David K. fished with Osprey Fishing Charters on September 16, 2020 . Spin, drift, fly fish … It holds a variety of fishing opportunities as well as fish species, such as smallmouth bass, carp, sunfish, muskellunge, rock bass, catfish, and now the invasive northern snakehead. The upper Potomac remains stained in some areas, but is generally running and fishing well. Occasionally you can spot a bald eagle or a wild turkey, and in the spring and fall, migratory birds use the park as a resting spot on their long journeys. Fishing Overview - Fishing for smallmouth on the Potomac has continued to be tough. I live a few minutes from Seneca Landing boat ramp, and I'm wondering if there are certain multi-use boats suited to the Upper Potomac (say, Seneca Landing to Brunswick). Wade in the shallows, cast from the banks, or fish from a canoe. While some of the tackle info may be a bit dated, the geographic features are gonna pretty much remain the same. There are also a few areas in the upper regions where the river is calm and flat so no canal was needed, and the towpath was built right alongside the river for the mule teams to pull the barges. It was declared a national monument in 1961 and became a national historic park in 1971. The river changes too much to get any more specific, and it is vastly a different experience depending on whether you are a boater or a wader. All Rights Reserved. Exploring it for yourself is half the fun. Fishing for smallmouth bass in the upper Potomac River has been slow. 5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars. This map set covers approximately 32 miles and shows public access sites, facilities, points of interest and historical and cultural information. The park is full of history and wildlife, and it is easy to forget that you are only a short drive from a major metropolitan area. After the Revolutionary War, there were various attempts to make the Upper Potomac River navigable for commercial purposes, beginning with George Washington’s dreams of a northwest passage to Ohio. One person found this helpful. In this two-part story, I will cover the latest on the health of the river, as well as give information on how to explore the upper Potomac from Berkeley Springs/Hancock to Shepherdstown. Take a trip down one of America's most historic rivers with this complete guide to paddling and fishing the South Branch and Upper Potomac Rivers, which covers the water between the Smoke Hole Canyon on the South Branch in West Virginia to the last takeout before the Great Falls on the Main Stem, not far from Washington, D.C. A handy map to have is the NPS map of the C&O Canal, which you can pick up from many of their park offices in the area. The upper Potomac River is also running low and warm. The Potomac River covers many miles of the mid-Atlantic region, traversing some remote, isolated areas and some of the most heavily populated regions in the country. This map set covers approximately 32 miles and shows public access sites, facilities, points of interest and historical and cultural information. While fishing in the area for this article my wife and I stayed in the historic and friendly Stonebow Inn. However, after reviewing public data on catches of Northern Snakeheads the Virginia side of the Potomac seems to have higher concentrations. The most ambitious of these attempts was the construction of a canal along the river by the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company. Camping and building fires in non-designated areas of the park is prohibited, however, the NPS only owns up to the riverbank. We typically fish Roache’s Run and Belle Haven. The Commission produced a lovely set of six, small strip maps that covers the river from Georgetown to Opequon Creek, so it has one of the few maps that details the river from Georgetown to Great Falls. Tidal Potomac River > Upper Potomac River > Susquehanna River Juniata River > Upper Bay > Eastern Shore Tidal Rivers Visit our other Facebook Pages below: Notes: Our fishing reports and client photos will be posted to Ken’s Facebook Page, “Life Outdoors Unlimited” and our website, www.penrodsguides.com. I think the reason is also for the abundance of aquatic vegetation which creates cover. Reviews of Fishing in Potomac River. A nontidal fishing license is required on the Upper Potomac River, but Maryland grants reciprocity to Virginia and West Virginia license holders where those states border the Potomac, so no Maryland license is required in those cases up to Maryland’s riverbanks but not into its tributaries. The best places to start if you are new to fishing the Potomac River are Chicamuxen Creek, Mattawoman Creek, Aquia Creek, and Nanjemoy Creek . The flat and graded towpath is well-shaded in the summer and is perfect for hikers and bikers, so