Shenandoah and Potomac in November

[MassBass]

I'll be heading down south in early- mid November for a wedding and I intend to make a fishing expedition out of it. For reference the event is in Bluemont VA. My interest is piqued in the 'doah and Potomac, however I don't know what kind of fishing I would be getting into in November. Do the smallies shut down? Is there a cold water fishery? If these rivers are washed out high and mighty by then, is there any good lake and pond opportunities? Not looking for spots, just general intel about fishing around there in November. 

[Logan S]

November won't be 'cold water' yet, should be some good fall fishing.  I'd expect the rivers to be low and clear, they all are around here in the fall unless we get a major storm around the time you're coming.  

 

Not an expert in that specific area but I grew up fishing the upper Potomac both wading and from a boat.  Generally speaking the upper parts of these rivers are known more for quantity than quality.  A 3" senko on a weedless head will catch em, as will most other finesse techniques.  It's true river fishing, so lots of rocks and lots of current, even when the rivers are low. 

 

Hope you enjoy your trip to the area.