Serving Fresh and Brackish Waters
of MD, VA, D.C.  & PA

Fishing Report July 25, 2010
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010 Fax: 301-931-2040. 
Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.
com  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

Rivers are extremely low—and hot. Be on the lookout for fish kills during this period. While river flow is very low, the amount of pollutants from unregulated farm practices and inadequate sewage treatment actually increase. Please write these telephone numbers—or add them to your cell phone contacts.

Maryland Fish Kill Hot Line: 877-224-7229

Pennsylvania Fish Kill Hot Line: 814-359-5110

 

Unfortunately, there numbers are for state Environmental agencies, which are understaffed and without adequate funding.  The information MUST be timely and factual. You want to provide an estimate of the dead bodies; species affected; exactly where and date with time. I would like to be included in any such report.

 

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: **; 80-degrees; clear with algae; 1.0 @ Point of Rocks.

Fishing success has been rather tough lately due to low water and massed grasses but find the holes and you have found the bass. Plan for the very early hours of the day—or the last few. If you sleep-in, stay home. Change to 6-pound test line and stay seated in the boat. Long casts are a must. There are great conditions for those that like to wade.

            At LANDER, both up and down from the launch offer good fishing if you can navigate the grass beds. Fish the edge of the grass beds, but deeper home with current, where ledges or chunk rocks exist. We continue to rely on Mizmo tubes, Campground Special tubes and Case Magic Stiks. There is a good trico hatch in the morning so you may find that topwater lures will work.

            At WHITES FERRY and EDWARDS FERRY, bass fishing has been pretty good for some and tough for others. You should catch more bass between 5:30 and 10:00 AM, than you will the rest of the day. From Whites Ferry, I favor the upriver area where I’ll keep my boat in the middle of the river and slowly float downstream. I maintain boat position and float speed with my Minn Kota trolling motor. Most bass are small but there is an occasional 18-incher most days.

 

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: **; near 80 degrees; clear; algae; 3.2 @ Harrisburg; 3.7 @ Newport on the Juniata; 2.5 on the Sinnamahoning Branch.

The low, hot water has discouraged most from boating the river but those that wet-wade or do float trips are doing pretty good.

            On the Juniata River, those that wade the upper reaches scoff at the notion that small bass are endangered because they are catching 30-100 bass a day. Other are fishing above Newport and report very good results with Rattlin’ Rapalas and the majority of the bass are 16-inches long or better.

            On the main stem, in the Duncannon vicinity, Riverfront Campground and Rent-A-Boat owner, Johnny Cunningham (717-877-2704) will rent you a boat and shuttle you upriver for productive float trips for smallmouth bass, musky and walleye. John is the Distributor for the Ken Penrod Series of tubes known as Campground Specials. He also sells the RAB jig heads we recommend as well as Gator Rods, Rapala lures, Mizmo tubes, Case Magic Stiks and Big Mouth Lure spinnerbaits.

            I received a report from “Dan” last week stating that he was fishing downstream of the Danville ramp and found 15 dead fingerling smallmouth bass and watched others swimming around with lesions on their skin. I reported this to PF&BC and received a reply fro PA biologist Geoffrey Smith verified this kill and sent 14 dead fish to USGS Leetown Science center for disease analysis. Smith says that the YOY for this year, above the confluence, is the 3rd highest on record BUT bass disease reports have begun to increase in frequency this past week. May I repeat: The Susquehanna River does not have a fisheries problem—it has a very serious pollution problem and I’m told that there is no legislation presently that regulates the disposal of farm animal waste.

            In North-central PA, members of my summer youth camp have found pretty good smallmouth bass fishing in the Sinnamahoning Branch ( a tributary to the West Branch Susquehanna) where Mizmo teasers have been the top producer. The George Stevenson Dam on First Fork (electric motor or arm-power only) has been very kind to my camp attendees where Case Magic Stiks and spinnerbaits have been best. The Curwensville Lake, an impoundment on the West Branch, was “tough” last week but we fished a blue-bird day with high barometric pressure. Case magic Stiks accounted for every bass we caught. Trout fishing in Cameron County has been very good in spite of low, clear conditions. The “boys” caught many nice brook and brown trout during the last two weeks.

 

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: ***; 88-92 degrees; algae; stained in areas.

Those clear sky, high barometer days are tough, but on cloudy days, a falling barometer and most early hours of the day have been very good in many areas. Recent heavy storm have affected some of the tributaries but there is no muddy water coming from the upper Potomac.

            In the WASHINGTON D C jurisdiction, grass is scarce but fishing has been “fair” for the most part. Above Key Bridge you can expect to catch smallmouth and largemouth bass on Mizmo tubes and Rapala crankbaits. In the Washington Channel you can catch stripers and largemouth bass from the dropoff along Fort McNair. On the main stem, fish the Long Bridge foundations, Gravely Point cove, deep water along the airport and Blue Plains.

            In the WW BRIDGE vicinity, Fox Ferry Point, Penrod Cove, Points in Smoot Bay and grass beds in Belle Haven Cove, shoreline above Broad Creek, shoreline below Hog Island, grass beds in Swann Creek and Fort Washington Lighthouse. The best grass lures continue to be topwater frogs and buzzbaits, Case Magic Stiks and spinnerbaits. For the deeper water, Mizmo tubes and RAPALA DT06 crankbaits do the job.

            DOGUE CREEK, POMONKEY CREEK, GUNSTON COVE and the MARSHALL HALL vicinity offers very good grass bass fishing.

            In the MATTAWOMAN CREEK vicinity, the “6-MPH” zone is still productive as is the grass beds between Marsh Island and the main stem. Frogs and Stiks have been very productive but you may want to spend some time “punching” plastics through thick grass. CHICKAMUXEN, TUG BOAT Cove, main stem grass near Chopawamsic Creek and Mallow Bay are worthy visits.

 

KERR RESERVOIR, VA: **; clear main lake; 299 feet; 85-90 degrees.

            LOU Associate Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com) wishes that the fishing was as hot as the air temperature but says that early morning topwater action remains consistent for a narrow window in the morning. Deeper water, typical summer pattern, is the game for the rest of the day. Carolina rigged plastics, jigging spoons and Rapala DT14 crankbaits on points or channel drops is recommended.

 

DEEP CREEK LAKE: **; below normal pool; clear; 80 degrees.

LOU guide Captain Brent Nelson and Bret Winegardner report that fishing has been “typical summer results,” meaning that the low light hours should be your focus for more reasons than one. Boat traffic is horrific during the day. The guides are helping their clients catch bass from grass beds and boat docks, using a number of techniques, and when they take youngsters—they take minnows. See www.fishdeepcreeklake.com for valuable information.

 

POCOMOKE RIVER: ***; tannic; 75-80 degrees.

Bass fishing has been pretty decent in this wonderful tidal river although a falling tide is 3 times as productive as is high water. Fish the spatterdock and cypress knees from Shad Landing to the Pocomoke City Bridge; same pattern toward Snow Hill—and Nasawango Creek may be the best bet of all. We like Penrod Special spinnerbaits; buzzbaits, Case Stiks, Mizmo tubes and always, always cast Rapala DT-06 crankbaits to the dropoff in front of the spatterdock. Bass have been small to mid-size but the numbers have been acceptable.

NRA certified shooting instructor, Alan Mullis, prepares the boys for pistol training at Ken’s summer camp. Yes—that’s Ken’s Ranger and he allowed four, 8-year veterans, to use it on the George Stevenson Dam last week. The lake is electric motor only and Ken and other counselors were nearby.
   
Trout fishing was very good in nearby streams in spite of low water.  Note the Lowrance GPS units in the hands of some of the youth camp attendees.
Bass fishing was pretty good at the Stevenson Lake. Gun safety is a major priority at Camp Sycamore.
Ken Penrod’s Summer Youth Camp is in full swing and the boys are learning about fishing, shooting and other outdoor arts.  

 

Ken Penrod’s Summer Youth Camp Report.

             We are about half-done with our sessions where we take eight boys per week, between the ages of 12-18 to my lodge to teach them fishing, hunting, gun safety, and boating skills. Read the Susquehanna River fishing report above because all of the waters we fish in this north central region is Susquehanna River water. It has not been as hot in this mountain region as it has been here—and we managed to dodge thunder storms most of last week. We have “moved” three black-phase rattlesnakes off of local roads to safer locations; viewed several fine bucks and massive elk. The coyotes have managed to avoid us for the two hunts we have attempted and the blueberry crop is quite prolific.

We always have four first aid & CPR trained adults for every session. Gun training is extensive, strict and well monitored. The boys can catch trout from Wycoff Run which is 50-feet from our lodge. We have the Sinnamahoning Creek within a mile where the attendees catch smallmouth bass while wadding and two lakes nearby where we pursue bass from Ranger bass boats.   