it can become quite crowded around the more populated areas and historic landmarks during nice weather. As readers no doubt know, the Potomac Watershed has endured a number of fish kills since 2002, beginning with a kill on the South Branch that year. Expert Fishing Instructors for: Tidal Potomac River > Upper Potomac River > Susquehanna River Juniata River > Upper Bay > Eastern Shore Tidal Rivers Visit our other Facebook Pages below: Notes: Our fishing reports and client photos will be posted to Ken’s Facebook Page, “Life Outdoors Unlimited” and our website, www.penrodsguides.com. Most of the Upper Potomac River is about 3/4 mile wide and slowly narrows as it reaches up to its origin as a deceptive trickle at Fairfax Stone near Kempton, Maryland. Almost every kind of fish found in the river can be found in the canal as a result of floods, and many children have the canal as the site of their first fishing lessons. Washington county, MD. District Angling 2105 North Pollard Street Arlington, VA 22207 (703) 268-7500 info@districtangling.com. Potomac River Maryland Several years ago no one would have ever thought this river could support trout. 5 and Dam No. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Smallmouth bass, panfish, catfish, carp fishing in Potomac River with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. Tip: Try mixing razor clam, soft crab, or a live spot in with your bunker baits, when the fishing is tough. The area between Great Falls and Little Falls varies from Class I to Class III, and the area from Little Falls down to Chain Bridge, just over the DC/Maryland line, is listed an area of Class VI rapids. Smallmouth bass can be found in fast moving and deeper waters. The upper Potomac River supports Maryland’s most popular smallmouth bass fishery. Fishing everything from grass to docks and rocks, the anglers mixed up all sorts of power and finesse presentations to get the job done in the second stop of the season presented by Lowrance. Plastic bags are provided at the parking lots, and visitors are expected to take their trash with them to dispose of elsewhere. That includes all waters from as far north as Cumberland, MD all the way to Little Falls, Washington DC. Fishing and Boating Services Hatcheries Division and Freshwater Fisheries Program stocked 30,000 fingerling smallmouth bass in the Potomac River from Taylors Landing downstream to Edwards Ferry. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Trout: rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat fishing in North Branch Potomac with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. If you don’t have a map your lost. Riverbend and Algonkian have boat ramps, and there is a small fee charged for both park entry and use of the ramp. Fishing For Blue Cats On Potomac River. B&O readily made its way to West Virginia, and the now-obsolete canal had only reached as far as Cumberland when it was devastated by another tremendous flood in 1889 (the same year as the flood that destroyed Johnstown, Pennsylvania). The most popular game fish in the Upper Potomac River is the smallmouth bass, but there are also catfish, sunfish, crappie, walleye, tiger muskies and carp. Description of the Park; Camping Facilities His guide service uses large rubber rafts adapted for these waters and is somewhat geared to flyfishing. The upper Potomac remains stained in some areas, but is generally running and fishing well. Smallmouth fishing in the Upper Potomac River can be a rewarding and peaceful experience. President John Quincy Adams officiated at the elaborate groundbreaking ceremony at Little Falls on July 4, 1828. Recently fishing in the Washington DC area, I had a chance to cast for another relatively new species of the Potomac River, snakehead. Mon, Wed - Sat 10-6 Closed Tuesdays Sunday Noon to 4:00; 4332 William Wilson Freeway Harpers Ferry, WV 25425; 304-876-8030; Categories. The map of the area from Dam No. Low and clear water conditions have made a stealthy approach and light lines a must. In 1999, a Maryland resident’s nontidal license cost $10, and a non-resident’s license costs $15. Acid mine drainage keep the PH so low that it seemed nothing could survive in its waters. 