Maryland's Who's who!

[Fat Boy]

My buddy Howard and I hit BH yesterday. Fishing was tough, much tougher than I expected. It seemed as if the best spots were where the wind piled up the water, but we couldn't seem to put together a decent pattern on the bass. They were spread out, and just when you thought you wouldn't get any more. It was like there was some lake rule, no more than one or two bass per spot! Howard finished with 11 bass, and I got seven, nothing big and most were dinks, but we got a few keepers. We tried for panfish at a few spots and each landed some small crappie, some bluegills and other sunnies, and even a couple small yellow perch. How long have they been in there? It was my understanding that they weren't desirable with the BH ecosystem. Did they finally stock them or was that the work of a bucket biologist?

Anyway, here are a few pics:

Beautiful day:

Lake resident:

A couple of the Howard's fish:

My only decent bass of the day, an 18"er:

[BrianinMD]

Apparently the yellow perch were bucket biologist. The DNR has seen multiple years worth of fry during their shock test.

[slaynbass365]

I was at BH yesterday also. Peter (dcfdpipeman) was there in his boat as well....not sure how he made out but I only managed to get one fish in about 3 hours.

I'd like to get back there in a boat one of these days, the water was clear and calm but the fish were being picky.

[dcfdpipeman]

I was there... I met up Kevin/Howard on the water for a greeting and some tips. We got a few bites but nothing landed. Not sure why so picky today? I had a few good hits that felt like a bass. My daughter got some hits on her jig but nothing in the boat.

It was good to get her on the water, she really loves the boat. It was more like Carnival Cruise lines because she ate/drank the entire time. OH!!! we had to go back into the docks for a "potty break", from the opposite side of the lake..

Saw Nick from shore on our potty break trip. Needless to say I wasn't in the best of mood, sorry!

On the way back in, she wanted to try and use the trolling motor to steer the boat in. I thought it was ok because we were just going straight. Needless to say she step on the peddle heavy, rotated the motor head 360 and ripped out 3 bolts on the motor mounts. We limped in with the motor on the side. I tried my best not to scream because she would never come out. I knew it was fixable. So I waited till I came home for a nice cold beer.

No Fish

Broken Motor

But still a great day out with my daughter!

[Fat Boy]

Peter, I wish that I had known when I saw you where the panfish action was...hindsight is 20/20 though. Prior to your arrival, I was really trying to figure them out so that you could get into them. Our chatterbaits picked up three fish and five hits combined, out of probably a thousand casts...not a good bite percentage. I guess the ice on my window was a big clue that things might be tough. Still, it was such a pretty day. It was good to meet you and your daughter, and that made it worthwhile for us to be on the water.

Sorry to hear about your motor. That can be fixed, but the repair to your daughter's fishing ego was huge given your restraint, guaranteeing that she'll go out with you again and again. She was so proud to be out there with you! Fishing was tough, much tougher than I expected.

Did you all make your softball game?

[basser89]

Great pics Kevin! Keep them coming!

Glad to hear everyone is still getting out! I made it out friday morning for a brief outing hitting the one spot on black hills that's close to the apartment. It was more of a testing period for the reel I had was given to me for my birthday (for my jerkbait rod). To my surprise, I managed a dink on a Smithwick Rogue. Not sure when my next trip will be but I'd love to hit the canal at PEPCO soon (this weekend is looking like a bust though).

Sorry to hear about the trolling motor incident Peter but glad to hear it's fixable. You got the important part right (time with your daughter, that pic of her is awesome)! My daughter asks to go out with me from time to time and we have a pretty good time even if we don't catch a thing.

[slaynbass365]

Great pics Kevin! Keep them coming!

Glad to hear everyone is still getting out! I made it out friday morning for a brief outing hitting the one spot on black hills that's close to the apartment. It was more of a testing period for the reel I had was given to me for my birthday (for my jerkbait rod). To my surprise, I managed a dink on a Smithwick Rogue. Not sure when my next trip will be but I'd love to hit the canal at PEPCO soon (this weekend is looking like a bust though).

