Carp Plans Catch Anglers’ Attention
Faced with the rapid return of hydrilla to Smith Mountain Lake, the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission decided earlier this month to once again release sterile grass carp to feed on the invasive vegetation.
NEWS RELEASE: Drought Advisory Update
Faced with the rapid return of hydrilla to Smith Mountain Lake, the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission decided earlier this month to once again release sterile grass carp to feed on the invasive vegetation.
Anglers want no carp as Smith Mountain Lake fights Hydrilla
Faced with the rapid return of hydrilla to Smith Mountain Lake, the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission decided earlier this month to once again release sterile grass carp to feed on the invasive vegetation.
Hydrilla Status and Potential Remediation – Public Meeting Presentation 02.04.2026
https://tricountylakes.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Hydrilla-Pub-Mtg-02.04.2026.pdf
Grass carp approved — again — to curb invasive plant in Smith Mountain Lake
Faced with the rapid return of hydrilla to Smith Mountain Lake, the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission decided earlier this month to once again release sterile grass carp to feed on the invasive vegetation.
Officials developing plan to address invasive hydrilla
Next steps include obtaining the final water survey results and determining how much aquatic acreage is affected. “TLAC’s Environmental Committee is going to meet with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources,” Sage added. “We will consult about what’s the best treatment, and if that is carp, we will take their advice on how many carp are needed per acre and where they are needed to be released in the lake.”
Hydrilla surges back
Hydrilla was first spotted at Smith Mountain Lake in 2007. The plant, which originated in Asia, has spread to bodies of water throughout the U.S. over the past few decades.
SML Insiders: Enjoy the Wake, Respect the Lake
Towed water sports such as tubing, skiing, wakeboarding and wake surfing are among the most popular things to do at Smith Mountain Lake.
Here are eight tips from the Wake Education Task Force, which represents SML and Leesville lakes, for having fun while staying safe, respecting our beautiful shorelines and being courteous to fellow lake lovers.