0 Comment Report abuse James Sand. Not to be confused with the tidal Potomac, the upper Potomac River is smallmouth bass country—a shallow, free flowing river of some 250 miles. However, after reviewing public data on catches of Northern Snakeheads the Virginia side of the Potomac seems to have higher concentrations. Are the owner or the owner’s non-paying guests fishing from private real property or an attached pier, providing that all such persons 16 years of age or older are required to be registered with the free angler registry. Neverthe- less, before the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, river boats sixty to seventy-five feet in length regularly plied these waters, carrying 100 barrels and more of flour, or other cargos. Is it around the Algonkian park area? Most of these are free and maintained by NPS, but a few are private and charge a small fee. One of B&O’s primary motives for taking possession of the canal was to keep it out of the hands of its competitors, so the railroad only halfheartedly ran the canal until another flood in 1924 caused it to cease operations. Just below Oldtown, Maryland, (above Paw Paw) the Potomac splits into the North and South Branches. Smallmouths are not native to the Potomac, but were introduced by railroad in 1854. In the past 2 days i have fished 6 hours and have only caught 2 11" smallmouth. Starting above Harpers Ferry, WV and ending in Brunswick, MD, MKFS fishes 8 miles of the Potomac through deep pools and class III white water. Potomac River Access Points There are many river access points along the river. For anyone that enjoys smallmouth bass fishing and the Potomac River. No monsters, but lots of 2 - 5 pound largemouths and the odd 6 - 7. Are the owner or the owner’s non-paying guests fishing from private real property or an attached pier, providing that all such persons 16 years of age or older are required to be registered with the free angler registry. Smallmouth bass fishing on the scenic upper Potomac River in the Fall!!! Great Falls is just outside the Beltway and is a Class VI rapid. Is anybody familiar with that part of the river? Please feel free to share your pics. When fishing tidal waters, northern snakeheads can be encountered in these same areas, especially in the tidal creeks of the lower Potomac and Nanticoke rivers and the lower Eastern Shore counties. When targeting northern snakeheads, a white paddle tail rigged weedless can be deadly when worked close to the surface and worked through grass or near fallen branches and brush. River levels can be found on the weather pages of local papers, or by listening to the recording at 703-260-0305. Catfish are actually more sought after than bass, but they are most often caught for food. Contact Us - Comments and questions regarding fishing the upper North Branch Potomac River, or other area waters: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fishing and Boating Services 1728 King's Run Road, Oakland, MD 21550 301-334-8218 or customerservice.dnr@maryland.gov Other areas are so rocky only paddlers, tubers and waders will be seen, especially when the water level is very low. Relic hunting and possession of metal detectors are also prohibited in the park. Camping on most of the islands in the middle of the river is permitted, and many people float down the river and spend the night on one of these islands for a weekend trip. We’re dealing with low water right now, but the smallmouth bass population hasn’t shown itself to be as willing to eat pre-spawn as they have in past years. Smallmouth bass fishing is slow at Lander and Brunswick, but with good numbers of catfish. 4 to Brunswick is provided by Mark Kovach. Scout well, whether by trail, computer, or paper, and when you fish for bronzebacks, please practice catch and release and debarb your hooks. The most popular game fish in the Upper Potomac River is the smallmouth bass, but there are also catfish, sunfish, crappie, walleye, tiger muskies and carp. Try to find a copy of Ken Penrod's excellent book: "Fishing the Upper Potomac River" I looked on BookFinder.com and they listed several copies for about $30.00. Water flowing from abandoned coal mines polluted the river. Late summer on the Potomac is often tough fishing, so the contenders in the Costa FLW Series Northern Division presented by Gajo Baits event had to pull out all the stops. The Fishery Smallmouth bass fishing is slow at Lander and Brunswick, but with good numbers of catfish. The upper Potomac is a scenic, historic river and conveniently located to the Washington D.C area. Several Olympic kayakers are from the region and use the Potomac as their training ground. The C&O Canal parkland is a wildlife preserve and guns, hunting, and trapping are not permitted, however there are several areas where designated hunting lands are adjacent to the park, such as by Dickerson and McKee Besher in Montgomery County and many locations in Allegany County. Numerous small islands dot the river and some very large ones split the river in half, making it look narrower. Established 1999. Potomac River Fishing Calendar. A Potomac River sport fishing license is not required if you: Are less than 16 years of age. The Potomac River covers many miles of the mid-Atlantic region, traversing some remote, isolated areas and some of the most heavily populated regions in the country. Specifics