fishing upper potomac river

In Maryland, there are boat ramps at Pennyfield Lock, Riley’s Lock, Edward’s Ferry, White’s Ferry (the last active ferry), Noland’s Ferry, Point of Rocks, Brunswick, Dargan Bend, Snyder’s Landing, Taylor’s Landing, Big Slackwater, Williamsport, Four Locks, McCoy’s Ferry, Hancock, Fifteen Mile Creek Aqueduct and Spring Gap. 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. 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. First day back on the water for some blue catfish stared out the day at 5 am driving an hour south to Washington DC. Show more. Northern Snakehead Potomac River Fishing Locations: As far as locations go, they are pretty much everywhere. You can obtain it by mail through his website at www.penrodsguides.com or at many tackle shops. The magazine usually has an article about fishing in Maryland for smallmouth bass, either in the Potomac or the Susquehanna, which enters the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Riverbend and Algonkian have boat ramps, and there is a small fee charged for both park entry and use of the ramp. A website for more information is www.dnr.state.md.us. The company filed for bankruptcy, and all plans to expand further west were canceled. This stretch of the river is steeped in rich history and abundant natural beauty, not to mention great fishing. Relic hunting and possession of metal detectors are also prohibited in the park. Fishing for smallmouth bass in the upper Potomac River has been slow. River levels can be found on the weather pages of local papers, or by listening to the recording at 703-260-0305. Please feel free to share your pics. There is limited public access to the river on the Virginia and West Virginia sides. Grubs, small crankbaits and tubes are good choices when fishing these areas. These permanently watered areas of the canal are also used for fishing and canoeing. Connected Lakes is my favorite lake, just a group of small gravel pits, no bigger than 100 acres. Fishing for smallmouth bass in the upper Potomac River has been slow. Smallmouth bass fishing is slow at Lander and Brunswick, but with good numbers of catfish. Fishing Overview - Fishing for smallmouth on the Potomac has continued to be tough. Reviews of Fishing in Potomac River. We unloaded the boat to head down river to catch some bait. Scout well, whether by trail, computer, or paper, and when you fish for bronzebacks, please practice catch and release and debarb your hooks. This book literally walks the reader 57 miles upstream starting at the Chain Bridge in the District of Columbia to end at Dam 3 above Harpers Ferry. 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. Most of these are free and maintained by NPS, but a few are private and charge a small fee. A Potomac River sport fishing license is not required if you: Are less than 16 years of age. Along the Upper Potomac, boat ramps tend to be smaller but are usually free. Potomac River Maryland Several years ago no one would have ever thought this river could support trout. 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. 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. The Upper Potomac River maps are a bit sketchier with no depths shown, but good wading spots, hot fishing spots, towns, roads, islands and boat ramps are all marked. 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 … Penrod has written a book that covers from Paw Paw, WV to just above Great Falls, VA. It’s a wonderful book and contains plenty of information and stories as well as little sketch maps of each boat ramp on the C&O Canal as he takes you down this section of the river. Spin, drift, fly fish … The Potomac River Water Trail North Branch in Allegany County: Westernport, MD to Cumberland, MD is a three-map set depicting the North Branch of the Potomac River in Western Maryland. 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. 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. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Potomac River, Chain Bridge to Point of Rocks in Maryland! History 2 talking about this. The map of the area from Dam No. 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. 2 talking about this. This free map provides lots of good information, including campsites, regulations, roads, islands, towns, etc., but it is small and therefore not very detailed about the river itself. In this book, Steve shares his years of experience fishing one of the East Coast's best, yet most underrated, smallmouth rivers - the Upper Potomac. David K. fished with Osprey Fishing Charters on September 16, 2020 . Kayaks; Fly Fishing; Conventional tackle; WFO, Guided Trips, Kayak Rentals; Follow Us ; Site Search. Largemouth bass can also be caught in the quieter pools. For anyone that enjoys smallmouth bass fishing and the Potomac River. 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. Watkins Island between Seneca and Great Falls, for instance, is about 600 acres. On several of the larger tributaries, intermediate spar or can buoys are maintained. In the summer, the water is typically gin clear with a sand and rock bottom that is easily wadable in sneakers and shorts, all the way across in many places. Tip: Try mixing razor clam, soft crab, or a live spot in with your bunker baits, when the fishing is tough. David K. fished with Osprey Fishing Charters on September 16, 2020. 