 

 

Fishing Report July 18, 2010
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010 Fax: 301-931-2040. 
Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.
com  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: ***; 77 degrees; 2-feet @ Point of Rocks; stained.

Fishing has been fair between Brunswick and Great Falls with the river rising a bit from up-stream rains.

            At WHITES FERRY/EDWARDS FERRY, we do well upriver of the ferry but in mid-river habitat. The Harrison Island pools and shallows are productive and near Edwards Ferry, Balls Bluff and ledges downstream of the launch are productive. Floating Rapalas twitched along grass lines were productive this week.

            At LANDER, we do well both upriver and down. Trico hatches occur in the morning and great numbers of small bass can be seen eating the bug. We use Case Magic Sticks, Mizmo tubes and Campground Special tubes on 6 or 8 pound test monofilament. Bass are found around underwater ledges and current breaks, especially at mid-river.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: **; clear; 77 degrees; 3.4@ Harrisburg. 3.9 @ Newport on the Juniata.

Low, warm water is not the equation for jet boats now.  Canoes and kayaks are the ticket according to Johnny at Riverfront Campground .  Tubes and grubs in the oygenated riffles and deeper ledges will work.  Bigmouth buzzbaits and floating Rapalas during low light will bring up the lunkers. John will provide shuttle service to those that wish to do a float trip. Reach Johnny at 717-877-2704.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: ***; 85 degrees; murky to clear.

Bass fishing continues to be fair to good throughout the river, particularly grass beds between Mount Vernon and Aquia Creek. We are catching snakeheads throughout the river and especially from grass beds in Mattawoman, Dogue and Pomonkey Creeks. Frogs seem to be the favored lure for these river invaders.

            WASHINGTON D. C. water is just “fair” as far as bass fishing but there are surprising numbers of 12-20 inch stripers in various sectors. The best areas include Key Bridge; Long Bridge; Washington Channel; Blue Plains and Fox Ferry Point. Rapala’s DT8, Luhr-Jensen Hot Lips; Mizmo tubes and Case Magic Stiks are recommended.

            WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE vicinity is “OK” but the lack of grass above the bridge contributes to fewer fish. Best areas include Woodrow Wilson barges and underwater foundations; concrete in the Spoils Cove; South Point; North Point; Belle Haven Coves; boat docks across from Broad Creek (with grass). The best lures are buzzbaits, Big Mouth spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, Case Plastics and frogs in grass beds. Luhr-Jensen Speed Traps and Rapala’s Rattlin’ Raps get good results in deeper grass beds.

            In the POHICK BAY area, grass beds at the mouth of Pohick; Pomonkey Creek; Bulltown Cove; grass beds above and below Marshall Hall and Hallowing Point Cove have been pretty consistent. We recommend buzzbaits; Case Plastics and Big Mouth spinnerbaits.

            The MATTAWOMAN CREEK sector is still holding up well. Pop-R’s and Rico topwater baits are hot in early morning. Grassbeds in and around Smallwood State Park hold plenty of bass. There are some bass within the “6-MPH” zone along the outside edges of milfoil. A medium to low outgoing moving tide seems to be best. Grass on the main stem seems to be the best at the Mattawoman mouth. Five inch Case Magic Stiks, Texas rigged on 15 pound fluorocarbon line excelled for us this week. Other areas we rely on include Occoquan Bay grass; main river grass near the Qauntico airfield and grass between Chickamuxen Creek and Tug Boat cove.

 KERR LAKE, VA: ***; 299-feet; stained uplake, clear down lake; 80 degrees.

            LOU Associate, Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com) reports pretty good bass fishing throughout the lake, especially points and channel drops between town and Nutbush Creek. Tim says the bass are “locked” into summer pattern which dictates deeper water haunts when the sun is up. Carolina rigged plastics and Rapala crankbaits work well. You can get some shallow fish early in the morning. Stripers are consistant between Ivy Hill and the dam. Find the fish with your Lowrance units then troll through them.

 DEEP CREEK LAKE: **; 75 degrees; normal pool; clear.

LOU guides Brent Nelson (bbnelson@comcast.net) and Bret Winegardner are entertaining vacationing clients with pretty good results. Smallmouths are cooperating on deeper grass beds while largemouths favor the dock and pontoon shade. Deeper grass beds are giving up pickerel, perch and an occasional walleye. See www.fishdeepcreek.com for more information.

 POCOMOKE RIVER: ***; 79 degrees; stained.

LOU guide Brian Barnes reports pretty good fishing when a falling tide is within the 7-4 time frame. Best areas include spatterdock between Shad Landing and Pocomoke City and Nassawango Creek vegetation. Best lures include Big Mouth spinnerbaits and buzzbaits; Mizmo tubes; Case Magic Sticks and Rapala DT8 crankbaits.

Fishing Report July 11, 2010
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010 Fax: 301-931-2040. 
Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.
com  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

NOTES: I will be conducting my summer youth camp for the next three weeks. I will be able to return mails and cell calls from there. Brent Nelson will prepare the fishing report for next week.

 

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: **1/2; 77 degrees; clear/algae; 1.1 @ Point of Rocks.

The river is very low but the bass are biting well. It’s important to fish early in the morning or the last few hours of daylight because on those sunny days the fish just don’t cooperate. It’s also a good time to use six pound test, green monofilament and keep a low profile.

            At LANDER, either direction from the launch is good although mass grass may hamper your boating activity. We use Gator spinning rods and Daiwa reels to cast our KP Series teaser tubes and Case Magic Stiks to submersed ledges and chunk rocks in four feet of water. The best tube colors have been Penrod Purple; KP Rose; KP Peanut Butter and KP Candy. You need to be careful when running the river now because the submersed rocks are not providing a very good signal on the surface.

            At WHITES FERRY, be careful of the ferry operation before running upriver to the first riffle. Stay in the middle and slowly float downriver. Tubes and Stiks are the deal here also. Do not neglect the edges of those grass beds.

 

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: ***; 80 degrees; algae color and blooms in progress.

Largemouth bass fishing has been pretty good in many areas of the river in spite of massive grass growth. The major heat wave is affecting anglers more than fish inhabitants.

            WASHINGTON D C water is a good place to fish during the heat of the summer because of the abundance of deep water available. Above Key Bridge, you can connect with smallmouth bass by casting Rapala DT04 crankbaits and Mizmo tubes to dropoffs and ledges. The many bridge foundations will hold all three bass species, especially Long Bridge and Key Bridge. The Washington Channel dropoff along Fort McNair has been better than average lately and we use Rapala DT06 crankbaits here.

            WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE and vicinity can be stingy and delightful from one day to the next. Probe the dropoffs in Penrod Cove; Fox Ferry Point; WW Barges and the old foundations of the bridge. There are fish in Smoot Bay, especially on North and South Points. Coves near Belle Haven Marina hold some bass as will main river grass above and below Broad Creek—and directly across the river where the long boat docks compliment the SAV. We catch bass in deeper water with Rapala crankbaits, Mizmo tubes, Case Magic Stiks and jigs. For the grass beds, a frog, buzzbait, Big Mouth spinnerbaits or weightless Magic Stiks do best. Below PISCATAWAY, the Maryland side grass beds all the way to, and beyond Bulltown Cove may take some time but you will find pockets of bass for your efforts.

            MATTAWOMAN CREEK and vicinity still remains the top choice and there are many options. Within the “6-MPH” zone, cast Penrod Special spinnerbaits and Case Magic Stiks to grass beds in front of spatterdock. There are plenty of bass in the grass mats between Marsh Island and the main stem where frogs, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits and Magic Stiks do the job. Nearby CHICKAMUXEN CREEK and grass on the main stem, in either direction, is worth the time and grass beds between Quantico Creek and Aquia Creek may be even better.

 

 SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: **1/2; 77 degrees; clear/algae; 3.2 @ Harrisburg and 3.5 at Newport on the Juniata.

The smallmouth bass didn’t take a bus out of town, although many think so. The river is low and getting lower—and bass fishing is tough and getting tougher. Remember, I’m speaking of the free flowing water, particularly between Montgomery Ferry and Harrisburg. This is a good time for topwater lures but never hesitate to cast Rattlin’ Rapala lipless crankbaits over chunk rock in water of three to four feet deep. Campground Special tubes and Case Salty Shads will catch bass also. Float trips are productive but even that’s a bear during the middle of the day. Contact Johnny Cunningham at Riverfront Campground (717-877-2704) for shuttle service. LOU guide Chris Sanno (717-576-6849) is fishing the Danville sector where he reports good results with Rapala XR-8 in Glass Ghost color. “I had about 20 bass in the two pound class and they all came on that lure,” Chris says.

 

DEEP CREEK LAKE: **1/2; clear; 70 degrees; a little low.