Sorry to hear about the trolling motor incident Peter but glad to hear it's fixable. You got the important part right (time with your daughter, that pic of her is awesome)! My daughter asks to go out with me from time to time and we have a pretty good time even if we don't catch a thing.

Are you referring to "warm water" or whatever its called over in Dickerson? I've heard the fishing is decent there but i've never been. And its only 10 minutes from my house, I dunno why ive always preferred lakes and ponds, but i'd be interested in checking it out sometime. Also, what kinda reel did you get?

Peter- If you need any help fixing the motor, give me a shout. I'm up your way often and used to repair broken machinery for a living haha and no worries if you werent in the greatest mood that day....I wasnt either. I must have lost 5 jigs and 2 spinner baits. There is so much stuff in the water to get snagged on when fishing from shore over there, but thats where the fish are i suppose.

I've been heading out there early in the mornings, and right when the sun starts to rise the fish are jumping out of the water. Had some good action the other day. It was about 6:45AM and 40 degrees but they were shockingly active.

I am actually heading out there again early tomorrow to see if I can get them top water again...if anybody swings by, make sure and say hello.

ALSO....I saw two odd things. First was a tiger muskie, short one swimming next to the right side dock at the ramp. Second was a completely black fish, no idea I don't understand it was but it was about 12-14 inches and hanging out near one of the drain pipes that goes under the road toward the ramp. He was hanging out by the rocks there but he caught me off guard because he was pitch black. any ideas?

[Fat Boy]

Slayn, the warmwater fishing area is a good choice for winter fishing, and a good option for shore anglers. I recommend getting a warm pair of chest waders for two reasons, to access good fishing spots easier and also to protect you from the elements. The banks are pretty muddy and slippery, so any protection that you have is well worth it whether or not you actually wade or not. The fish activity greatly increases when the warm water discharge is greater and it's affect on the fish extends for miles down river. That said, when the discharge isn't as great, the fishing might be slower but fish can still be had. There's a wide variety of species to target as the area is a great spot for winter catfishing, but also bass and panfish with lures and/or bait can be caught on a regular basis. There are hot spots each year, but some of them change because, of course, river deposits change. The ones that are effective year after year are where obvious river ledges occur with deep water behind them. You can't go wrong fishing tubes and grubs for smallies, but really, just about any lure can work at various times depending on the conditions. As far as bass go, in addition to some fine smallie action, good size largemouth can be found in the more slack areas. If you're 10 minutes away, it's worth fishing it. Me? I used to fish there on a regular basis, but haven't in recent years simply because I'm also an avid ice fisherman, and during those times I'm usually on the ice somewhere in Western Maryland or PA.

Also, here are some pics from Tuesday's trip for your enjoyment. The hot lure for the bass and pickerel for me was a gold Rat-L-Trap for me this time, imitating the big golden shiners that the big fish feed on in this particular lake. Wow, do the fish hammer that lure!

First, some scenery shots:

Some pickerel:

Largemouth...the first one pictured was 20" and weight four pounds even:

Howard with a crappie...gotta have some pannie pics

[basser89]

Are you referring to "warm water" or whatever its called over in Dickerson? I've heard the fishing is decent there but i've never been. And its only 10 minutes from my house, I dunno why ive always preferred lakes and ponds, but i'd be interested in checking it out sometime. Also, what kinda reel did you get?

ALSO....I saw two odd things. First was a tiger muskie, short one swimming next to the right side dock at the ramp. Second was a completely black fish, no idea I don't understand it was but it was about 12-14 inches and hanging out near one of the drain pipes that goes under the road toward the ramp. He was hanging out by the rocks there but he caught me off guard because he was pitch black. any ideas?