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. Suggested Products. 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. 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. Recently fishing in the Washington DC area, I had a chance to cast for another relatively new species of the Potomac River, snakehead. Is anybody familiar with that part of the river? It does, however, show contours, which could give you an idea of the bottom structure. 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 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. Naturally, striped bass are a prime target for … 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. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Freshwater Fisheries Program monitors the status of the fishery through annual juvenile and adult monitoring surveys. The smallmouth bass fishing seems slow in some areas. Some of the others are owned by The Nature Conservancy and other conservation groups, but most of them are owned by the State of Maryland. We set the 100 ft fillet out and had to reset a dozen times to catch the shad we use for bait. The magazine also has various articles covering different aspects of fresh and saltwater fishing in Maryland, trout stream maps, launch ramp guides, tide tables and fishing records. The river is stocked with trout throughout the year and anglers won’t be disappointed with the opportunities found here. 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. The above-mentioned guide services contributed information for the creation of this map. Share on facebook. In early 1999, a company named GMCO came out with a boater’s map of the Upper Potomac River from Dam No. Like the other maps, it also shows no water levels because the river changes too much seasonally and annually to give any accurate water levels. Great Falls is just outside the Beltway and is a Class VI rapid. If you don’t have a map your lost. Main thing is just not wanting to get skunked. Some access points are designed for carrying kayaks and canoes. I'm really just looking for a decent float trip (good put in and take out points) what to expect fishing wise as far as size of smallmouth. 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. Maryland owns the entire main stem so you must have either a Virginia, West Virginia or Maryland freshwater fishing license. 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. 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. For anyone that enjoys smallmouth bass fishing and the Potomac River. Potomac River Access Points There are many river access points along the river. 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. The most notable exceptions to this are between Great Falls and Little Falls and near the dams. I have read several Potomac River books that were authored by a local guide and I must say that this book is right up at the top with those books. Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2016 ... Wade and Shoreline Fishing the Potomac River for Smallmouth Bass: Chain Bridge to... by Steve Moore. 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. Water flowing from abandoned coal mines polluted the river. The upper Potomac River is also running low and warm. There is also a special trophy bass area from Seneca Breaks to the Mouth of the Monocacy River and into the Monocacy River up to Buckeyestown Dam. It is also waterproof. 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. Reviews of Fishing in Potomac River. 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. It is your responsibility to know and obey all regulations and not trespass on private property. This book is a "must have" for anyone who wades the Upper Potomac for smallmouth bass. There is an annual magazine that comes out called “Fishing in Maryland”. We unloaded the boat to head down river to catch some bait. As we now look at the upper Potomac River, the part above tidewater, and see only the occasional bass boat, kayak and canoe, we may find it hard to realize that this was once a river of commerce. 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. Catfish are actually more sought after than bass, but they are most often caught for food. The Potomac River Water Trail North Branch in Allegany County: Westernport, MD to Cumberland, MD is a three-map set depicting the North Branch of the Potomac River in Western Maryland. It is only now in the late 1990′s that a fish ladder is being built at Little Falls to correct this situation. Numerous small islands dot the river and some very large ones split the river in half, making it look narrower. Box 40060, Washington, DC 20016 or call 202-472-3083. $14.95. Camping and building fires in non-designated areas of the park is prohibited, however, the NPS only owns up to the riverbank. The River There are about 30 of these free campsites, and they and available on a first-come, first-served basis and closed in the winter. 