Our guides, Brent Nelson (410-799-9326) and Bret Winegardner can always satisfy clients, even if it takes a bucket of minnows for the kids and novice anglers. Grass beds and boat docks-that’s the deal! See www.fishdeepcreek.com for more information including lodging.

 

CHOPTANK RIVER: *1/2; 77 degrees.

LOU guide, Captain Brian Barnes reports “tough” fishing on this tidal river but does do well on the NANTICOKE and POCOMOKE where he gives a rating of “**1/2.”

Fishing Report July 4, 2010
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010 Fax: 301-931-2040. 
Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.
com  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

NOTES: I’m writing my report of Thursday, July 1, as I will be at Ocean City for the weekend|

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: **; 77 degrees; clear with algae; 1.2 at Point of Rocks.

The river is very low and the water is extremely warm. These conditions are conducive to fish kills. If you observe a fish kill, the Fish Kill Hotline is 877-224-7229. It is common to see dead fish on the surface during summer months so do not be concerned with just a few dead fish. You should see dozens of dead fish before calling the hot line. Be very specific when you report: time of day; date; approximate number and species.

            Bass fishing has been pretty tough lately and the submersed aquatic vegetation is making boating difficult. At both LANDER and WHITES FERRY, we use Campground Special tubes and Case Magic Stiks for best results.

 

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: **; clear; 75 degrees; 3.3 @ Harrisburg. 3.6 @ Newport on the Juniata.

Low, warm water is making fish catch success difficult. LOU guide Chris Sanno is looking to other local waters during these conditions. Johnny at Riverfront Campground will provide shuttle service to those that wish to do a float trip. Reach Johnny at 717-877-2704.

 

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: ***1/2; 88-92 degrees; algae in creeks and main stem.

Bass fishing has been very good. In many areas and for the most part—it’s about submersed grass beds.   

            The top producing lures continue to be buzzbaits, Case Magic Stiks, frogs and Big Mouth spinnerbaits.

            The best areas have been Mattawoman Creek; grass beds on the main stem north and south of Mattawoman; grass beds near Pomonkey Creek and SAV in Broad, Swan and Piscataway Creeks.

 

DEEP CREEK LAKE: **; 70 degrees; normal pool.

LOU guides Brent Nelson and Bret Winegardner report “tough” fishing during the day but the low light hours, especially in the morning, have been pretty good. The lake is extremely busy during high sun hours.

            Grass beds and boat docks is just about all you need to know. See www.fishdeepcreek.com for more detail.

 

 

Fishing Report June 27, 2010
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010 Fax: 301-931-2040. 
Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.
com  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: **1/2; clear; 1.3 @ Point of Rocks. 85 degrees.

            The severe heat and lack of rain is beginning to strain the river inhabitants and some fish kills were witnessed in the lower portion of the free flowing river. This is certain to become more common as the water conditions worsen. The MDE Fish Kill Hotline is 877-224-7229. When you call this number, be very specific as to location, quantity and species of dead fish and date and time of the observation.

            Bass fishing has been fair to good in spite of the heat although it’s tough to bet around because of the shallow conditions as submersed aquatic vegetation.

            At LANDER, we fish pools, current breaks and submersed ledges above and below the launch. Campground Special tubes in the 3.5 inch size have been most effective. Best colors include KP Peanut Butter; Penrod Purple; KP Rose and Troy’s Trigger. To purchase these tubes, call John Cunningham at 717-877-2704.

            At WHITES FERRY, we do best upriver of the launch by casting tubes and staying in the middle of the river.


TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: ****; increased algae; 90+.

            This was a great tide week but the heat was brutal. Bass fishing has been very good throughout much of the river. Hydrilla is now dominating the SAV beds and we are seeing and catching more snakeheads.

            In WASHINGTON D C, smallmouth bass fishing has been pretty good above Key Bridge and largemouth bass catches are improved in the Washington Channel. Best baits for the smallmouth have been tubes, Rapala DT06 crankbaits and Case Magic Stiks.

            The WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE vicinity is only “fair” but there are quality bass in Penrod Cove, Smoot Bay, nearby barges and Belle Haven coves. Grass beds along the main river have been pretty good, especially above and below Broad Creek—then on the other side of the river around the long docks.

            Buzzbaits and frogs take some big fish at dawn, then we use Big Mouth spinnerbaits and Case Plastics.

            MATTAWOMAN CREEK has been awesome where we use Penrod Special spinnerbaits and Case Magic Stiks. Nearby Occoquan and Chickamuxen grass beds have been quite reliable.

   
Lenny Romano and Ken fished Mattawoman on Thursday when the air temperature was over 100 and the water was 91-degrees  Gary and Mike fished with Ken and these are a few of the 40 bass they caught on Case plastics.  
   
Tony Sciannella with a respectable post spawn bass aboard LOU Capt. Brent Nelson's Ranger boat, in Mattawoman Creek.   

 

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: **1/2; clear; 3.6 at Harrisburg and Newport.

            The river is quite low and falling so we haven’t been spending much time here recently. Bass fishing has been good in the morning but during those sunny days you may as well take a break. Find chunk rocks in about 4-feet of water on the main river and cast Rattlin’ Rapalas. Contact Johnny Cunningham (717-877-2704) at Riverfront Campground for shuttle service.

 

KERR LAKE, VA: **1/2; 300 ASL; 80-90 degrees; clear.

            Bass fishing has been “decent,” especially during low light hours reports Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com.) Tim does well with topwater offerings on main lake points but has to drag Carolina rigged plastics on those points when the sun shuts-down the topwater bite. Deep diving crankbaits such as Rapala DT10-14 and football jigs are other good offerings. Tim like his chances  in Nutbush and Grassy Creeks. Crappie are in deeper water cover now and you can troll between Eastland and Nutbush for stripers.

 

DEEP CREEK LAKE: **1/2; 80 degrees; clear

LOU guides Brent Nelson and Bret Winegardner report that bass fishing, early or later in the day has been “respectable.” They find bass in submersed grass beds and around or under boat docks. Go to www.fishdeepcreek.com for lots of additional information—and don’t wait to long to book your vacation fishing trips.

Fishing Report June 20, 2010
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010 Fax: 301-931-2040. 
Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.
com  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

I recently received a report from a “Park” employee above Great Falls that provides visual concerns about many dead fish floating in the river (Upper Potomac.) Please let me know immediately when you discover this sort of sighting—and be as specific as possible: when, where, time, species and estimate of dead fish including species identification. A report a day late is too late. We have a duty to our rivers. Let’s act on that please.  

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: **1/2: mid 70s; clear; 1.6 at Point of Rocks.

            Smallmouth bass fishing has been good as far as “numbers” go but the quality bass, those 15-inches and longer have been scarce. Of the 40 bass we caught on Tuesday, we didn’t have a bass longer than 12-inches.

            At LANDER, it makes little difference upstream or down. We generally spend ½ of the day in each zone. We use Campground Special teasers (KP Candy, KP Rose & Penrod Purple) attached to 1/8th ounce RAB jig heads on 8# Excel monofilament. Submersed ledges have been most productive. We like the water from the power line to the south tip of Bald Eagle Island—and upriver, we fish the ledges adjacent to Catoctin Creek and the Sawbuck. The ledges just below the Fence ledge are productive also. There doesn’t seem to be as much SAV this year but as the water gets lower it may become a hindrance.

            At WHITES FERRY, the report is similar. The middle of the river upstream of the ferry is always a good choice—and the Maryland side of Harrison Island, all the way to Balls Bluff is fairly productive.

 

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: ***1/2: 80s; some algae.

            The river is fishing well, actually better than well. This was a good week although there were a few thunderstorms and wind on Wednesday. The grass pattern is strongest but there will always be some larger fish on dropoffs and hard cover.

            In WASHINGTON D.C., there are smallmouth bass on bridge foundations, the dropoff at the Kennedy Center and rocky cover above Key Bridge. There are some nice largemouth bass on Long Bridge foundations, in Pentagon Lagoon and dropoffs in the Washington Channel. We favor Mizmo tubes (Penrod Purple, green pumpkin and roadkill camo,) six inch long Case Magic Stiks, Rapala DT08 and Rattlin’ Rapalas.

            The WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE vicinity is fishing “pretty good” in Penrod Cove, Smoot Bay, Belle Haven coves and main river grass on both sides of the river between Smoot Bay and Broad Creek. We like buzzbaits for morning and Stiks and spinnerbaits for grass work.

            MATTAWOMAN CREEK & Vicinity is still the best. We are doing very well within the 6-MPH zone by fishing grass and spatterdock with Magic Stiks and Penrod Special spinnerbaits. Narrow strips of SAV along side marsh grass may be the best pattern.

            Between Marsh Island and the main river, the SAV is the deal and there is no shortage. Buzzbaits, frogs and Magic Stiks are our favored lures.

            Main river grass beds on both sides of the main river in either direction have been exceptional.