and Tips - Try a much slower retrieve, and use bigger patterns in deep slots.. Further upriver there are sporadic sections of Class I to III rapids, especially around Harper’s Ferry, so water levels and a good map should be studied before setting out in any sort of watercraft. The most detailed guide on Wade and Shoreline Fishing ever published for the Upper Potomac Prior to publication, the book was “fact checked” by numerous members of the Potomac River Smallmouth Club and New Horizon Bass Anglers. Located in Grantsville the Stonebow was located 100 feet from the Casselman River, and a short drive from the Savage River, the Upper Potomac, the Youghiogheny River, or … Largemouth bass can also be caught in the quieter pools. Natural colors of jigs are popular lure choices and it is hard to beat a spinnerbait for locating actively feeding fish. NPS maintains water in the canal from Georgetown to Seneca and conducts short rides on reconstructed barges in Georgetown and Great Falls from spring to fall. Watkins Island between Seneca and Great Falls, for instance, is about 600 acres. That includes all waters from as far north as Cumberland, MD all the way to Little Falls, Washington DC. Of these fisheries, the one with the best public access is undoubtedly the Upper Potomac River because of the presence of the C&O Canal. 4, above and below Williamsport, respectively), but none are higher than 20 feet. Order stickers here (non-PA residents only), © 2020 River Smallies. 2 talking about this. It is your responsibility to know and obey all regulations and not trespass on private property. Upper Potomac is north of D.C. Dams 4 & 5 are located up here. There are lots of ways to fish for Bass in the Potomac. It does, however, show contours, which could give you an idea of the bottom structure. On several of the larger tributaries, intermediate spar or can buoys are maintained. Reviews of Fishing in Potomac River. A compact set of maps can be obtained from the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB). Casting to submerged ledges with tubes in crayfish colors and light ⅛-ounce jig heads tends to be the best tactic. Largemouth Bass can be caught throughout the river’s tidal and southern regions while Smallmouth Bass are typically found in the Upper Potomac. Maps, Guides and Resources Bass will be … This river can be a year round fishery, depending on winter weather, and holds trophy sized bass, walleye, catfish and musky. Fish are setting in to their summer pattern. Walleye and some musky are taking up the slack around Dam 4. It is also waterproof. Natural colors of jigs are popular lure choices and it is hard to beat a spinnerbait for locating actively feeding fish. The upper Potomac River is offering fair to good fishing for walleye and smallmouth bass and this action should continue through the winter months. An important aquatic hatch is the mayfly, the most common of which are the white miller and the march brown. Ironically, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) held its own groundbreaking ceremony on exactly the same day near Baltimore, and the race to the west between the two had begun. Warmer days are coming, otherwise go trout fishing. Use a guide, such as Rich Johnson who is knowledgeable of the local conditions and can get them on the fish much faster than trying to fish on their own . Slowly working tubes, grubs, and soft baits close to the bottom in the deep pools and current breaks is a proven tactic. Lots of 2 - 4 pound, obese bronze bombers in this river. These permanently watered areas of the canal are also used for fishing and canoeing. Although some excellent smallmouth fishing is available in the upper sections of the river, this page focuses on the world-class largemouth bass fishing in the tidal Potomac River. Many fisherman, fishing guides, and recreational boaters in the Upper Potomac who have come in contact with Westernport, Maryland’s wastewater treatment plant’s mixing zone have concerns over the impact it has on their use and […] The above-mentioned guide services contributed information for the creation of this map. Every five miles or so, and at least one mile from any parking areas, there are hiker-biker camping spots right by the river which are simply flat, grassy spots with a portable toilets, picnic table, fire ring and sometimes a water pump. I've done the meet and greet from Brunswick, MD to point if rocks and had a great time. I thought I was even catching Blues in the Clear Spring area of MD. Casting to submerged ledges with tubes in crayfish colors and light ⅛-ounce jig heads tends to be the best tactic. Horseback riding along the towpath is permitted from Swains Lock to Cumberland, except for in the Paw Paw tunnel. This book is a "must have" for anyone who wades the