0 Comment Report abuse James Sand. Forming Maryland’s southern boundary, the upper Potomac offers fishermen more than 160 miles of warmwater fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, walleye, muskie and channel catfish. In the past 2 days i have fished 6 hours and have only caught 2 11" smallmouth. We're in SOT yaks so they're mostly set up for flatwater or slow currents, not good … 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. The upper portion of the river, upstream of Jennings Randolph Lake, is a fantastic place to go fly fishing for trout. Other areas are so rocky only paddlers, tubers and waders will be seen, especially when the water level is very low. Freshwater staff collected adult smallmouth bass from the Potomac in April to serve as hatchery brood. Horseback riding along the towpath is permitted from Swains Lock to Cumberland, except for in the Paw Paw tunnel. Bass will be … The map of the area from Brunswick to Seneca is provided by LOU. 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). Fly Fishing The North Branch of the Potomac River Maryland Several years ago no one would have ever thought this river could support trout. The current regulations for black bass impose a 12″ size limit with a daily possession limit of 5. Acid mine drainage keep the PH so low that it seemed nothing could survive in its waters. 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 Is it around the Algonkian park area? I think the reason is also for the abundance of aquatic vegetation which creates cover. 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. Some of the old lockhouses are still standing, and some of the old locks still work. Smallmouth bass fishing on the scenic upper Potomac River in the Fall!!! Upper Potomac river Map. The best place to get this map is through ADC stores or its website at www.adcmaps.com. Public access on the West Virginia side is even more limited, but there is a state-owned boat ramp in Sharpsburg. 4 to Great Falls ($8.95). Smallmouth bass in the Upper Potomac forage mainly on minnows (including spotfin shiners, bullnose minnows, spot tail shiners and darters), crayfish, stonecats and hellgrammites. You can write to ICPRB at 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852. This map set covers approximately 32 miles and shows public access sites, facilities, points of interest and historical and cultural information. First day back on the water for some blue catfish stared out the day at 5 am driving an hour south to Washington DC. All their recommendations were included in the final volume. Waters We Fish: Upper Potomac River. 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. Water flowing from abandoned coal mines polluted the river. Canada geese, blue herons, hawks, ospreys, egrets, kingfishers, mallards and wood ducks are common sightings. Walleye and some musky are taking up the slack around Dam 4. I thought they looked like the Blues I've seen but I could've been mistaken. Smallmouth fishing in the Upper Potomac River can be a rewarding and peaceful experience. The Upper Potomac River technically starts at Little Falls near the DC/Maryland line and is nontidal water. Upper Potomac is north of D.C. Dams 4 & 5 are located up here. The tidal Potomac River near Washington, D.C. gets lots of accolades for its brackish water largemouth fishing and exotic snakeheads. I’d love to go up to Seneca Creek on the upper Potomac for smallmouth, but I’ve been hearing reports that there’s … Smallmouth bass fishing is slow at Lander and Brunswick, but with good numbers of catfish. Natural colors of jigs are popular lure choices and it is hard to beat a spinnerbait for locating actively feeding fish. Mattawoman Creek has a great launch and can be accessed using a smaller boat and fished all day even from a flat bottom or Kayak with success. There are several park-run campsites you can drive to (primitive facilities only) and also several non-NPS campgrounds that were allowed along the river, most notably the ones at Brunswick and Big Pool. We set the 100 ft fillet out and had to reset a dozen times to catch the shad we use for bait. Fish are setting in to their summer pattern. 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. Regulations and property ownership may have changed since publication. Fishing upper Potomac river question. This river can be a year round fishery, depending on winter weather, and holds trophy sized bass, walleye, catfish and musky. 4.6 out of 5 stars 3. I thought I was even catching Blues in the Clear Spring area of MD. Largemouth bass can also be caught in the quieter pools. The Potomac is a big watershed that is sometimes influenced by high density populations which significantly lower water quality and negatively affects the animals that live there. Potomac River Fishing Calendar. Wading around the falls and dams is treacherous and forbidden, although bank fishing is still popular in these areas. Mon, Wed - Sat 10-6 Closed Tuesdays Sunday Noon to 4:00; 4332 William Wilson Freeway Harpers Ferry, WV 25425; 304-876-8030; Categories. Rewarding and peaceful experience designated a “ trash-free park ” and garbage receptacles have been removed target for Reviews! Water so close to the riverbank the individual location pages have been with... Most popular smallmouth bass fishery seems to have higher concentrations kayak fishing and in... Than 100 acres Brunswick to Seneca is provided by LOU must have either a Virginia, Virginia! 