Bass Fishing the Lower Potomac- "Point Look Out"

[hjerk24]

I am staying on Point Look Out (Md.) this Summer for a week, and was wondering what/if there are any Largemouth Spots, areas you'd suggest. Is this too brackish, or can I start up the Lower Potomac and find some good water to fish? It looks good on Google Earth, but was wondering who has fished this area, and is it worth taking the Boat on the trip?

Thanks in advance-

Jamie

[stratos 375]

Mr. hjerk,  I'm sure the Md. guys who frequent the river can give you a much better answer, but seeing as no one chimed in, I'll give you my take on it. I've fished down there enough to give you a semi-educated answer.

Ive fished the Nanjemoy & Port Tobaco areas and done fairly well, but that's still about 50 miles upriver from where you'll be. I've never fished below there but have heard of guys catching them in Allens Fresh. I think to have any reasonable success, you need to be well above the 301 bridge, although i'm sure there could be exceptions. I'm not sure how far down the river you can find vegatation.

I've ran down to Popes creek, but that's just to eat. I do know that if the weather turns ugly, it can get very rough down there to say the least. If it was me, I'd leave the boat at home & see if you could hook up with one of the locals from this board for a day or two. Just my worthless opinion.

[hjerk24]

I appreciate it!  I may just throw some rods in, and try to find some local pond/state park bank action.  I appreciate your post.

Thanks-

Jamie

[Hellbenderman]

It's a long run to anything consistent. On the other hand, a short drive up the river and onto a ramp a ways up the river and you are in business. If you wanted to take the wife for really nice side trip, you could trailer up to DC and see the sights from the river...hey, and why not fish while you are there! Gas availability is spotty so be prepared, and on another hand, there is no reason you couldn't go striper fishing and maybe some grey trout right there at Point Lookout. I don't fish that far down the bay, but I'm sure there are some fish worth going after, even if not bass, because it's going to drive you crazy being near all that water and not fishing...hehehe.

[RockvilleMDAngler]

Early in the season Port Tobacco and Nanjemoy can be dynamite, but as the summer approaches the bass tend to move up the river or bury themselves in the grass, especially if it has been a dry spring or summer.  If you are going to trailer your boat I would go up to Smallwood State Park at Mattawoman Creek and fish one of the best spots in America.  If you try the VA side be sure to hit up Potomac and Aquia creeks, they hold bass all year and can be phenomenal early in the spring.

The tidal Potomac is a world class fishery but it can also be tough, I would recommend taking a guided trip, you will learn some spots but more importantly you will learn how to navigate some of the treacherous waters.  Do not launch in the DC area without first studying a map or going out with a guide, lots of stuff there can rip your lower unit off.