Eddie Barton used a Case Magic Stik to catch this 5.75 pound Mattawoman bass while guided by Ken. Lou and Lenny Romano fished with Ken on Thursday and display a few of their bass—all caught on Magic Stiks.
Lenny Romano used a Penrod Special spinnerbait to catch this snakehead. This fish is now turtle food.

Ed Barton of Barton’s Tree Service spent a day with his son and Ken in Mattawoman Creek where they caught 33 bass on Stiks and spinnerbaits.

 

 

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: **1/2; mid 70s; clear; 4.0 @ Harrisburg and 4.0 at Newport on the Juniata.

            Both rivers are slowly falling and it’s getting tough to run jet boats to places you would prefer to be. This is a great float level however and Johnny Cunningham will shuttle you to upriver launches. Low light conditions are much better than mid-day light so keep that fact in your mind.

            Midriver ledges between the 322 bridge and Sherman Creek, where Rattlin’ Rapalas, Case Salty Shads and Campground Special tubes, is a good drift.

 

DEEP CREEK LAKE: **; low 70s; normal pool.

            LOU guides Brent Nelson and Bret Winegardner describes it as “post spawn blues.” “This must have been great spawn,” says Nelson, “because we are seeing fry pods everywhere on the lake.  There are lots of males guarding the fry.

            Smallmouth bass are holding at the back ends of gangplanks leading to docks where 4-inch wacky rigged Magic Stiks do a great job for this pattern. Don’t neglect the deeper ends of the docks either. Look to shoreline grass beds as a backup plan. The guys describe boat traffic as “horrific.”

 

KERR LAKE, VA: 80 degrees; 301 asl; clear.

            LOU associate Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com) reports an “off and on” week depending upon barometer and cloud cover. Tim is favoring Grassy and Nutbush Creeks where the morning topwater bite has been very good. On those sunny days, Tim fished main lake points with Carolina rigged plastics.

            The crappie action has been good. Tim reports that on one of his 4-hour trips this week, he and his clients landed more than 60.

Fishing Report June 13, 2010
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010 Fax: 301-931-2040. 
Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.
com  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

Captains: Ken Penrod; Keith Barker; Brent Nelson; Dave Kerrigan; Brian Barnes; Alan Mullis. Licensed Guides:  Mike Breeding; Jon Drever; Danny Grulke; Chris Sanno; Andy Chiu.

NOTES: I am preparing this report on Thursday (10th) evening as I must be out of town for the weekend. Please monitor weather reports and rainfall levels which may change things.

For those of you wanting to buy the Ken Penrod Series of Campground Special tubes, please understand that we do not sell them. Contact Riverfront Campground; Susquehanna Tackle Shop and Brooks Marine.

I do have a new inventory of Gator Rods and if you contact me,, we may have the rod you need.

 

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: ***; 75 degrees; some stain; 2.7 @ Point of Rocks

            The river rose about 6-inches this week, the water temperature changes by 7-degrees and the water color changed a little. Smallmouth bass fishing improved—a lot.

            Our best lures continue to be: Case Magic Stiks; Campground Special tubes; Mizmo tubes and Luhr-Jensen Speed Traps. There is a window for topwater bites but give them only 20-minutes. This was a good fishing week as water cooled and the barometer stayed under 30-inches.

            At LANDER, we do best upriver of the launch—but downriver is not a bad option. We use 8# test, green monofilament and Gator rods. The “teaser” tube is the best option and the best colors include KP Candy; Penrod Purple; KP Rose; KP Roadkill/Purple and Troys Trigger. Smallmouth bass are in the perimeter of deeper holes; submersed ledges; current breaks and “they are in current.”

            At WHITES FERRY, we continue to do best upriver of the launch, where we stay in the middle of the river and slowly drift, controlling that drift with our Minn Kota trolling motors, while casting tubes. We find that 1/8th ounce RAB jigs to be best and tubes must be slowly moved about the bottom—SLOWLY.

 

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: ****; 75 degrees; algae in creeks.

            Water temperature declined almost 10-degrees this week, but the barometer remained below 30 inches and this was a “good” tide week. Bass fishing was outstanding.

            WASHINGTON D.C. water is not what it once was and that’s because of lack of water vegetation—but it’s still a good gamble for bass and small striper ventures. The nice thing about this area is the lack of fishing pressure and the substantial amount of habitat. You must keep your options open while fishing here because of the bottom contour. There is plenty of deep water dropoffs—yet plenty of shallow habitat.

            We use Rapala DT 04 to 08 crankbaits for the dropoffs, yet Rapala Clacking Raps for flats. We use Mizmo tubes for bridge foundations and Case Magic Stiks for slow current areas. It is worthwhile to venture toward Fletchers Boathouse when seeking smallmouth bass but there are some good largemouth and a few walleye also.

            Most productive areas continue to be: Washington Channel dropoffs (do not get close to the Fort McNair wall); Long Bridge foundations; back end of the Channel; unseen wharf remains below the Anacostia and  rip rap near Bolling Air force base. Need a District of Columbia fishing license—get it on line at https://encode.dc.gov/epermit/Page/Entry/Login.aspx (wow--why so difficult.) Thanks to Mike Day for this.

            In the WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE vicinity, wind was an issue some days last week by Captains Dave Kerrigan and Captain Keith Barker clients caught some fine largemouth bass, to 5-pounds, in the vicinity. Best lures continue to be: Mizmo tubes, Penrod Special tubes, Rapala DT06 and Case Magic Stiks. There is a wide range of habitat in this vicinity so you must be flexable.

            Best area are Penrod Cove (two over 5-pounds this week); Smoot Bay; Belle Haven Coves; grass beds on the north shore of Broad Creek—and then across the river where the long boats docks have been constructed. In PISCATAWAY Creek, never hesitate to cast Rattlin’ Rapalas to the Fort Washington point, and inside the creek, try the first cove on the left. Grass beds are sporadic within the creek but the hydrilla is coming.

            Nearby, Grass beds in Bulltown Cove, shoreline between Dogue Creek and Gunston Cove; midway back in Gunston Cove and Pomonkey Creek have been very good.

            In the MATTAWOMAN CREEK vicinity, I spent three days here within the 6-MPH zone and our “bad” day was 20 bass and our best day was 50 bass. It was pretty windy near Smallwood State Park grass beds much of the week. Good places include grass beds in the Occoquan complex; back end of Chickamuxen; Wades Bay and Mallows Bay.

 

Lou & Lenny Romano fished Mattawoman with Ken on Thursday and Case Magic Stiks & Penrod Special spinnerbaits accounted for 35 nice bass. Retired Firefighter Dave Main (L) and Ryan Keller fished Mattawoman with Ken on Tuesday where Magic Stiks accounted for most of the bass caught.
David & father, Dr. Giammittorio fished with Ken on Wednesday where they caught about 50 bass on Penrod Special spinnerbaits & Case Magic Stiks. The Doctor’s largest bass weighed 4-lbs, 14-oz. LOU Capt’n Keith Barker with a 5 # 13 oz. LM Bass he caught this week near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

 

DEEP CREEK LAKE: **1/2; normal summer level; low 70s

            Our guides have been very busy with vacationing anglers so don’t be disappointed with tardy return calls. Brent Nelson and Bret Winegardner know exactly what to do on this busy lake, so call us for appointments. See www.fishdeepcreek.com for valuable information—but call us at 301-937-0010 or Brent Nelson directly at 240-460-8893.

 

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: **1/2; rising to fall: low 60s; 4,5 @ Harrisburg; 4.6 at Newport on the Juniata.

            There was a slight rise on both rivers this week but that just made boating better, LOU guide Chris Sanno says that the “bite has been tougher” this week. He has been fishing the Juniata above Newport and he complains about 12 bass in 3 hours. The main river, above the Juniata has been sporadic, but cast Rattlin’ Rapals over chunk rocks above the 322 bridge and you will smile. Hook up with John Cunningham at Riverfront Campground for great float trips in rental boats via shuttle service. Reach Johnny at 717-877-2704. This is a great campground and you can purchase the tubes, rods and other lures we recommend. The store also sells fishing license, snacks and drinks in addition to everything you may need to camp there.

 

NANTICOKE/POCOMOKE Rivers: ***; mid-70s, tannic.

            LOU guide, Captain Brian Barnes reports a similar pattern on both rivers. Fish the pad edges—or the channel drops, depending upon tide levels. There are plenty of bass but a falling tide is best.