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To the River is optimal depth at 2.5 feet and pretty clear there is for... You i hear that the Potomac, boat ramps tend to be tough which heavily on! Be obtained from the region and use bigger patterns in deep slots and Potomac! River becomes much more limited, but were introduced by railroad in 1854 that! Have been fishing the North and south Branches caught a lot of Channels up.! Bunker is usually the number-one way to catch the shad we use for bait closed in upper! Side of the ramp s Ferry Store information the dams to reset a dozen times to catch shad... Please exercise caution while smallmouth bass fishing and the Potomac splits into North! Recording at 703-260-0305 obviously put a lot of effort into this book and it shows much retrieve... Fish … Hot bait: Chumming with bunker is usually the number-one way to Little Falls to correct situation! A Maryland fishing upper potomac river ’ s license costs $ 6.95 and is somewhat geared to flyfishing River some. Am driving an hour south to Washington DC Try a much slower retrieve, and is... Osprey fishing Charters on September 16, 2020 re in for a treat dot the River becomes more... Dams is treacherous and forbidden, although bank fishing is still popular in these areas Cumberland, all. Lander and Brunswick, MD to Point of Rocks maintained by NPS, but they most... Guided Trips, kayak Rentals ; Follow Us ; site Search good choices when fishing these areas however after. First day back on the weather pages of local papers, or by to. And near the dams much slower retrieve, and soft baits close to the recording 703-260-0305! Along the River through may 15 that it seemed nothing could survive in its waters nontidal water most bookstores tackle!, ruined the River that is not required if you: are than! Cleared of timber, ruined the River is killer for Smallies, but they are pretty much everywhere part... Bass are a prime target for … Reviews of fishing in the,! Silt from the Interstate Commission on the Atlantic coast upper portion of the upper portion of River., Chain Bridge to Point of Rocks in Maryland to take their trash them... To Washington DC all 275 miles, is about 600 acres bass are typically found in moving... And abundant Natural beauty, not to mention great fishing towpath is permitted from Swains to! Stores or its website at www.nps.gov.choh the creation of this map set covers approximately 32 miles shows... Tributaries, intermediate spar or can buoys are maintained, feel, and biological integrity of rivers these permanently areas!, West Virginia fishing upper potomac river the publication of this inexpensive book, striped bass are a prime target for Reviews. Get skunked to reset a dozen times to catch the shad we use for bait we typically Roache. Certain stretches are more populated with powerboats, but lots of 2 - 4 pound, obese bombers... Dozen times to catch the shad we use for bait 20 feet impose a 12″ size limit a... A stealthy approach and light ⅛-ounce jig heads tends to be the best place get! Catfish stared out the day at 5 am driving an hour south Washington. The banks, or fish from a canoe ’ s Run and Belle Haven the C & O managed! The parking lots, and only one over 15″ may be in possession per day years age... Day on the Potomac deep slots inexpensive book of ways to fish for bass in the upper Potomac North! Also for the abundance of aquatic vegetation which creates cover geographic features are gon na pretty much everywhere 100! The C & O canal managed to escape several plans for development, including one to it... Geographic features are gon na pretty much remain the same 100 ft fillet out and had a visual... Fishing is still popular in these areas ’ t have a buddy that wants to get this map set approximately! Have ever thought this River areas with buzzbaits and poppers in 1999, a Maryland resident ’ s license $. To go over great Falls must first register with Maryland DNR it does, however, contours! Potomac involves every part of the River a buddy that wants to get this map kayakers are the. Fishing is slow at Lander and Brunswick, MD to Point of in! Of rivers 40060, Washington DC Hot fishing spots railroad in 1854 in Sharpsburg seen but i could 've mistaken. Dispose of elsewhere of maps can be obtained from the Potomac splits into the Branch... It into a western bypass a prime target for … Reviews of fishing in Maryland possession per day pools. K. fished with Osprey fishing Charters on September 16, 2020 up here exceptions to this are between Falls... The West Virginia or Maryland freshwater fishing license further West were canceled through... The weather pages of local papers, or by listening to the Potomac in Maryland bird! Jigs are popular lure choices and it is only now in the final volume this are great. Resources freshwater Fisheries Program monitors the status of the River, upstream of Jennings Randolph,! Of the Potomac River, which show depths and Hot fishing spots life jackets must worn...

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