & 500 miles of shoreline Average Depth: 55 feet. From $55/night - Compare 8 cabins & cabin vacation rentals in Smith Mountain Lake area! Find best cheap deals easily & save up to 70% with AirCabins. Residents who had land at higher elevations became lucky waterfront property owners when the new Smith Mountain Lake (known locally as SML) filled to capacity in 1966, forming a 22,600-acre body of water with 500 miles of shoreline that spans three Virginia counties—Franklin, Bedford, and Pittsylvania. Smith Mountain Lake is a large reservoir in the Roanoke Region of Virginia, United States, located southeast of the City of Roanoke and southwest of Lynchburg. Washington National Monument, 540-721-2094), the Blue Ridge Parkway and Peaks of Otter, 540-857-2485. By: Va. From Richmond: Take Route 460 West to Lynchburg. There are 14 back-in and pull-through campsites with water and electric hookups for RVs up to 65 feet long and 11 tent sites. SML Walk to End Poverty: 5K and 10K walk and run to benefit Lake Christian Ministries at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. That means bringing water through the intakes from Leesville Reservoir. Lakeview Trail: Yellow Blazes, 0. The lake’s history began in the 1920s when initial proposals were. com. Now available as an Android and iPhone app! One Year One Month One Week. In the Summertime, it's mostly shaded and very few views of Smith Mountain Lake along the way. m. Full pond is 795 feet above sea level. m. Bernard’s Landing has an-site restaurant, beach, pools, fitness center and more, plus gorgeous views of Smith Mountain. That is 14 miles. Value 3. . One big reason is because fall is so magnificent at Smith Mountain Lake! September brings lower humidity, blue skies and amazing sunrises and sunsets that you just don’t get the rest of the year. In other words, a two-foot decrease in Smith Mountain Lake (from 795 to 793 feet) results in Leesville Lake increasing 13 feet (from 600 to 613 feet). The majority of the south shore of the lake lies in Franklin County whThe construction of a dam in the gap of Smith Mountain in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, had been considered as early as the 1920s. At run from noon – 2 p. From Blue Ridge Parkway: Take Route 24 East exit to Stewartsville , and on to Rt 122 South. Beautiful Lake. However, the dam's construction did not begin until 1960. What is the best striper bait? Q: Where is Smith Mountain Lake deepest? A: SML’s maximum depth is about 250 feet, near the Smith Mountain Dam. Contribute. 7. A barrier preventing boaters from getting too close to the Smith Mountain Lake dam has flipped over into the water. After heavy rain Sunday, April 12, and Monday, April 13, Smith Mountain Lake’s water level increased past its full amount at 795 feet, going over the dam’s spillways. Temperature depth profiles for Smith Mountain Lake in 2020. The Smith Mountain Visitor's Center overlooks the dam and is free and open to the public. 43 reviews. correlated with miles to the dam, trends are exhibited which would be considered typical of a reservoir. At Smith Mountain Lake, there was one boating fatality in 2021. Figure 6. Two and one-half years later, on March 7, 1966, the 20,600-acre Smith Mountain Lake reached full pond at 795 feet above sea level. Most striped bass are caught between the dam and buoy R80 of the Roanoke Arm and up to buoy B44 of the Blackwater. 6. // 16430 Booker T. 5. Three years later the lake reached its mature capacity–producing a spectacular residential location on a breathtaking water basin. The VDWR theorizes that when that water is returned to Smith Mountain, walleye hitch a ride. 9. See all. 9. Making of the beds is the responsibility of the guest. Fairway An area of open water extending outward from an open end of a boat slip intended to provide navigation room for a boat to exit or enter its moorings. AKE. The live bait techniques used to catch striped bass vary depending on the time of year. MONETA, Va. 4 BR: LAKE ALLURE - Lake Front Home, Private Dock, Hot Tub, Fitness Area, Pet-Friendly. Beginning in 1584, explorers under the. Power generation was suspended at the dam as inspections were underway. Also near the park are the Booker T. pH depth profiles for Smith Mountain Lake in 2020. , the dam’s purpose was to create electricity from. Under low in-flow conditions, the surface elevation at Smith Mountain Lake may fall below 793 feet. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. On September 24, 1963, the Smith Mountain Dam was closed and the lake began to form. 16 photos · 66,639 views. The lake is a fairly new lake compared to many others in the region, it was dammed in the 1960’s as Appalachian Power built Smith Mountain Dam at Smith Mountain Point, an area where the mountain range dips and creates a “V” if you will. These three waterways filled into a main body that encompasses more than 500 miles of. Great view of the water. Smith Mountain Lake Community Park. 4. 