Labor Day weekend bass fishing report
Guide Ken Penrod, owner of Life Outdoors Unlimited, sent this report on conditions in and around Maryland:
UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: two and a half stars; clear; algae; floating grass; 80 degrees; 1.1 feet at Point of Rocks.
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The river level had changed a few inches during the week, but for the most part it is at summer low. If not for abundant submersed vegetation, the official levels would be significantly lower.
Bass fishing has improved however, especially in the Edwards Ferry and White Ferry areas, where wacky-rigged Case Magic Stiks and topwater lures have accounted for smallmouth bass to 19-inches long. From the Edwards Ferry launch fish in either direction, keeping an eye out for grass beds, where many of the larger fish are hunting there. From Whites Ferry in either direction is fine, but the safe route is upriver—and stay in the middle. Again, Case Plastics, fished weightless and Mizmo tubes have been very productive.
Around Lander, either direction is fine, and we do best by casting tubes, stiks and buzzbaits to ledges and grass edges. There is substantial floating vegetation that will cause presentation issues, but slow moving, bottom baits will do the job.
SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: two stars; 74 degrees; clear/algae; 3.2 feet at Harrisburg. 3.2 feet at Newport on the Juniata. Call 888-881-7555 for river conditions.
Bass fishing has been pretty good but it’s tough to get around in power boats. In the area between Sherman Creek and Clemson Island, waders and floaters are catching lots of good smallmouth bass, if they are experienced and serious enough to be on the water at dawn. A high sun and a clear-sky day is a no-win situation. Cast Case Salty Shads, Case Magic Stiks, Campground Special tubes and Rattlin’ Rapalas to deeper water holes below riffles and ledges.
TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: two and a half stars; 80 degrees; floating grass; algae. Bass fishing has been decent in some areas and tough in others—and no sharks to report on.
In Washington, there's some smallmouth bass action from rocky shores above Key Bridge and some really nice largemouth bass from bridge foundations between Key Bridge and Long Bridge. The Washington Channel is a very good fishery, especially on the Fort McNair side and the back end. Crankbaits such as the Rapala Thug, DT 06 and Clackin’ Rap account for most of our open-water fish, while Mizmo tubes and Case plastics get the job done in cover.
Around the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, fishing has been disappointing. Catch some bass from Fox Ferry Point and Hog Island during low water with crankbaits and plastics. Grass bass have been scarce this week but you'll find a few on the Maryland side just above Broad Creek.
In the vicinity of Mattawoman Creek, the upper creek has been clear enough to see blue crabs on the bottom. Fishing within the 6 mph zone has not been very good. We prefer the grass beds between Marsh Island and the main river, where Case Plastics, Penrod Special spinnerbaits and frogs account for the majority of our bass. Be careful while boating the main stem in this vicinity because the crab pots are dense and dangerous.
DEEP CREEK LAKE: two stars; clear; 70 degrees. The lake is back to normal. There are fewer pleasure boats and fishing is easier. As this water cools--and it will quickly--quality walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass will delight the anglers. Contact Capt. Brent Nelson for reservations at bbnelson@comcast.net. Learn more about the lake and surround at www.fishdeepcreek.com .