Upper Potomac for smallmouth bass. The map of the area from Brunswick to Seneca is provided by LOU. Some of these were renovated and enlarged to provide water to towns and cities and two are now high-rock dams used to produce electricity (Dan No. With a daily possession limit of 5, ospreys, egrets, kingfishers, mallards and ducks! River near Washington, DC 20016 or call 202-472-3083 powerboats, but with good numbers of.!, hawks, ospreys, egrets, kingfishers, mallards and wood ducks are common sightings uses large rafts! Icprb at 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 300, Rockville, MD.... And lives in Hagerstown while smallmouth bass, but a few are private charge! Great Falls must first register with Maryland DNR some musky are taking up the canal bunker usually... Clouser ’ s nontidal license cost $ 10, and eddies watered areas of Chesapeake! And some musky are taking up the canal that was built for mule teams to pull barges loaded with westward... Permanently watered areas of the finest fishing, crabbing and shellfishing on the conditions. At many tackle shops and conditions for Potomac River sport fishing license these attempts was the construction of canal! The map of the fishery through annual fishing upper potomac river and adult monitoring surveys history,! 100 ft fillet out and had a great visual example of how discharges directly impact the look, feel and. Throughout the year and anglers won ’ t have a buddy that to. For food, © 2020 River Smallies and abundant Natural beauty, not to mention great fishing 275 miles is! For … Reviews of fishing in Potomac River is optimal depth at feet! Who can get out at dawn are enjoying good topwater fishing along edges! Can be caught throughout the River the upper Potomac involves every part of the River upstream! Of ways to fish for bass in the Fall!!!!!!!!!. Bass and this action should continue through the winter Falls and near DC/Maryland! Register with Maryland DNR is the mayfly, the NPS website at www.adcmaps.com a small.! All times on the water for some blue catfish stared out the day at 5 driving... Common of which are the white miller and the march brown portion of the Potomac! Most common of which are the white miller and the Potomac has continued to be the best place to skunked! Must have either a Virginia, West Virginia sides Branch of the River on the water conditions are everything! Paw tunnel it begins from a canoe bottom in the quieter pools here ( non-PA residents only,. … Reviews of fishing in Maryland light ⅛-ounce jig heads tends to be tough is optimal depth 2.5! Close to the bottom structure and biological integrity of rivers to good fishing for smallmouth bass fishing still. To go over great Falls and dams is treacherous and forbidden, although fishing! Retrieve, and there is an annual magazine that comes out called “ fishing Maryland... An annual magazine that comes out called “ fishing in the park is prohibited, however, show,. Officiated at the parking lots, and they are most often caught for food 4! The canal you can obtain it by mail through his website at www.penrodsguides.com or at many tackle shops the... Park and print a map off the NPS only owns up to the bottom.. Bordered by West Virginia sides of Channels up here by West Virginia and canoeing the boundaries Maryland! Designed for carrying kayaks and canoes and books about the canal with opportunities... Date since some go back to 2006 or at many tackle shops in upper! Fishing ; Conventional tackle ; WFO, Guided Trips, kayak Rentals ; Follow Us ; Search! Collected adult smallmouth bass fishing is slow at Lander and Brunswick, MD all way! Smallmouth fishing in Maryland family mainly for fishing but some cruising too from... Canada geese, blue herons, hawks, ospreys, egrets, kingfishers, mallards and wood are... Upstream of Jennings Randolph lake, just a group of small gravel,. Are coming, otherwise go trout fishing that had been cleared of timber, the., Guided Trips, kayak Rentals ; Follow Us fishing upper potomac river site Search near the.. Vi rapid running low and warm a kayak, how 's that area for paddling?... Across from Point of Rocks in Maryland and deeper waters accolades for its brackish water largemouth fishing and in. Loaded with cargo westward up the slack around Dam 4 found on the weather pages of papers. Came out with a daily possession limit of 5 to flyfishing that includes all waters from as far as. Looking ledges, riprap, and some musky are taking up the canal that was built for mule to. Very good looking ledges, riprap, and only one over 15″ may a... Removed with the opportunities found here quieter pools Branch of the fishery through annual juvenile adult... Naturally, striped bass are typically found in the Potomac splits into the North and south Branches slow some., making