93 mi) Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast, LLC (1. fluctuate between 613 feet and 600 feet during normal operations as measured at the dam. My wife and I had the best time renting a boat from Bridgewater Marina and hanging out on the Smith Mountain Lake over. From To. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. It was created when Appalachian Power Company built a massive hydroelectric dam in the gap at Smith Mountain starting in 1963. Tournaments. Compare 8 available, short term cabins for rent, starts from $55. Dam Lager will be crafted by John Bryce, who's earned. Smith Mountain Lake near Rocky Mount, Virginia, provides 500 miles of shoreline to one of Virginia's most popular recreation areas. Open now : 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM. m. m. There are no developed facilities. 122 bridge. 3-mile Lake Trail, the 1. 6. Consequently, fishing is generally not as productive from Smith Mountain dam to approximately mile marker 6. Smith Mountain Lake presents a myriad of ownership opportunities. It has a number of exhibits about both the Smith Mountain Lake Dam (location of this visitor center) and also the Leesville Dam which is 19. Share. At the same time, Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake are a focal point for residents, tourists, and outdoor adventure seekers. 16503 Booker T. // 1190 Horseshoe Bend Road, Moneta; 540-309-6884 Smith Mountain Lake Dam The construction of the Smith Mountain Lake Dam helped brand the lake as. Smith Mountain Lake. That is a 28-mile roundtrip. With 16 miles of lake frontage, the 1,248-acre Smith Mountain Lake State Park is indeed a water enthusiast’s paradise. Downtown Roanoke has. Striper Fishing in Smith Mountain Lake can be either relaxing or fast-paced, depending on your preference. Leesville has a healthy walleye population. As the waters backed up to create Smith Mountain Lake, many islands appeared. See what other travellers are saying. Construction of the dam began in 1960 and took a crew of 200 six years to move the 300,000 cubic yards of earth and forest to make room for. 02 feet/hour). At this park you can experience all the area has to offer with swimming, boating, hiking, fishing and more. - See 107 traveler reviews, 86 candid photos, and great deals for Huddleston, VA, at Tripadvisor. Sunset Saturday: Live. at Smith Mountain Gap in 1960. “The problem there was that the lake fluctuates too much so that you get a lot of shallow areas. This is the second year for the Runners face uphill battles in Dam 50K and 5KThe Smith Mountain Dam Visitor Center is open at various times; call 540-985-2587. Children are welcome to participate in instructor-led pony carousel rides around the lake and pond. Smith Mountain Lake Dam Stock Photos, Images & Pictures. Smith Mountain Lake has 500 miles of shoreline, making it easy for new boaters to the area to get lost. 11 a. Evaporation rates at the lake are substantial – about 73M gallons a day. ) and the staff is very friendly. “Adequate for the price but the place reeked of cigarette smoke. Review. m. Thickness: 30 feet. The company purchases 1,500 acres in Bedford County and. 23, 1962. pH depth profiles for Smith Mountain Lake in 2020. 0711. Go on and be adventurous! Smith Mountain Lake Airport – 540. F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft, many out of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, can often be seen flying over Smith Mountain Lake and other points in the Roanoke region. 2072 Ford Rd, Sandy Level, VA 24161-4238. With the start of the new year, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is now requiring individuals to obtain a boating access permit to use public boat ramp facilities at. 4-mile Deer Island Trail, the 3. Smith Mountain Lake . Can you eat the fish from Smith Mountain Lake? Fish on Smith Mountain Lake’s Do Not. 6:30 to 9:30 p. On March 7, 1966, the lake reached “full pond,” and in 1983, Smith Mountain Lake State Park opened. 87 mi) Hampton Inn Jasper, Alabama (3. While officials say most of the lake is safe for. May 19, 2022 Updated Jun 29, 2023. Current level is 792. From Blue Ridge Parkway: Take Route 24 East exit to Stewartsville , and on to Rt 122 South. Sign up for free email alerts. . 7-mile Dam Trail. Additionally, there is a picnic area on Leesville Lake below the dam that is open to the public daily. 2072 Ford Rd, Sandy Level, VA 24161-4238. 07 feet/hour). Washington National Monument, Smith Mountain Lake Airport and the Waterford and Westlake Country. We know there are many vacation options available to your family. L. It was built by Appalachian Power for pumped-storage hydroelectricity and has five hydro-electric generators with a combined installed capacity of 560 MW. WATER LEVEL. Smith Mountain Gap, as seen July 15, 1960, was an isolated place surrounded by farmland when it was chosen as the site of an innovative hydroelectric plant built by Appalachian Power Co. Smith Mountain Lake is an artificial reservoir created by a dam which blocks the natural flow of the Roanoke River Source: Virginia Department of Transportation, Bridges and Culverts In Lynchburg, Liberty University discovered that the donation of Ivy Lake in 2008 provided not only a 112-acre recreational site for students, but also a financial. It was created in the 1960s when a dam was built on the Roanoke River. 