 

KERR LAKE, VA: **1/2; 301’ ASL; 75-80 degrees; clear downlake—stained uplake.Water temp 80's

          Associate guide Tim Wilson reports the water level has reached 300 which is full pull. Bascially the same stories
for the bass. Topwater bright and early. Carolina rigged zoom plastics the rest of the day.
          A lot of the fish are running small but you can always squeek out a few nice ones. PopR type baits are really doing the trick fished quickly. The lower end around North Bend and Nutbush are working wonders for Wilson. Plenty of crappie on brush but the trick is findiing the right brushpile that holds big ones. Jigs tipped with minnows and jigs tipped with plastics such as Garlands cajun cricket work well. Stripers are scatttered with some good fish being trolled up around Eastland Creek.

Fishing Report June 6, 2010
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010 Fax: 301-931-2040. 
Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.
com  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

Captains: Ken Penrod; Keith Barker; Brent Nelson; Dave Kerrigan; Brian Barnes; Alan Mullis. Licensed Guides:  Mike Breeding; Jon Drever; Danny Grulke; Chris Sanno; Andy Chiu.

 

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: ***; 80 degrees; light stain; 2.4 @ Point of Rocks

The river has fallen nearly two feet during the last week and gained about five degrees of temperature. Smallmouth bass fishing has improved in those areas we guide. The most productive lures remain the Penrod-Seris, Campground Special tubes in Troy’s Trigger, KP Rose; Penrod Purple and Roadkill/Purple. Four-inch Case Magic Stiks (green pumpkin/gold & white) have also been fish catchers. The bass we catch have been small (9-14 inches long) but we generally get a few in the 18-inch class. Quantity will range between 15 and 45 fish per boat, depending upon weather and barometer.

            At LANDER, there are opportunities both upriver and downriver of the launch. Downriver, beginning at the power lines, there are three good drifts: (the Maryland side, the middle region and The Huffman Rock ledge. We seldom go below the southern tip of Bald Eagle Island. Upriver, we recommend the deeper water in the vicinity of Catoctin Creek to the Sawbuck Ledge. We also do well two casts off of the Virginia shore, from the Fence to the Wall. We cast to submersed ledge, mid river holes and area where chunk rock lie in four feet of water.

            In the WHITES FERRY/EDWARDS FERRY area, we are catching plenty of small bass with just a few in the 15-18 inch class. From Whites Ferry, motor upriver and drift the center. The Virginia shore can be productive during low light. From Edwards Ferry, the Maryland, shore in the vicinity of the power lines—and the ledges just downriver have been productive.

 

SUSQUEHANNA & JUNIATA RIVERS, PA: ***; 78-81 degrees; clear; 4,0 @ Harrisburg; 4.5 @ Newport on the Juniata.

            The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has scheduled three public meeting to secure input from anglers as it concerns the Susquehanna River. The meetings were/are not publicized much. I attended the second of three meeting on Saturday, June 5 at the Harrisburg River Rescue and Emergency Services facility on S. Cameron Street in Harrisburg. This meeting did not draw the amount of anglers that one would like to see but the event was run professionally and there were plenty of Fish and Boat Commission employees available to answer questions. The forum featured small groups of anglers in a roundtable discussion where seven specific questions were discussed and reported on. For the most part, all attendees stayed focused and worked hard to cover the topics. There were a few major differences of opinion but there wasn’t a person there that didn’t have the welfare of the fishery as a priority. The general consensus was: The Susquehanna River has a pollution problem; the abundant cormorant population is a negative impact of fish populations and suppressed recruitment of YOY for the past several years. Perhaps the majority in attendance recommended “no change” to current fisheries management, but there was discussion about closing the season during spawn; making catch & release an annual requirement; eliminating or restricting tournament activity and/or changing creel and size requirements. The third and last meeting is scheduled for June 9, at Kings College in Wilkes-Barre between 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. See http://fishandboat.com/susquehannabass.htm.

            My personal position is and has been: the Susquehanna does not have a fisheries problem—it has a pollution problem; there is no need to change the regulations—but angler education can be improved.

Thank you PA Fish and Boat Commission.

             The main stem is getting pretty low now while the Juniata is somewhat better. Bass fishing continues to be very good in the lower Juniata and the area between Riverfront Campground and the Buffalo ledges. Boaters must be very careful. Our best pattern is to cast Rattlin’ Rapala, Campground Special tubes, Case Magic Stiks, Big Mouth spinnerbaits and soft plastic jerk baits to midriver ledges and chunk rock.

 

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: ***; 84+ degrees; normal, but with algae visible in areas.

            Bass fishing remains very good throughout the river—but some places are much better than other.

            In the WASHINGTON, D.C. sector, Captain Dave Kerrigan led his clients to an “LOU Slam” which includes smallmouth, largemouth and striped bass species. The Grand Slam includes the addition of a walleye. Dave reports a pretty good catch from areas in Pentagon Lagoon, railroad bridge foundations and the Washington Channel. Best lures include Rapala DT06 crankbaits, Mizmo tubes and Case Magic Stiks.

Barry Bonovich caught this smallmouth bass in Penrod Cove on a Case Magic Stik while fishing with Ken Ken used a Rattlin’ Rapala to catch this Mattawoman bass.
It’s Dr. Dave, again, with a fine Mattawoman bass that he caught on a Case Magic Stik while guided by Ken. Larry fished with Ken and Dr. Dave last Wednesday and this Mattawoman bass was but one of about 40 they caught.

            In The WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE vicinity, our catch was no as good as last week. We do best in Penrod Cove, nearby barges, Smoot Bay, Belle Haven coves; grass beds above Broad Creek and across the river at the boat docks. Our top producer in the grass beds remain the Case Magic Stik but Rapala DT 06 crankbaits and four-inch Mizmo tubes for the dropoffs. Other good areas include grass beds in Piscataway Creek, Bulltown Cove and Pohick Bay.

            In the MATTAWOMAN CREEK vicinity, bass fishing has been excellent in spite of a 200 boat tournament over the weekend. Local angler Brian Schmitt won the event and Tackle Shop owner Terry Olinger finished in 5th place. Within the “6-MPH” zone, Captain Keith Barker reports very good results by casting Case Stiks, buzzbaits or Big Mouth spinnerbaits to spatterdock. Between Marsh Island and the main river, cast buzzbaits, Case Stiks, frogs and spinnerbaits to grass beds. Other nearby areas that are worth the time include grassbeds in or near Chickamuxen Creek; grass beds near Chopawamsic and in Blue Banks and Wades Bay.

Oliver takes the lead from his Dad on big fish of the day but gets caught red-handed helping the scale.  Oliver and his Dad fished with LOU Capt’n Keith Barker on Mattawoman Creek.  Case Magic Sticks in Green Pumpkin with Gold flake carried the day.

 

Lars raises the bar for his son Oliver by catching this nice LM Bass while fishing with LOU Capt’n Keith Barker.
Phil Scott of HBW and Carl Slagle of Boston Properties teamed up to catch this chunky Penrod Cove largemouth using a Case magic stick in Roadkill Camo. Great job by the net man! Capt Dave Kerrigan guided his clients to the LOU slam (largemouth smallmouth and striper) finishing out the day catching a dozen feisty rockfish on Luhr Jensen Firetiger crank baits during the last hour of the flood tide. Carl shows off a nice schoolie caught on the pump and reel technique Dave teaches.

 

DEEP CREEK LAKE: ***; 67 degrees; normal pool.

            LOU guides Brent Nelson and Bret Winegardner reports that the spawn is nearing the end but fishing has been “decent” in spite of extensive boating activity that keeps shoreline areas stained to muddy. The guides suggest the back end of coves for largemouth bass; boat docks near deep water for smallmouth bass and walleye prefer 1/8th ounce jigs tipped with a minnow. “Fly rod anglers can have a ball with bluegills,” reports Nelson. Please visit www.fishdeepcreek.com for details including suggestions for tackle shops and accommodations. Call Brent for vacation outings at 410-799-9326.

 

KERR LAKE, VA: **1/2; 301’ ASL; 75-80 degrees; clear downlake—stained uplake.

            LOU Associate Guide, Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com) reports that bass are now in post-spawn mode. “There is a pretty good topwater bite in the early hours—and again near dusk where Big Mouth buzzbaits and poppers work nicely. After the sun is overhead, back off of points and probe with Carolina rigged plastics, especially green pumpkin/chartreuse tail lizards. Tim likes Nutbush Creek and points between Ivy Hill and the dam. Stripers are scattered but biting well down-lake on live shad and trolled lures. Look for crappie around floating docks downed trees near deep water—and find submersed brush piles in 12-20 feet of water with your Lowrance sonar.

 

OCEAN CITY VICINITY: ***

            LOU’s Bobby Mullis and Alan Mullis have been doing very well on flounder, in the region, with jigs. The bays and inland waters are productive as has been tidal creeks in nearby Virginia.


Captain Alan Mullis fished with Bobby Mullis in a Virginia tributary recently and he
has his hands full of flounder that liked jigs better than live bait—this day.