Slayn, yeah, I'm referring to Dickerson (PEPCO is the name of the power plant) but I'm not talking about the warm water discharge that dumps into the Potomac. There's a section of the C&O canal that holds water there and there are largemouth in it. It's definitely NOT warm water because it will freeze over in the winter. I've caught a few decent bass out of the canal (in the 4 pound range). The warm water discharge area can be fun in the winter as long as the water levels are right. If it gets too low, then fishing pretty much shuts down.

Almost forgot, I got a Quantum Energy PT, lefty model.

Am I reading you post right? You saw a small tiger at Black Hills? As far as I know, DNR stopped stocking tiger musky at Black Hills (and pretty much the rest of the state except for far western MD) back in 2004. Any tigers in Black Hills should be over 40" easily by now. Wonder if I need to check with my DNR contact to see whether they started stocking again?

More great pics you posted Kevin! It's been forever since I've caught any pickerel. Nice bass too!

[BrianinMD]

I have not heard of any musky being stocked either, will be interested to find out if they did. Keep hearing about more and more perch being caught, but nothing about small muskies.

The dickerson discharge and canal can both be good at times. last winter the water was so low the smallies just didn't show up like normal but with all the rain recently that might not be a problem this year.

Planning to take the boat out this saturday to gravely point, taking my first run it in with the guy I bought it from. Weather is not the best but fishable and may be some decent fishing in a couple of the spots there.

[slaynbass365]

Slayn, yeah, I'm referring to Dickerson (PEPCO is the name of the power plant) but I'm not talking about the warm water discharge that dumps into the Potomac. There's a section of the C&O canal that holds water there and there are largemouth in it. It's definitely NOT warm water because it will freeze over in the winter. I've caught a few decent bass out of the canal (in the 4 pound range). The warm water discharge area can be fun in the winter as long as the water levels are right. If it gets too low, then fishing pretty much shuts down.

Almost forgot, I got a Quantum Energy PT, lefty model.

Am I reading you post right? You saw a small tiger at Black Hills? As far as I know, DNR stopped stocking tiger musky at Black Hills (and pretty much the rest of the state except for far western MD) back in 2004. Any tigers in Black Hills should be over 40" easily by now. Wonder if I need to check with my DNR contact to see whether they started stocking again?

More great pics you posted Kevin! It's been forever since I've caught any pickerel. Nice bass too!

Yup you read it right. It definitely wasnt anywhere near 40" tho....and although I only caught a glimpse of it by the side of the dock, the pattern was definitely right. If there are mature adults, would there not be spawn?

I had a park police lady stop by me the other day while i was fishing and she was telling me about all the tigers she's seen while exploring in her kayak. Some small, and some about 40" according to her. I'm more curious as to what that all black fish was hiding out in the rocks.

I'm very curious to try that part of the canal out now, especially since it is so close. I may need to plan a trip out there soon and see if i can find it!

[Fat Boy]

Slayn, tiger muskies don't breed because they're sterile, so they must be from the last class of fish that were stocked. I heard from another source that they may begin stocking tiger muskies again. If I hear a confirmation, then I'll post it here. Nothing official yet though.

[Fat Boy]

More great pics you posted Kevin! It's been forever since I've caught any pickerel. Nice bass too!

Thanks Sean!

[basser89]

Slayn, tiger muskies don't breed because they're sterile, so they must be from the last class of fish that were stocked. I heard from another source that they may begin stocking tiger muskies again. If I hear a confirmation, then I'll post it here. Nothing official yet though.

Kevin is 100% right about the tiger muskies being sterile, although they do go through a "mock spawn" in the spring.

I just sent the DNR contact I have an email too see what kind of information he can share with me about the tigers to see if I'm wrong about the growth rates as well as if stocking has resumed or if there are plans to resume stocking. As soon as I have any information, I'll share it with you guys. It's been quite some time since I've held a musky (of either strain) in my hands.

Nick, my next few weekends are booked up but if you need directions on how to get to the canal at PEPCO and the warm waters, let me know and I can get you directions.

