Potomac River I Need Some Help

[Go Fish]

I just moved to Northern Virginia, and im really looking forward to fishing the Potomac River once the season starts.  Just wondering what some reliable rigs were, ANY advice is much appreciated!

[Sam]

Suggestions to consider:

 

1.  Where will you be putting in?

2.  What type of boat and motor do you have?

3.  Get a GMCO map of the Potomac.

4.  Have a weather app on your cell phone and if any strong weather is forcasted watch that app.

5.  Always check the wind for the day. Anything over 15 MPH be extremely careful on the main river.

6.  They like white moving biats.

7.  Lots of wonderful grass in the summer.

8.  Have a "punch through the grass" rig.

9.  Spinnerbaits and crankbaits work well. Sexy Shad color is an option.

10. Senkos and Baby Brush Hogs fished under docks and piers.

11. Creeks are outstanding. Pick one out and fish it.

12. Arkendale Flats in the summer can be productive. Lots of grass.

13. Look for snakeheads along the shoreline. Fun to catch.

14. Be on the lookout for the big ocean yachts as they throw a mean wake. Hold on to your seat.

15. Stay south of the WW unless you want to purchase a DC license.

16. Join a local bass club that fishes the Potomac and go as a nonboater for a year to learn the river.

17. Topwaters can work great.

18. Google Potomac River Fishing or Potomac River Fishing Reports to locate blogs on the Potomac.

19. Google Potomac River Fishing Guides and note if any post information on the river during the year.

20. You can catch saltwater species in the Potomac. Be careful about keeping any if you do not have a saltwater fishing license.

21. Never been stopped on the river nor have seen any Virginia or Maryland conservation officers, but you should have everything required by the two state laws on your boat including having one cushion on the deck for everyone fishing or on the boat.

22. Look at the Maryalnd tide charts for the tides on the day you want to fish. Falling tides on the Potomac have the bass running around.

23. Be very careful regarding other boaters. If the other guys have big rigs they will open them up and go as fast as water conditions will allow.

24. It is not inexpensive to launch. Hope Springs costs $15 or $20 but it is a safe harbor and Aquia Creek is a good place to fish.

25. Join us for our Meet and Greet on August 24 & 25 to fish the Potomac from the Maryland side. Check out our posts in Southeastern Fishing of the Forum.

 

Just about any bait can work on the Potomac. You can beat the bank or fish the flats and crab pots.

 

One of the best fishing locations in Virginia. But YOU HAVE TO WATCH THE WEATHER. A small wind can turn white caps in an instant, especially on the main river which is like a small ocean.

 

The big boats don't care about you and they will run full throtle by you causing strong wakes.

 

If you have a push pole bring it in the summer to get through the grass.

 

You can fish around and above the grass or punch through with a heavy tungston weight. All baits work on the Potomac and for some reason they like anything white.

 

The guys will complete the post for you. Just consider my suggestions and get a map of the river and always think safety first while on the Potomac.

 

Good luck.

[dave]

I suggest joining New Horizon Bass Anglers.  Very good group of guys that stress fun and education. There is a fishing flea market next weekend in Sterling.  Check them out.  

 

http://www.nhbayouthfoundation.org/

[MN_SONNEN_ANGLER]

When does the season open in va? Ill be working on a retail store in Alexandria for 5 weeks and was hoping to get a line wet while out here.

[Traveler2586]

What Sam said X2.

 

The big question is what type of boat/access do you have?  Knowing that we can fine tune and build on Sam's suggestions.

 

The Mattawoman Creek is one of the best fisheries on the river accessible by any type of boat, yak, or tube.

 

Also, what type of cell phone do you have, there are some good app's available, i.e. NOAA Smart Buoys, Goggle Earth, Navionics Marine & Lakes: USA, GPS Tracks, etc.

 

PM me if you would like to hook up for a introduction ride on the river.

[Dan:]

There is no season in VA, go fish right now.

[Sam]

There is no season in VA, go fish right now.

 

X2.

 

Just get your license and hit the water.

 

And remember Dogwoods.

 

When the Dogwood trees bloom the bass are on their beds.

 

When the first full moon rises after the Dogwoods bloom hit the water that day.

 

And if I was you I would take Travelers' offer. Not only is he a great guy but he is an excellent fisherman.

 

Consider paying him for gas ($50) and for that low price you will have your own personal guide on the Potomac.

 

It does not get better than that!

[Bigbarge50]

if you type Potomac river into the search feature on here there will literally be a libraries worth of info on the river on here.  

[Go Fish]

if you type Potomac river into the search feature on here there will literally be a libraries worth of info on the river on here.  

 

Only stuff that comes up is my post...

[Sam]

Try Potomac River Fishing Reports on Google.

 

https://isearch.avg.com/search?cid={503CA3A9-EA93-4455-B09A-D0F7CA676B8B}&mid=4d2e4f9dce534393b3ed31f14b4fc63a-cb29f9041f2007165e7eeca3b60b9b1ae1575280〈=en&ds=hk014&pr=sa&d=2012-10-01 18:47:14&v=12.2.5.34&sap=dsp&q=potomac+river+fishing+report

[Sam]

https://isearch.avg.com/search?cid={503CA3A9-EA93-4455-B09A-D0F7CA676B8B}&mid=4d2e4f9dce534393b3ed31f14b4fc63a-cb29f9041f2007165e7eeca3b60b9b1ae1575280〈=en&ds=hk014&pr=sa&d=2012-10-01 18:47:14&v=12.2.5.34&sap=dsp&q=potomac+river+fishing+reports

 

Link does not work so Google Potomac River Fishing Reports.

[Traveler2586]

You can also try Ken Penrods site for his Potomac River guide books & fishing reports   http://www.penrodsguides.com/default.htm

 

Or the Maryland DNR Tidal Bass Program at http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/bass/index.asp

 

Potomac River Bass Fishing site at http://www.potomacbass.com/

 

 

There are other forums that I will not post here, but they're not as good as BR.

[Bigbarge50]

Traveler is Ken good?  His prices seemed a little on the steep side.  

[Traveler2586]

Never used his guide services, but his books are well worth the money.

[Traveler2586]

I just moved to Northern Virginia, and im really looking forward to fishing the Potomac River once the season starts.  Just wondering what some reliable rigs were, ANY advice is much appreciated!

There are some other sites that have some very good info on the Potomac River, I.E. http://www.potomacbass.com/

 

Look for articles such as "Gunston Cove, Pohick Bay, Accotink Bay" by Andy Andrzejewski.  In a series of articles Andy has done an excellent job of providing a written tour of the Potomac.

 

You can also Bing "Potomac Bass Fishing Articles"