 

 

 

                

Fishing Report May 30, 2010
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010 Fax: 301-931-2040. 
Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.
com  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

NOTES: I prepared this report on Friday, May 28, so forecast rains could change conditions and it’s important to monitor that fact  Please note that the above address is my residence—not a retail store.

 

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: ** & improving; 68 degrees; clearing; 3.2 and falling @ Point of Rocks.

In the past three days, the river has fallen one foot. Fishing success always suffers when the levels change quickly. Without significant rain this week, the river should be perfect for fishing.

 

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: ***; 65 degrees; main river clear, Juniata stained; 4.3 @ Harrisburg (the Juniata is influencing the scale at Harrisburg. The level is much lower above the route 322 bridge;) 5.2 @ Newport on the Juniata.

LOU guides Andy Chiu and Mike Breeding had a very good week, catching good numbers and quality smallmouth bass on Big Mouth spinnerbaits, Campground Special tubes and Rattlin’ Rapalas from habitat between the Campground and the Buffalo Ledges. In the Juniata River, the guides are fishing ledges between the confluence and the Aqueduct on tubes and spinnerbaits—and upriver in the Amity Hall pool, Rapala X-Rap jerkbaits, Campground Special tubes and Case Salty Shad jerk baits. NOTE: Andy Chiu is a superb fly-fish guide, complete with drift boat and many years of experience on Montana trout rivers.

 

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: ***1/2; 75 degrees; stained upper region & some tributaries.

            Dirty water and moderate flotsam entered the upper tidal river, from high water flows in the free flowing portion. Largemouth bass fishing has been good to great throughout the estuary, depending upon winds and barometer.

            WASHINGTON, DC: A DC biologist reports “tremendous” shad runs earlier in the month and during April, in part due to the stocking program over the past few years. This year alone, more than 5-million American shad fry was introduced into the Anacostia River alone. They also report a “better” river herring run than the past few years—but worry about declining coastal numbers. The “striper” run was “weak” this year although the first two weeks of April was “decent” and the biologist tagged rockfish as large as 50-pounds. The biologists believe than many of the stripers spawned downriver due to low flow near the fall line. The biologists confirm that largemouth bass populations have been declining the past several years do to the absence of SAV. Blue catfish and shakeheads have expanded their range into DC waters and stomach analysis indicates that the catfish love the white perch—and that snakehead stomach content has been virtually “nothing” on fish they examined.

            Bass fishing in DC has been fair, with the best chances at bridge foundations, Pentagon Lagoon, Washington Channel dropoffs and old wharf locations south of the Anacostia River. Out most productive lures have been Rapala DT crankbaits, four-inch Mizmo tubes and six-inch Case Magic Stiks. Keep in mind that Fort McNair is a sensitive military establishment and they have every right to ask boat-anglers to stay away from the sea wall. Generally, if you stay outside of the white buoys you will be fine.

            The WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE vicinity has been consistent this week with a “good to excellent” rating on most days. We do best in Penrod Cove, Smoot Bay, Belle Haven coves; north side of Broad Creek and boat docks and grass beds south of Belle Haven. Our most reliable “grass” offering has been the Case Magic Stik, Rapala DT crankbaits, Penrod Special spinnerbaits and Mizmo tubes. Captain Keith Barker has a new boat, a Ranger 2400, that can accommodate up to four anglers so keep that in mind. Keith reports on bass fishing chances mirror my observations and he says that catfish have been very cooperative.

            MATTAWOMAN Creek and vicinity has been very productive, especially grass beds, spattrerdock and rocky shorelines. In addition to Mattawoman, nearby Chickamuxen Creek; Occoquan Bay grass beds; bridge structure at Neabsco and Powells Creek and grass near the marine base and Chopawamsic Creek. Topwater action has been superb most days in the grass between the park and the main stem. I was scolded via email by a Navy spokesperson that didn’t like my comments about the shoreline restoration along the main river at the Naval Surface Warfare Center of Indian Head. My comments simply stated a fact: that construction has taken away a very productive area this spring. I am not critical, just observant. I do believe that that installation will provide excellent habitat—when they are finished.

David Giammittorio used a Case Magic Stik to catch this Potomac bass while fishing with Ken.
Sherry Browett, with husband, Rick, looking-on, caught this nice bass on a Case Magic Stik while guided by Ken.
Doctor Dave used a four-inch Mizmo tube to catch this Smoot Bay bass while aboard Ken's Ranger bass boat.
Jackson Coviello with a nice LM bass he caught
while fishing with LOU Guide Capt’n Keith Barker
near the WW Bridge.
Vince Coviello with a nice LM bass he caught
while fishing with LOU Guide Capt’n Keith Barker
in Penrod’s Cove.
Cooper Coviello with a very nice LM bass he
caught fishing with LOU Guide Capt’n Keith Barker
in Belle Haven Cove.
Cooper Coviello wants to know why the belly of this
catfish looks so much like LOU Guide Capt’n Keith Barker.
Hunter Nelson and Victoria Seng with 4 of the 30 bass they caught with LOU guide Capt. Brent Nelson in Mattawoman Creek.

 

DEEP CREEK LAKE: ***; 60 degrees; normal pool.

            LOU guides Bret Winegardner and Brent Nelson report “much improved” fishing results with substantial spawning activity throughout the lake. The guides favor uplake grass beds and boat docks although some of the flats have turned on as fish move in to spawn. You may wish to visit www.fishdeepcreek.com for more information including recommendations for motels and tackle stores.

 

KERR LAKE, VA: **-**1/2; 70-78 degrees; 301 feet ASL; Stained upper lake, clear lower lake.

            LOU Associate Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com) reports “off and on success this week with a good topwater bite early and late in the day.” Tim favors buzzbaits and Zara Spooks for topwater, but when the bass abandon the shallows, move out along points and feed them Carolina rigged plastics. Tim like his chances in Grassy and Nutbush Creeks.

 NANTICOKE: Water 66-72 degrees, muddy. Fish Marshyhope & Broadcreek areas with Rapala DT 6 Hot Mustard on outside pad edges on stumps or any cover near pads for best bass production. Also any wood located near channel inside or outside bends with clear path to wood skip green pumpkin or black/blue 5" Magic Stix.

A few small bucks remain in spawning areas, caught with green pumpkin or watermelon wacky rigged Magic Stix.

 

POCOMOKE: Water 66-72 degrees, stained. At high tide periods, fish eating Baby 1 Minus crankbaits or Penrod Special Spinnerbaits in the sparse pad fields. As tide withdrawals, creekmouths and outside pad edges producing with slowrolling Penrod Special Spinnerbait or Rapala DT 6 Hot Mustard.

Fishing Report May 23, 2010
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010 Fax: 301-931-2040. 
Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.
com  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

Notes: I have prepared this report a few days early as I wish to go to my Pennsylvania lodge for spring cleaning.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER/JUNIATA RIVER, PA: ***1/2; 59-62 degrees; clear; 4.9 @ Harrisburg ; 5.2 @ Newport on the Juniata .

LOU guide Mike Breeding says “smallmouth bass fishing is better now than it was in April, and we are getting 40-60 per outing on Big Mouth spinnerbaits and Rattlin’ Rapalas.” It’s rare that the water level is near five-feet at the Harrisburg gauge at the end of May. If you are looking for some dynamic fishing action, call us quickly.

The guides are operating from Riverfront Campground near the Juniata confluence. Both rivers have been about equal as far as productivity goes, and the quality of the bass we are catching is excellent. Cast Golden Shiner spinnerbaits to submersed humps with grass and brush showing. The down-current eddy is holding the fish and they simply destroy spinnerbaits. Campground Special tubes ( Troy ’s Trigger, KP Candy; KP Rose and KP Peanut Butter,) Case Salty Shads and Case Magic Stiks are well accepted also.

The better areas have been upriver of the 322 bridge and the pool at Amity Hall on the Juniata .

 

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : ***; 60 degrees; stained; 3.5 and steady.

Recent rains have added about one foot of water this week and it’s stained but smallmouth bass fishing has remained steady. The weather this week was another irregular event but the barometer remained under 30-inches and that’s good.

            LANDER has improved where we choose to fish upriver of the launch and we target pools and ledges between Catoctin Creek and The Fence. Campground Special tubes in the 2.75 and 4-inch models have been our go-to offering in Penrod Special, KP Candy; Troy ’s Trigger and Roadkill Camo.

            WHITES FERRY is a safe area to fish much of the year, even during low water. The best areas are upriver of the launch where we tend to fish the middle of the river. This week’s rise will send more bass to shorelines so keep all options open. Let me recommend Gator Rods, Excel monofilament in 8# test and a good spinning reel with at least 5:1 gear ratio. TIP: I see so many anglers without “enough” line on their reels. Fill the spool to within 1/8th of an inch of the rim. The line should come off of the storage spool from the face and it should be unwinding counter clockwise.

 

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : ***1/2; 64 degrees; stain on the way.