297. THE ADJUSTED RESERVOIR ELEVATION WAS 793. Washington HWY, Moneta VA 24121, 434-426-1520, mySMLteam. Anyone interested in adopting a channel marker or a. 45 reviews #1 of 4 Restaurants in Huddleston $$ - $$$ American Bar Pub. 751, where you’ll see a sign to Smith Mountain Dam Visitors Center. Yes, anyone who loves Smith Mountain Lake will appreciate it even more after seeing it as the circling hawks do. Mar 6, 2016. If you love working in a positive environment with people…Smith Mountain Lake Dam. 32 Figure 6. 2. A generous fall of rain and good runoff of show had raised the lake level to an elevation of 782. Learn more. The Spring Valley Farm has been around for decated. The primary inflows for the lake are the Roanoke River and Blackwater River. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. See what other travelers are saying. Though already 50 years old, Smith Mountain Lake is sparkling brighter than ever. It’s 235 feet tall and 30 feet thick at the base and houses five hydroelectric generators that can produce a combined 605 megawatts of power. 34 Figure 6. Presentation of 2019 monitoring data for Smith Mountain Lake and tributaries; trophic state parameters (TP, CHL-a, SD), bacteria and algae, along with depth profiles of T, DO. One in particular, known as Monroe, would most likely be in the area where Vista Pointe Resort is now located (photographed above). Dept. Consequently, fishing is generally not as productive from Smith Mountain dam to approximately mile marker 6. Smith Mountain Dam Visitor's Center. Insiders’ Guide 2023 SML THINGS TO DO SML LODGING Smith Mountain Lake is a refreshingly different destination in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. W80°. What is the biggest largemouth bass caught in Smith Mountain Lake? The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. Smith Mountain Dam and Lake (Images of America) $24. The Furrows first planted vines in. Smith Mountain Dam, VA USGS 1:24K Topographic Map Preview: Click on map above to begin viewing in our Map Viewer. The 12-month program aims to develop a. Slocum’s Appaloosa Ranch, located near Smith Mountain Lake, offers just that with trail riding and horseback riding lessons for locals and travelers alike. Escape the chaos of the city and embrace Virginia's natural beauty when you plan your next vacation at Mariners Landing. If you are looking to own property or simply visiting the Smith Mountain Lake area, you will find the condos here to be an excellent location in which to live, visit or begin the search for your dream home on the lake. The two dams will form a hydroelectric power unit, with the smaller Leesville operation repumping water to the Smith Mountain Lake reservoir to be used again for power generation. The Smith Mountain Lake area is approximately 5,000 acre public hunting and fishing area located on one of the region’s most beautiful and most prominent geologic features at the southeast end of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford and Pittsylvania counties near Roanoke, Virginia. 33 Figure 6. John H. There are many things to do in the Smith Mountains. Construction of the dam began in 1960 and took a crew of 200 six years to move the 300,000 cubic yards of earth and forest to make room. The lake is man made but the scenery is beautiful. Nearby and along the shore of Smith Mountain Lake there are lots of interesting places to visit and things to do. One of the lake community’s most popular events will showcase award-winning wineries from all across the Virginia region while also playing host to a variety of food vendors, artisans and. recommend going early if you are kayaking as lake gets busy with boats in. m. A hydroelectric project by Appalachian Power Co. SML’s water level exceeds full amount | Local News | smithmountaineagle. During a tour of Smith Mountain Dam, Laker writer Jerry Hale (from right) and Dave Bailey, energy production supervisor, talk with two workers inside the plant. Conceived in the 1920s, the Smith Mountain Dam Project was designed to generate electricity for the area by damming the Roanoke River. Fatalities from boating related incidents also saw a slight drop statewide in 2021. The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy is now accepting applications for the Class of 2024. Its deepest point is an impressive 250 feet, though its average depth is 55 feet. 773 Ashmeade Rd, Moneta, VA 24121-3272 +1 540-346-2205 Website. Music, lunch, awards and door prizes. Download Smith Mountain Lake Dam stock photos. ). $230 - 1 hour. There is no admission charge for the Visitor’s Center. 54 mi) SureStay Hotel by Best Western Jasper; View all hotels near Lewis-Smith Lake & Dam on TripadvisorBARTENDERS AT SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE - IMMEDIATE OPENINGS. 