Hot Bait: Chumming with bunker is usually the number-one way to catch 'em up. Hot Season: Early summer through late fall. Tip: Try mixing razor clam, soft crab, or a live spot in with your bunker baits, when the fishing is tough. Naturally, striped bass are a prime target for many angler plying the Potomac River.
What fish are biting in the Potomac River?
Once the spring rains and flooding has subsided, the local schoolie striped bass, largemouth bass, yellow and white perch, and northern snakehead all start biting a bit better.
How do you fish for the bass in the Potomac River?
Later in the day fish shady spots under docks or floating debris mats. The tidal creeks on both sides of the river are holding some nice bass. Fish stick worms and chatterbaits over the grass beds, and the edges as water lowers. Swim baits work well around hard structure.
Are there bass in the Potomac River?
The tidal Potomac River is among the best largemouth bass fisheries in the country. Two- to 5-pound bass are quite common , with outstanding numbers of fish possible throughout the year. ... That should not be the case, as this river has plenty of water for anglers to chase springtime bass.
What is the best bait to use right now?
- Soft Plastic Stickbaits.
- ChatterBaits (aka Bladed Swim Jigs or Vibrating Jigs)
- Lipless Crankbaits.
- Topwater Hard Lures.
- Squarebill Crankbaits.
- Paddle Tail Swimbaits.
Are there sharks in the Potomac River?
TRICK: Yes, their are sharks in the Potomac River ! As their name suggests, bull sharks are big and quite aggressive. Just last year, a fisherman caught a 310-pound, 8.6 foot long bull in the river. Bull sharks are unique in that, though they live mostly in saltwater, they can tolerate freshwater.
Is it safe to eat fish from Potomac River?
DOEE's 2016 Fish Consumption Advisory, out today, recommends that residents not consume eel, carp, or striped bass caught in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers “because they are most contaminated by chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),” which over time can increase one's risk of cancer as well as potentially ...
Why is the Potomac River so dirty?
Stormwater. In past decades, sewage treatment plants were a major cause of bacterial loads in the river. ... This kind of pollution frequently affects the Anacostia River and Rock Creek, and can affect the adjacent segment of the Potomac.
Can you swim in the Potomac River?
Despite its designation as a Class A Primary Contact waterway, the DC Department of Health (DOH) bans swimming in the Potomac River citing the risk of high bacteria levels after rainstorms as the only reason it is considered “unsafe” to swim.
What is the Potomac River famous for?
The Potomac, noted for its beauty , is also rich in historical significance. Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, is on its banks below Washington, D.C. The river's name derives from “Patawomeck,” as it was recorded by the colonist John Smith in 1608; its origin and meaning are unknown.
Do you need a license to fish on the Potomac River?
Above the 301 Bridge – you are required to have one of the following: Potomac River Fisheries Sport Fishing License , or. Virginia Saltwater Recreational License, or. ... Virginia Statewide Freshwater Fishing License.
Where is the best fishing on the Potomac River?
- Dam 5 to Dam 3. ...
- Fletchers Cove. ...
- Washington, DC. ...
- Mattawoman Creek. ...
- Route 301 Bridge. ...
- Point Lookout State Park. ...
- The Mouth of the Potomac. ...
- Smith Point.
What is considered upper Potomac River?
The upper Potomac involves every part of the river that is not tidal . That includes all waters from as far north as Cumberland, MD all the way to Little Falls, Washington DC.
What month is best for bass fishing?
When it comes to catching bass, every season has its opportunities and challenges. Fishing can come alive in the dead of winter on a mild afternoon, but spring and fall usually present the best action. Generally, I try to avoid extremes of heat and cold and times when the water temperature falls rapidly.
What attracts bass the most?
Stick Bait
The legendary Stick Bait is the most popular and fundamental Bass lure ever. Many argue that Green Pumpkin, Cinammon, and Chartreuse are the most productive colors and we agree. You can work these fattys on just about any soft plastic rig, but the most famous method is the Wacky Rig.
Do bass eat real worms?
Second, contrary to popular opinion, bass really don't eat worms — at least not very often. It's not that bass wouldn't eat them if given the chance, it's that worms aren't generally available. Worms and nightcrawlers are terrestrial animals not aquatic ones.