Bass fishing has been very good this week in spite of cooler than below air temperatures and easterly winds—but the barometer was under 30-inches most of the week and the bass were eating.

WASHINGTON D.C. jurisdictional water will get stained by this week end as the upper river jumped one foot from recent rainfall. We acre catching some fine bass in Pentagon Lagoon, Long Bridge foundations and Washington Channel dropoffs along the Fort McNair wall (NOTE: don’t get to close to this wall because the Military Police will call the Harbor Police.) We are using Case Magic Stiks and Mizmo tubes in the Lagoon but Rapala DT08 crankbaits do best on the dropoff in the Channel.

The WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE vicinity was the best area this week where we found and caught plenty of big, post spawn bass on tubes and crankbaits. The best areas have been Penrod Cove, Belle Haven coves; both sides of Broad Creek and grass and docks below Hog Island . Other areas you may wish to fish include coves in Piscataway Creek (not much grass in this creek this spring,) Greenway Flats, Pomonkey Creek and Gunston Cove. The Magic Stiks and Penrod Special spinnerbaits have been out top grass baits.

The MATTAWOMAN CREEK and vicinity receives more fishing pressure than any other sector in the system—but there is still plenty of bass activity—in a bunch of places. Inside the 6-MPH zone, spinnerbaits cast to spatterdock/grass area, especially where you find fry-pods, is a solid bet. The milfoil beds between Grinders and the main river just keep on producing. In CHICKAMUXEN CREEK, fish the south side but there are bass on both points. Grass and other cover between the Quantico airfield and Chopawamsic Creek is another productive area. 

Dr Dave Giammittorio with a fine bass taken from Penrod Cove on a 4" Mizmo while fishing with Ken.
So much for the "curse of the banana.
Ken used a Rapala DT06 (Parrot) to catch this Potomac, postspawn bass. Dr Dave and I found the mother-load recently.
Check out the bellies on these postspawn bass! A few weeks ago these fish could have been one pound heavier.

 

KERR LAKE , VA : **1/2; 301 feet and rising; stained in creeks and upper lake; 68-75 degrees.

LOU Associate guide, Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com) reports a “rising lake level” and pretty decent fishing. Mainlake points, especially points near creek have been Tim’s targets last week where begins each morning with topwater lures. Tim is still fish points when the sun is high but he backs off and used Carolina rigged plastics. Tim has been concerned with this fishery for a few years now and is assisting VDGIF with research and field work. He visited two tournament sites last week and was very complimentary of one group but “appalled” by another.

Striper  fishing has been best at night on main lake points with wake bait Redfins. The crappie have moved to deeper water brushpiles and bridge foundations.

 

DEEP CREEK LAKE : **; mid to upper 50s; summer pool.

Captain Brent Nelson reports “tough” fishing earlier this week due to water temperature loss and a high barometer. Brent says “we are doing best around docks but pre-spawn smallmouth bass are staged on/near deeper rocks. The largemouth spawn earlier this week was delayed by weather, especially temperature, but that is still to come. Nelson noted that some monster largemouths have moved to beds at the very backs of up-lake creeks by weeks end.  Visit www.fishdeepcreek for more information.

 

OCEAN CITY BAY & VICINITY: **1/2; 60s

Bobby Mullis and Captain Dave Kerrigan report a good flounder-bite behind Assateague and Dave says there are plenty of togs on local wrecks. Kerrigan’s final footnote to his report said: I wish I was on the Susquehanna.

Fishing Report May 16, 2010
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010 Fax: 301-931-2040. 
Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.
com  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

NOTES: Navico/Lowrance News; Navico will shut down its email service over the weekend (May 14-17) for maintenance. They expect it to be back in service by 7-AM Monday.

            Lowrance Pro Staffer Bob Mullis will be at the Hampton, VA, Bass Pro Shop on May 21 and 22 to train customers in the use of Lowrance sonar and GPS. Pro Staffer Vic John will be at the Harrisburg , PA ,  Bass Pro Shop on May 22 and 23. Pro Staffer Alan Mullis will be at the Ashland, VA Bass Pro Shop on May 21 and 22—and then at the Hanover, MD Bass Pro Shop on May 28 and 29. This is a great opportunity for you to become familiar with all the new Lowrance and Eagle products—and the new Structure Scan will “wow” you.

 

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : **; 65 degrees; minimal stain; 2.5 @ Point of Rocks

I fished Lander two days this week, and the river is perfect—but the weather conditions were all over the place. Strong winds, cold weather, then hot and the barometer was very erratic. We caught 21, then 27 bass, most of which were small but a client lost the biggest smallmouth I’ve ever seen after three out-of-the-water jumps. We are using Campground Special tubes (KP Candy; KP Peanut Butter; Troy ’s Trigger and Road Kill Camo.) Chunk rock and submersed ledges held the majority of the bass we caught.

            At LANDER, the best fishing is upstream of the launch, especially the deeper ledges below the Sawbuck ledge; the Virginia side below The Wall and the holes and ledges below the Fence ledge.

            At WHITES FERRY, the upriver pool is a good place to be during strong northwest wind. Begin the Virginia side drift when you can see the smoke tower at the Dickerson Plant—then do the middle drift. We usually stop these controlled floats at the cliff on the VA side. If you are fishing thoroughly, each float should take about 1.5 hours.

 

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER/JUNIATA RIVER, PA: ***; nice stain; 59 degrees; 5.5 @ Harrisburg and 5.2 @ Newport .

It’s rare to have this much water in May and that’s a good thing. LOU guide Mike Breeding (443-614-9842) says the weather was the only negative this week, with the loss of twelve degrees of water temperature, strong winds and high barometric pressure. “We are catching from 25 to 40 bass per day,” says Mike and while most are post spawn, there was some spawning activity this week. We are fishing shoreline pockets, grass beds and ledges with Big Mouth spinnerbaits, Big Mouth Chatterbaits, Campground Special tubes and Rapala DT-4 & 6 crankbaits. Most of the smallmouths are between 15 and 19 inches long. Reach Mike at 443-614-9842 and call Johnny Cunningham at 717-877-2704 for Campground Special tubes (the Penrod Series) and RAB jig heads.

 

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : ** to ***; 65 degrees; clear except wind-stain areas.

We are not “kicking butt” by any stretch, but some days were better than others as the weather was very erratic this week. From a high of 52 on Tuesday to almost 80 by Saturday, along with strong winds some days and a high barometer much of the week, it’s no wonder the fish seemed confused. Still, we caught some quality bass on Case Magic Stiks, Mizmo tubes; Rapala DT-6 crankbaits, Big Mouth spinnerbaits and even one ne a buzzbait.

            In the WASHINGTON jurisdictional water, we do best in Pentagon Lagoon; certain bridge foundations at Long Bridge and former dock sites along the east side, below the Washington Channel. There are some young stripers in the Channel.

            In the WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE vicinity, we do best in Penrod Cove, Belle Haven coves, grass beds and docks below Hog Island ; grass beds on the Maryland side upriver of Broad Creek and coves in Piscataway Creek (very little grass in Piscataway Creek this year.) We had two bass in the 5-pound class this week but our numbers have only been in the mid 20s.

            GUNSTON COVE, POMONKEY CREEK and grass beds near Marshall Hall are productive areas.

            In the MATTAWOMAN CREEK vicinity, a fair bite within the 6-MPH zone and a good bite in grass beds between Marsh Island and the main stem. Nearby grassbeds before, inside and after Chickamuzen Creek are worthy as are grassbeds near Quantico Creek and Chopawamsic Creek. AQUIA CREEK grassbeds are also good stops. Captain Brian Barnes has been catching bass to nearly 5 pounds with numbers as high as 30+ bass per day in this area.

Dr Dave used a Mizmo tube to catch this Penrod Cove bass that weighed 4.7 pounds.
Doug Dillon used a Penrod Special spinnerbaits to catch this nice Mattawoman Creek bass.
Dave Grant caught this nice bass in Piscataway Creek while fishing with Ken. David Grant tossed a Case Magic Stik to a submersed log in Piscataway Creek and caught a fine fish.
David Giammittorio used a Case Magic Stik to catch this Penrod Cove largemouth bass. Dr Dave with another nice fish caught near Belle Haven Marina on a Case Magiuc Stik.
Jack Train fished Lander with Ken and this bass fell for a Campground Special, Troy's Trigger tube. Jack lost one of the largest smallmouth bass I've ever seen--just five feet from the boat. Terry & Sean Fitzpatrick fished the Potomac with Captain Brian Barnes with good success, catching 30+ bass most of which were keepers. Sean had a very good day catching this 4 lb. 12 oz. large mouth along with numerous other quality fish.

 

KERR LAKE , VA : 65-70 degrees; 300; stained upriver.