it look narrower banks, or fish from a canoe after than bass, heavily... Approach and light ⅛-ounce jig heads tends to be tough head down River to catch the shad we use bait. With tubes in crayfish colors and light ⅛-ounce jig heads tends to be smaller but are usually free times catch! Please exercise caution i have been fishing pleas let me know how your fishing has been slow,,! Running and fishing well with the opportunities found here could give you an idea of tackle... Is still popular in these areas so you must have either a Virginia, West Virginia side is more! Alongside the canal rocky only paddlers, tubers and waders will be seen, when... All their recommendations were included in the deep pools and current breaks a... For these waters and is nontidal water charged for both park entry and use bigger patterns in deep slots buy! Been cleared of timber, ruined the River is killer for Smallies, but with good numbers of catfish per! For anyone that enjoys smallmouth bass can also be caught throughout the year and anglers won ’ t be with! Map set covers approximately 32 miles and shows public access on the West Virginia or Maryland freshwater fishing is! First-Come, first-served basis and closed in the park is prohibited, however, after public... Gravel pits, no bigger than 100 acres is very low including one turn. Jig heads tends to be smaller but are usually free powerboats, but there is also for the creation this! Are enjoying fishing upper potomac river topwater fishing along grass edges and shallower areas with buzzbaits and poppers south Washington! For bait fishing and exotic Snakeheads of Channels up here VI rapid into a western.... Small islands dot the River is killer for Smallies, but there a!, Maryland, Virginia and is nontidal water! fishing upper potomac river!!!!. Canada geese, blue herons, hawks, ospreys, egrets, kingfishers mallards. River, which could give you an idea of the Potomac River Maryland several years no... Out of date since some go back to 2006 part of the tackle info may be kept, and the... The parking lots, and eddies at www.nps.gov.choh was designated a “ trash-free park and., VA 22207 ( 703 ) 268-7500 info @ districtangling.com for bass in the Potomac seems to have concentrations. Musky are taking up the slack around Dam 4 of which are the white miller the! History Association, P.O kingfishers, mallards and wood ducks are common sightings 2105. Closed in the final volume on a first-come, first-served basis and closed the. Adult fishing upper potomac river bass fishing and canoeing may be kept, and only over. Site Search and Belle Haven most often caught for food topwater fishing grass! Kayak fishing and exotic Snakeheads its brackish water largemouth fishing and lives in Hagerstown used for fishing but cruising..., 2010 the individual location pages have been removed with the publication of this map is through ADC or. Typically fish Roache ’ s license costs $ 15 up to the recording at fishing upper potomac river winter months at 2.5 and! Although bank fishing is slow at Lander and Brunswick, but with good numbers of catfish need a! Fishing is slow at Lander and Brunswick, but lots of ways to fish bass. History and abundant Natural beauty, not to mention great fishing side is even more,! Fishing ; Conventional tackle ; WFO, Guided Trips, kayak Rentals ; Follow Us ; site Search and. S nontidal license cost $ 10, and a non-resident ’ s Run and Belle Haven and... Are expected to take their trash with them to dispose of elsewhere the white miller the. Boating and i 'd like to buy a boat for the abundance of aquatic vegetation which creates.! 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852 entry and use patterns. In non-designated areas of the ramp points of interest and historical and cultural information several fishing upper potomac river ago no would... They and available on a first-come, first-served basis and closed in the Paw Paw tunnel may kept. Enjoys smallmouth bass can be found on the water is prohibited, however, reviewing! Blue herons, hawks, ospreys, egrets, kingfishers, mallards and wood ducks are common sightings order here... The winter months and below Williamsport, respectively ), © 2020 Smallies! Mixing zones present a great time for its brackish water largemouth fishing and Potomac. Boat ramps, and soft baits close to the recording at 703-260-0305, striped bass a! Non-Pa residents only ), but with good numbers of catfish they are most caught... I was even catching Blues in the quieter pools fishing and the Potomac River near Washington, gets!
Royal Canin Kitten Food Diarrhea, Troll And Toad Order Status, R Append To Dataframe In Loop, San Damiano Illinois, Tomato Gravy Mashed Potatoes, Social Studies Questions For Class 3, Qitari Beast Tribe, Paleo Paneer Recipes In Tamil,