[slaynbass365]

Kevin is 100% right about the tiger muskies being sterile, although they do go through a "mock spawn" in the spring.

I just sent the DNR contact I have an email too see what kind of information he can share with me about the tigers to see if I'm wrong about the growth rates as well as if stocking has resumed or if there are plans to resume stocking. As soon as I have any information, I'll share it with you guys. It's been quite some time since I've held a musky (of either strain) in my hands.

Nick, my next few weekends are booked up but if you need directions on how to get to the canal at PEPCO and the warm waters, let me know and I can get you directions.

Directions would be excellent, whenever you get the chance- no rush. I'm assuming its down by that sharp turn in Dickerson, down Martinsburg road I believe....but after that I'm clueless. It'll be a nice change of pace from BH and the neighborhood ponds i've been fishing. ....speaking of which, I hit up the bigger lake in the kentlands yesterday (inspiration) and although it was raining, I managed to get a decent amount of fish. I'd say every second or third cast landed me a fish. Definitely worth the trip, and the rain, even if the biggest was maybe 1.5lbs.

[BrianinMD]

You are correct on Martinsburg Rd, keep following it and take the right at the Y intersection. You will go under some power lines then over a small bridge. The turn in is right after the bridge on the right. Drive the whole way back until you get to the parking lot. The canal is right at the parking lot. The discharge is a little harder to find. Take a right onto the tow path, its about a half mile or so you will see fence on the opposite side of the canal. When you see that start looking to your left for a path to the river. Be careful walking this path it gets rather wet and muddy in spots.

[basser89]

Spot on directions Brian!

Brian and I used to have a tree laying across the canal to prompt us the path leading over to the discharge was coming up, sadly that's gone now. Another way to know is when you see the fence (guessing its the PEPCO boundary fence)on the opposite side of the canal, start looking to your left for the path. I know there used to be a little sign about 10-12' up on a tree that used to be right at the path (can't remember if its still there or not). Good point about the water/muddy area too Brian! It can get pretty sloppy on that path leading to the discharge so don't wear anything you want to keep nice. LOL!

I'm hitting Black Hills at lunch today. Thinkin I might head back to the stick ups. It's been forever since I've been back there.

[slaynbass365]

Brian and Sean, thanks for the info. I'll be sure to check it out....probably the canal more than the actual discharge area. I typically dont venture too far out unless I'm with someone, due to past experiences.

What part of BH is the "stick ups"? I'd join you if I wasnt watching the kids today. I got out there a tiny bit yesterday but they were doing major leaf control and it kind of ruined it for me, got my sinuses going and i moved over to the kentlands.

I'm thinking of picking up a new kayak since i havent had one in a while, just to drop in and float around the little coves at BH and maybe clopper....Dick's is having good sales on them. Multiple models on clearance for under $200. The one I had my eye one was down to like 135, and angler friendly.

[basser89]

Brian and Sean, thanks for the info. I'll be sure to check it out....probably the canal more than the actual discharge area. I typically dont venture too far out unless I'm with someone, due to past experiences.

What part of BH is the "stick ups"? I'd join you if I wasnt watching the kids today. I got out there a tiny bit yesterday but they were doing major leaf control and it kind of ruined it for me, got my sinuses going and i moved over to the kentlands.

I'm thinking of picking up a new kayak since i havent had one in a while, just to drop in and float around the little coves at BH and maybe clopper....Dick's is having good sales on them. Multiple models on clearance for under $200. The one I had my eye one was down to like 135, and angler friendly.

No problem Nick. Glad I can help out. The stick ups is over on the eastern arm of the lake. If you go to the parking lot right next to the volleyball court and park at the opposite end of the lot, you'll see a little path going into the woods on the other side of the road. Go back that path and hang a right and you're basically looking right at the stick ups. Fun little place to fish but keep in mind that place is known to eat some lures so I tend to leave the treble hook baits at home unless I'm on the boat.

