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Fishing from Algonkian Park is perhaps one of the most flexible
areas to fish on the Upper Potomac River. Water backed up by
Seneca Breaks and a couple of large islands, that create current
breaks,
make kayaking this section of river
a tolerable chore during the summer months and for jet boat
fishermen it offers a convenient starting point for numerous
“hot spots”. There are also several “deep water” spots that hold
decent smallmouth bass that are within 4 miles of the boat
launch.
When fishing from my custom rigged Xpress jet boat I like to
start my fishing day by running the jet boat upriver to my
furthest destination and the fishing and hitting different
locations on the way back. Typically my first stop is a rocky
bluff located on the Virginia side of the river just upstream of
Goose Creek.
I start by casting 10 feet away
from the bluff, deeper water located here with chunk rock, and
then once this area is thoroughly covered I cast directly
against the bluff. During this time of year I prefer moving
baits such as the Rapala Dives
to Series and Rapala Clackin Raps in colors that resemble
crawfish. These baits allow me to work an area thoroughly and
quickly for active bass that are searching for crawfish in this
rocky area. If the bass are in a finicky mood or during cold
front conditions I will start with a
Campground Special teaser tube
rigged on a R.A.B 1/8 or 1/4 jig head. Colors I prefer are
Penrod Rose, Juniata Treat, and Buzz Kill. My
next stop is downriver on the Virginia side at the mouth of
Goose Creek. I prefer to work the current break
from the main river casting into the mouth of Goose Creek and
letting my bait “sweep” through the hole. For this technique I
always use a tube or creature bait, rigged on a 1/8 or ¼ R.A.B
jig head, and keep a tight line so that the current tumbles my
bait along the bottom. Most fish will bite just at the end of
the drift or swing. After I cover the current break or if it is
between 11am and 3pm I will work the slack water inside the
creek. As long as I am catching fish I will continue to work my
way up the creek. When I run out of fish I make my next move. My next spot is the old
aqueduct below Edwards Ferry on the Maryland side of the river
almost directly across from Goose Creek. I like to fish one cast
off the bank and prefer to work tube baits in the chunk rock
that is located out in this deeper area. The Maryland side of
the river is my preferred side to fish from Edwards Ferry
downstream 400 yards. I have caught numerous largemouth bass in
this area as well as trophy size smallmouth bass. In the direct vicinity
of Algonkian Park you have numerous Islands that create current
breaks on the downstream side that hold bass as well as some
pockets of deep water on the sides of some of these islands. I
prefer to fish the ledges between the Maryland shore and the
islands during periods of high sun and during low light I prefer
to fish between the Virginia shore and the islands.
Numerous techniques work here including top-water baits (during
low light), Mizmo and Campground Specials teaser tubes, Rapala
Dives to Series, Clackin Raps, and x-rap’s in size 6 and 8.
I prefer to use
6 or 8 pound test Sufix Pro Mix
line and a medium power fast action graphite rod. Brands I
typically use include Gator
Rods and custom built St. Croix rods paired with a
Daiwa high speed gear ratio
reel.
For more
detailed information about this area purchase Fishing
the Upper
Potomac River
by Ken Penrod or for information or more details about this
article contact Life Outdoors Unlimited Guide Dan Grulke at
703-389-3508 or musky13@yahoo.com.
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