LOU Associate guide, Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com) reports a “strong” postspawn bite from the down-lake area where mainlake points with rocks and wood cover has been his best pattern. “I’m using topwater lures in the morning but switching to Carolina rigged lizards when the sun is high,” says Tim. “Some of our bass are five pounds and better so I think the summer pattern has set-in for now,” explains Wilson .

 

NANTICOKE RIVER : ***; 65 degrees

LOU guide, Captain Brian Barnes (302-745-4668) reports “pretty good” results from the mid Marshyhope and main stem near Seaford . I’m using Big Mouth spinnerbaits, Rapala DT-6 (Hot Mustard) and creature baits near spatterdock fields, channel drops and docks,” says Barnes.

 

POCOMOKE RIVER : ***; 65 degrees

If your day includes low water, it should be quite productive. The bass are post spawn and in summer pattern now so spatterdock, cypress knees and wet wood is a solid pattern. The area between Shad Landing and Pocomoke City is productive but so is the Snow Hill area. Penrod Special spinnerbaits, Rapala DT-6 crankbaits and Case Magic Stiks do the job. Don’t hesitate to try the buzzbait in the morning.

 

DEEP CREEK LAKE : ***; 55 degrees; normal pool; clear.

LOU guides, Brent Nelson (bbnelson@comcast.net) and Bret Winegardner reports pretty good bass fishing and there is substantial spawning activity on the flats and coves in the upper lake. Find out more about this at www.fishdeepcreek.com. 

 

Fishing Report May 9, 2010
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010 Fax: 301-931-2040. 
Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.
com  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

See the photo below of the dead largemouth bass that an angler had scooped from the surface in Pohick Bay immediately after commercial fishermen and pulled and cleared their nets. “There were many more dead bass as well as hundreds of other dead, discarded fish at the scene,” said the reporter. This cannot be allowed to continue.

Our summer youth camp sessions are full for this year.


These dead largemouth bass were scooped from the surface by a concerned fisherman--immediately after commercial fishermen had pulled and cleared their gill nets in Pohick Bay. The angler reported that these bass were only a sampling of those floating dead and there were hundreds of other fish species dead near the shore where the nets lay on the bank. Some would call this by-catch--I call it wonton waste and should not be allowed. I will contact Virginia Game & Inland Fish and obtain their response.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : ***1/2; 70s; creeks stained; main river clear.

Bass fishing has been very good throughout the river and the tributaries.

WASHINGTON, D C: May has always been a good month for this area and this May is no different. Best results come from Pentagon Lagoon, Washington Channel, east shore below the Anacostia and Blue Plains. Best lures continue to be Big Mouth Spinnerbaits; Case Plastics; Mizmo tubes, Rapala DT6 crankbaits and Rattlin’ Rapalas.

WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE and vicinity has been “above average” this week where we catch bass consistently in Penrod Cove, Belle Haven coves; north and south shores of Broad Creek and areas inside Piscataway Creek. SAV in Piscataway Creek is a mere shadow of what we usually find this time of year. Other good areas to the south include: Bulltown Cove; Pohick Bay ; Greenway Flats and Pomonkey Creek.

We are using Case Magic Stiks (rigged Texas with 3/0 heavy wire hooks;) Penrod Special spinnerbaits by Big Mouth Lure Company; green pumpkin, Mizmo tubes; Rattlin’ Rapalas; Rapala DT6 crankbaits (Hot Mustard) and Rico poppers.

MATTAWOMAN CREEK and vicinity continues to rank as “the best” but other portions of the river are “catching up.”

In  Mattawoman, the 6-MPH zone is almost as good as the grass beds between Marsh Island and the Potomac . Milfoil and submersed wood cover is red-hot now. I did catch and kill a 10-12 pound snakehead in the upper portion of the creek. On high water, Penrod Special spinnerbaits, pulled over milfoil is deadly. Our go-to pattern is Case Magic Stiks and Mizmo tubes. Rapala DT4 crankbaits and Rattlin’ Rapalas in deeper grass seems to account for bigger fish.

Other worthy areas in the vicinity include sections of shoreline between Mattawoman and Chickamuxen; Chickamuxen Creek grass; grass and rip rap near Quantico Air Field; Blue Banks and grass beds in Aquia Creek.

 

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : ***; clear; 3 @ Point of Rocks; 70s.

LOU guide, Captain Dave Kerrigan reports “good” smallmouth b ass fishing, as the river becomes “kinder” lately. The fish are mostly small (9-14 inches long) but the bigger bass are still in post spawn slow down. We use spinning rods with 8# Excel monofilament. Best baits are Campground Special tubes (Penrod Purple; KP Candy; KP Peanut Butter and Roadkill Camo. Stay away from eddies and find submersed ledges, chunk rock in 4-feet of water and boundary edges of deeper holes. Three angler trips average 30-40 smallmouth per outing.

LANDER continues to be productive, especially upriver of the launch and specifically the “holes” adjacent to Catoctin Creek; pools and ledges below and above the Fence; grassy areas below the Wall; pools and ledges below the Fence.

Whites Ferry/Edwards Ferry fishing has improved although the bigger bass have not been cooperating. From Whites Ferry, the upriver pool favoring the Virginia side, and the VA shoreline between the cliff and the ferry is a good drift. Downriver, the drift along Harrison Island , favoring the middle and the rocky shore at the south end of that island is worthy. From Edwards Ferry, the ledges in the immediate vicinity and the Maryland shoreline near the power lines seem best.

 

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER , PA : ***1/2; some stain in the Juniata and east side of the main stem; 5-feet at Newport ; 4.5 @ Harrisburg ; 65-70 degrees.

Smallmouth bass fishing has improved dramatically recently as fish have recovered from spawning duties.

LOU guide, Captain Dave Kerrigan (301-252-5322), has been focused on grass bowls between the route 322 bridge and Purdy Island where just about any lure works these days. The spinnerbait bite has been solid but Rattlin’ Rapals and X-Rap jerkbaits seem to catch larger fish. LOU guide Mike Breeding (443-614-9842) repeats Dave’s observations and says “right now it just doesn’t seem to matter where we go or what we use—the bass are hungry and cooperative.” The guides average 30-45 bass per trip and the bigger bass are showing up again.” Remember, I have guides in this water all year long and we have added a fly-guide this year, Andy Chiu, a vetern of Montana trout rivers—and he has the perfect float boat. Reach Andy at 410-868-8400. John Cunningham (717-877-2704) of Riverfront Campground carries the Camground Special tubes; RAB jigheads, Gator Rods and Mizmo tubes that we brag about. He will shuttle you upriver for float trips and you can obtain your fishing license there.

Will Britton with a nice 18 inch + smallie caught while fishing with LOU Guide Dan Grulke and the Susquehanna River.
Bill Britton and son Will Britton with a nice Susky Smallmouth. Hands down Will Britton is the toughest person who has ever fished on my boat as he endured "issues" so he wouldn't miss a fishing day. Hats off to Will!!
Drew Adamek was guided by Captain Dave to several nice bass including this “last cast” dandy. No kidding – after working out a birds nest on his reel he had time for one cast before the trip was over and his well placed Mizmo Roadkill teaser tube was just what the big girl wanted – way to hang tough to the end Drew! Long time LOU friend Tim Johnson spent a day on the Susqy with Capt Dave Kerrigan and dealt with 3 weather changes during the day – rain – clearing – wind. The fish did not seem to mind for a change!! This big red eyed bass inhaled a Vida Blue Mizmo teaser at a mid river grass bowl.
Jack Nichols landed this fat Susquehanna Bass on a Campground special teaser tube while fishing with LOU Guide Mike Breeding. Rich Ogin caught this beautiful smallmouth bass on a penrod purple teaser tube while fishing with LOU guide Mike Breeding. They landed 50+ bass on this outing.
Burt Salter caught this smallmouth bass on a KP Rose teaser tube while fishing with LOU Guide Mike Breeding.

DEEP CREEK LAKE : ***; clear; 60s.

Bass fishing has been very good and they have moved to shallow spawning areas where jerkbaits, Mizmo tubes and Rattlin’ Rapalas account for big, fat bass now.

Reach Brent Nelson (410-799-9326) or Bret Winegardner (301-616-9889) for arrangements. See www.fishdeepcreek.com for more details.

 

KERR LAKE , VA : **1/2; 300.25; 65-75 degrees; stain in creeks but clear main lake.

LOU Associate guide, Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com) reports a “slow-down” as bass transition from spawning activity to summer pattern. Tim likes main lake points and coves near creek mouths where topwater bites are improving during the early hours. “Try drop-Shot and Carolina rigged plastics over the points during the day,” Wilson advises. Stripers are making their way dowlake now after their spawn run. Crappie are post spawn and favoring cover in the 15-20 feet zone.

           

The Penrod Special
The spinnerbait designed for the Tidal Potomac River
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