Freshwater fishing report from Ken Penrod
Ken Penrod of Life Outdoors Unlimited, rates our local and regional waters:
UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: Two stars.
77 degrees; clear with algae; 1.2 feet at Point of Rocks.
Bass fishing has been pretty tough lately and the submersed aquatic vegetation is making boating difficult. At both Landers and White's Ferry, we use Campground Special tubes and Case Magic Stiks for best results.
The river is very low and the water is extremely warm--conditions that are conducive to fish kills. It is common to see a few dead fish on the surface during summer months but if you see several dozen dead fish, call the Maryland Department of the Environment Hotline, 877-224-7229. Be very specific when you report: time of day; date; approximate number and species.
SUSQUEHANNA RIVER (Pa.): Two stars.
75 degrees; clear; 3.3 at Harrisburg. 3.6 at Newport on the Juniata River.
Low, warm water is making fishing difficult. LOU guide Chris Sanno is looking to other local waters during these conditions. Johnny at Riverfront Campground will provide shuttle service for anglers who wish to do a float trip, 717-877-2704.
TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: Three-and-a-half stars
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 Potomac main stem north and south of Mattawoman; grass beds near Pomonkey Creek and submerged aquatic vegetation in Broad, Swan and Piscataway creeks.
DEEP CREEK LAKE: Two stars.
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 are just about all you need to know. More at www.fishdeepcreek.com.