[slaynbass365]

No problem Nick. Glad I can help out. The stick ups is over on the eastern arm of the lake. If you go to the parking lot right next to the volleyball court and park at the opposite end of the lot, you'll see a little path going into the woods on the other side of the road. Go back that path and hang a right and you're basically looking right at the stick ups. Fun little place to fish but keep in mind that place is known to eat some lures so I tend to leave the treble hook baits at home unless I'm on the boat.

lol I think i see how it got its name then! I love areas like that, but man they eat up my jigs like none other.

This may not be an appropriate place for this, but does anyone have any interest or know anyone who may be interested in buying a 16' fiberglass Mohawk canoe? I was just going through the garage and saw it, realized its only seen water like 2 times and maybe I could get rid of it and have it help fund my downsize to a kayak again. I have my main canoe, so this one is pretty much new, but at times the canoes are hard with just one person haha

[BrianinMD]

Obviously didn't make it out in the boat this weekend...going to give it once more shot on the 12th. If the weather is okay going up to Deep Creek with a few friends. If this doesn't work may just break down and winterize the boat and hope for better luck in the spring.

Anyway, got the picture of the LM I caught in the upper potomac a couple weeks ago. Still have no idea why this fish was there, shallow, swift, rocky water is not where I expected to find it.

[slaynbass365]

Obviously didn't make it out in the boat this weekend...going to give it once more shot on the 12th. If the weather is okay going up to Deep Creek with a few friends. If this doesn't work may just break down and winterize the boat and hope for better luck in the spring.

Anyway, got the picture of the LM I caught in the upper potomac a couple weeks ago. Still have no idea why this fish was there, shallow, swift, rocky water is not where I expected to find it.

lol Brian, you know im always down for a day trip at BH if you dont want to or arent able to coordinate a trip that far. If nothing else, let me know if you need a hand winterizing her. Did you ever get the batteries charged up? I dunno exactly how that works but like I said, I know that guy that will rebuild them like new...or you can individually charge them up and I have a few trickle chargers if you need or are able to use them. The 36v system is pretty easy, you can find diagrams online so you dont get confused taking them out or unhooking them or anything. Either way, i'd unhook them and keep them on an automatic charger throughout the winter, at least thats what I do with my ATV's and such when they are not in use so they maintain.

[BrianinMD]

My trip in the boat is an attempt to go with a boater from my club so I can get some instructions on driving the boat since I have little experience. My only time driving a boat was a 16ft alum. jet boat which topped out at 25mph. The ranger will be a little faster....

The batteries were charged as soon as I parked it after our trip. They are just weak and need replaced. I will do that during the winter, and I have have another 3 bank on board charge to install since the one on it is original from 2000 and has a crack in it. It still works but want to start next season fully ready to go and since I am changing out the batteries might as well make that change too....

[dcfdpipeman]

where did you put in at? I want to hit the Upper Potomac once before I winterize my boat! Thinking big slackwater? Never put in up there but got some good info from Munkin here on the boards.

And I was going to comment on the photo because I knew that wasn't your boat!

Brings up a good point about batteries. I never really kept them on charge all winter with my other boats. But I never used them like I did with this 24v trolling motor. Was thinking about one of those solar top off chargers? But for 3 batteries, need to figure out best solution. Maybe a solar unit to hook up to my onboard chargers? Oh, I don't have power where my boat is stored.

Brian - I am working that 1st FOBA meeting in Nov., was going to shoot for the DEC. if it held then?

[BrianinMD]

Ha ha, no that is not my boat. It is an aluminum jet boat of one of the club members. We put in at Edwards Ferry here in Montgomery County, we usually go there or Whites Ferry a little farther upstream.

They don't necessarily have to be kept on charge the whole winter but at least topped off every month or so.

There is no meeting in December, that one is reserved for the board members to prepare things like the schedule for next season, bylaw changes and such. Member meetings pick up again in January.