The ICPRB Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac (CO-OP) has issued its September Water Supply Outlook, which has determined an above-normal probability that releases of water stored in reservoirs might be needed to ensure that metropolitan area drinking water demands will be met through the fall. Learn more on the Water Supply Outlook and Status page…
Potomac News Reservoir – Drought preparedness, oysters, and water quality in the Potomac News Reservoir.
Stafford, VA
Photo credit: Widewater State Park shipwreck, Virginia State Parks (Flickr)
Widewater State Park is close enough for a daytrip from Metro DC but far enough away that the big city light pollution is not an issue for the night astronomy clubs that occasionally hold public events at the park. Stretching between the shore of the Potomac River and the shore of the Aquia Creek, the park provides stunning water views, fishing, and recreational access to water.
The park is split between two parcels of land, the Aquia side and the Potomac side. Although these two areas appear small, the park is deceptively big as much of the park land is undeveloped and unavailable to the public, yet anyways. The visitors center and gift shop are on the Aquia side. Park rangers provide children’s fishing clinics, guided kayaking tours, and many more fun and interactive activities. Find more information on at the park’s website or on the Friends of Widewater State Park Facebook page.
For those visiting from the water (from Mallows Bay, for example, which is just up the river), there are four paddle-in primitive campsites available.
Fishing is a popular activity along the shores of the park. The Potomac is tidal in this area but is considered freshwater for fishing licensing purposes.
There are two car-top launches, one in each river, for canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards. If you launch your craft on the Potomac side then head upriver a couple miles, you’ll find a sunken ship. The scuttled ship provides excellent fishing and birding opportunities.
Don’t expect a dip in the river. There are no designated swimming areas due to hazardous swimming conditions in the river.
This quiet, unassuming state park is only a few years old and still has room to grow. This is one to watch, as they say. Future plans for the park include extended trails, a motorboat launch, and a campground.
The holiday weekend will see greater numbers of people recreating on and along the river. For many, this will be a last chance to get out before schools open and vacations end. In addition to sharing the river with more recreationists, anglers are confronted with a slower time of year. Rivers are low and seem even lower in areas with extensive aquatic grasses. The water is warm, and fishing has slowed. Both anglers and fish are waiting on the shorter days and cooler water temperatures that will bring an active fall season.
The Shenandoah system’s North and South forks are low, clear, and fishable. The summer pattern spreads fish out. Anglers will find the best fishing in the early morning and hitting shaded current areas during the day. Anglers are finding smallmouth and catfish. The mountain trout streams in the national park are low but wary trout will react to evening hatches of insects and moths flying around the streams.
In the South Branch Potomac, smallmouth bass are sluggish but can be taken by stealthy anglers around Petersburg. The river also is giving up some catfish.
The North Branch Potomac and Savage rivers are at their usual lull during this time of year, although stealthy anglers are still taking trout in the management areas. The ICPRB trout monitoring program on the North Branch is continuing with good success in tracking tagged trout. The trout’s movement through the system can provide data needed to inform management options.
The upper Potomac River has been very productive this season. Anglers are still taking some nice smallmouth bass despite the very low water. Boats can still launch from the usual sites, such as Lander and Whites Ferry, but low water can limit the range from any of the spots. Large stands of aquatic grasses between Point of Rocks to Noland’s Ferry makes boat travel even more difficult and wading or fishing from a kayak is an attractive alternative. Water temperatures are around 80 degrees with good clarity. Anglers are using soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and stick worms to slowly fish rocks and boulders in the river. The river is fishing very well from the Mouth of the Monocacy downstream. Anglers can expect to catch 15 or more fish in a day, with the chance for a 20-inch fish. Live and cut bait will lure channel and flathead catfish.
In the metro area, smallmouth bass are being caught in the Key Bridge area, and there are some reports of catfish and smallmouth around Fletcher’s Boat House. Others are finding some fish in the vicinity of the Kennedy Center. In the tidal Potomac, anglers are focused on bridge pilings, riprap, and other structures. Anglers are using small platics, stickworms and small crank baits to probe shaded areas. The growing hydrilla bed edges provide another target. Largemouth, smallmouth, and some striped bass can be taken in Washington Channel grass beds and channel drop off. The lower Anacostia grass beds and armored shorelines hold some bass, snakeheads, and catfish. The Blue Plains area and adjacent spoils are holding some largemouth bass. Some nice bass are being found in the spoils area and the docks at National Harbor.
The tidal Potomac is fishing continues to fish nicely for late summer. It is important to fish moving water and early in the morning. Night fishing is not a bad idea as the water cools down from the day. Fish will be holding to structure and will be in shade during the day. The usual areas are all holding up well. ‘the mouth of Piscataway Bay is yielding largemouth bass, and the nearby channel at Fort Washington is a blue catfish paradise. Mattawoman Creek aquatic plants are holding bass and snakeheads. Pohick Bay has enough grass and structure to explore for days for bass. Snakeheads are at the heads of tidal creeks. The grass stands in the region are beginning to wind down, and clumps are breaking off to form floating stands of dead grass that are worth fishing. The shade provided by the mats hold fish, which are feeding off the crayfish and other creatures holding in the mats. plastics, stickworms, and small crank baits are offerings of choice. Lures should be fished very slowly, and anglers must focus on the light bite for a good hook set.
Fishing activity around Colonial Beach is slow, but anglers are taking some striped bass, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish. The dry weather has brought salty water up the river, and sea nettles are very thick in some areas. The bottom for the main river channel has very low dissolved oxygen, so fishing won’t be as productive below 15 feet. Blue catfish are always available on live or cut bait.