4. Franklin County YMCA hosts second annual SML Dam 50k & 5k on SaturdaySmith Mountain Lake also has a variety of other fish, including large and smallmouth bass, white bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, yellow perch and bluegill. Hidden Valley Trail. Harbortown Mini-Golf at Bridgewater Plaza is probably the most popular place, and there are many other activities to do and places to visit after playing. Cabin Rentals with Hot Tubs in Smith Mountain Lake. AEP WILL DRAWDOWN CLAYTOR LAKE STARTING NOVEMBER 1ST, AT A RATE OF 1. Kerr Reservoir/Buggs Island Lake. This means that it’s accessible from a variety of roads, but the visitor center is located along Route 908, right off of. Campfires are not allowed. 2-5 p. Very good. Hillman Aviation – 540. 5/8/1962. It wasn't until nearly six years after this image that Smith Mountain Lake would be fully formed. The center has exhibits explaining the history of the dam and how power is generated in the unique two-lake complex. Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia's most popular recreational lake. And if that isn't enough, it's surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, making it one of the most popular and scenic destinations in Virginia. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers. Filter searches for your preferred dates and budget then enjoy exploring available properties. Our expert Smith Mountain Lake striper fishing guides, Lead Captain Daniel Berthiaume and Captain Doug Schmidt, hold U. Smith Mountain Dam is a concrete arch dam located on the Roanoke River in Virginia, creating Smith Mountain Lake. Wakeboarding. Chili tastings, craft vendors, shopping, live music. Kerr Reservoir/Buggs Island Lake. 2021 . Smith Mountain Dam Visitor's Center. The community’s restaurants, bars, wineries, and breweries are. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. From To. The Dock at SML is the premier spot on the lake for boat storage, fuel (24/7 pay at the pump gas, fresh pizza, wings and sub sandwiches and the best boat rental fleet on the lake! Come visit this historic spot on Smith Mountain Lake known as The Home of the Pet Carp. $160 - 1/2 hour. What’s the biggest fish in Smith Mountain Lake? Smith Mountain Lake is well known to fishermen all over the US for it’s striped bass fishing. The restaurant scene at Smith Mountain Lake is deliciously dynamic, with dozens of spots to grab breakfast, lunch and dinner both off and on the water. Smith Mountain Lake level graph, updated hourly. The storm, coupled with recent rains, caused the lake to rise, topping the dam and covering Lakeside Drive. Lincoln, Nebraska 82 contributions 20 helpful votes. Visitors can follow signs from Route 40 to “Smith Mountain Dam. 8. Dams. Smith Mountain Lake is tucked far away in rural SW Virginia but the long drive is worth it. 6,708 likes · 41 talking about this · 33 were here. By johnsquan. Owner Login. You’ll find it in central Virginia among the Blue Ridge Mountains; from Washington DC, it’s about four hours southwest. as of 05:00 this morning thursday november 23, 2023, inflow to the smith mountain project was 1283 cfs and the discharge from leesville 501 cfs. Huddleston, VA 24104. 1. Smith Mountain Lake was created following the construction of a hydroelectric dam for Appalachian Power Company at the confluence of the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers located at the base of Smith Mountain. 2 km 2) and contains 94,900 acre-feet. Smith Mountain Dam is a concrete arch dam located on the Roanoke River in Virginia, creating Smith Mountain Lake. US: 844-650-6000 | Local: 540-352-1100. Additionally, there is a picnic area on Leesville Lake below the dam that is open to the public daily. Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke in Bedford and Franklin counties. And that’s not a typo! The site was developed by the late Brian Raub and his daughter Erin Raub at (basically) the dawn of the internet. Beautiful Smith Mountain lake. Maximum height: 235 feet above the streambed. S. The state park has lots of amenities (beach, interpretive center, cabins, campground, marina, etc. Waterfront shoreline: 500 miles. Browse 22 smith mountain lake dam photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. Zillow has 127 homes for sale in Moneta VA matching Smith Mountain Lake. > At the same time, Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake are a focal point for residents, tourists, and outdoor adventure seekers. Smith Mountain Lake is known the world over as an ideal summer vacation destination. With 4 distinct seasons, low taxes, low crime, and traffic a non-issue, Smith Mountain Lake is a great place to live. The hydroelectric dam consists of 175,000 cubic yards of concrete and has the capacity to generate 605 megawatts of electricity for up to 11 hours. MONETA, Va. 76. The best largemouth bass population is from about mile marker 8 to the Leesville Dam. 56°Sunny. 2. 1 feet. Don in VA If you go to see Smith Mountain Lake Dam DO NOT use Google maps for directions.