Near the river’s mouth, anglers are finding Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and red drum. Croaker, white perch, and kingfish round out the angling menu. Bluefish are everywhere. Anglers are casting in the shallows for speckled trout. And of course there are blue catfish. Crabbing is slow.
Be careful on the water this weekend. Be mindful of the hazards of abundant sun and high temperatures on both you and your quarry. Handle all fish to be returned quickly and with care. This report is the last for this season. We would appreciate any feedback on this service so that we can make it more useful. We wish all a good fall, and many more enjoyable hours on the river. As always, contact ICPRB with questions about the river and its many uses.
We are grateful to the many river watchers who contribute to this effort. Particular thanks go to the state departments of natural resources, National Bass Guides, Shallow Water Fishing Adventures, and Machodoc Creek Marina, Inc.
We’re adding new products to our Potomac Basin Comprehensive Water Resources Plan StoryMap.
Explore the interactive maps and reports on the plan’s many concerns, including the increasing saltiness of freshwater streams, reported and unreported water usage, land use, nutrients, and other issues that impact human use and the sustainable ecological health of the basin’s waters.
The Shenandoah system’s North and South forks rare low, clear, and fishable. The summer pattern has anglers on the North and South forks catching fish in the early morning and hitting shaded current areas during the day. Anglers are finding smallmouth and catfish. The mountain trout streams in the national park are low but trout are responding to evening hatches of insects and moths flying around the streams.
Little Girl Fishing at Little Seneca Lake
In the South Branch Potomac, smallmouth bass are being taken in the river around Petersburg. The river is low and clear, so follow the summertime mantra of long casts and very slow retrieves.
The North Branch Potomac and Savage rivers are reporting decent action in the trout management areas. The North Branch may be hard to fish from some banks due to the Jennings Randolph release this weekend. The ICPRB trout monitoring program on the North Branch is continuing with good success in tracking tagged trout.
The upper Potomac River continues to produce nice fish this year. Water temperatures are around 80 degrees with good clarity. The low water levels seem even lower in the stretch from Point of Rocks to the Monocacy/ Nolands Ferry, where aquatic grass stands are strongly established. The area is still generally passable by boat, but just barely, according to some users. The grasses provide habitat for bass, baitfish, and other creatures, and is contributing to great water clarity this year. The usual access points are all fishable, with a range of smallmouth bass including the occasional 20-inch fish. Anglers are using soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and stick worms to probe rock gardens with currents and eddies. Treefalls and other structure are secondary targets. Low-light times are best to find fish seeking cooler temperatures. Channel catfish and flathead catfish can be taken with live bait.
The metro area is in typical summer pattern, with anglers targeting bridge pilings, riprap, docks, and other structure, preferably in the shade. The area around Key Bridge provides a break from the crowds. Casting plastics and crankbaits to bridge pilings can bring a strike by smallmouth, largemouth, or striped bass. Washington Channel walls and drop-offs are productive. Snakeheads can be found in the lower Anacostia, Some nice bass are being found in the spoils area and the docks at National Harbor.
The tidal Potomac is fishing about the same with early morning and evening periods of moving water providing the best conditions. Channels and deep holes are the home of large blue catfish that can be taken with cut or live bait. Largemouth bass fishing remains good with anglers targting docks and structure until the gras beds fill in at Mattawoman and downstream. The Mattawoman lilly and spatterdock stands are producing largemouth bass and snakeheads, which can also be found lurking in the grass beds at the heads of tidal creeks. Grass beds in Pohick Bay and Chicamuxen Creek are producing some nice fish. Floating mats of detached or dying aquatic grass hold crayfish and provide shade for bass holding below, and penetrating the mats with plastics can bring some good bites. Stick worms fished very slowly are always good bets in the summer heat.
Fishing activity around Colonial Beach is picking up, with some nice catches of striped bass in the 30-inch range. Anglers also are finding some nice Spanish mackerel and bluefish, along with some large spot and croaker. The salty water also is hosting high numbers of sea nettles. There was a report of a bull shark being caught in a catfish net north of Mathias Point. The river’s summer dissolved oxygen problem is about average for this time of year, and depths below 15 feet in the main channel may not have enough oxygen to comfortably hold fish. Blue catfish are readily available.
Near the river’s mouth, anglers are landing some nice Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and red drum. Croaker, white perch, and kingfish are still being taken around Cornfield Harbor. Bluefish are common, and anglers are casting in the shallows for speckled trout. And of course there are blue catfish.
Be careful on the water this weekend. Be mindful of the hazards of abundant sun and high temperatures on both you and your quarry. Handle all fish to be returned quickly and with care.
We are grateful to the many river watchers who contribute to this effort. Particular thanks go to the state departments of natural resources, National Bass Guides, Shallow Water Fishing Adventures, and Machodoc Creek Marina, Inc.
Bridges, data centers, and ICPRB’s Basin Comprehensive Water Resources Plan update in the Potomac News Reservoir.
Leesburg, VA
Just south of Leesburg, Virginia, lies a 725-acre hiking oasis. The Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve feels secluded and quiet even on the busiest of weekends. In 2016, it was designated as a Virginia Treasure. As Loudoun County’s only nature preserve, the land is protected for environmental and cultural resources through a conservation easement with Virginia Outdoors Foundation. These types of easements are important for preserving wildlife and water quality as well as providing outdoor recreational opportunities.
Photo Credit: Friends of Banshee Reeks (Instagram)
Interesting old farm buildings, springs, and other historic sites can be seen from the trail, but park staff request that visitors refrain from entering the archeological sites, historic sites, nature study areas, and environmental study areas.
The visitors center provides information on these various sites, the flora and fauna at the park, plus events for the public like a weekly children’s storytime. Want to get more involved? Join park staff on the third Saturday of each month for the designated Volunteer Day to help maintain trails, remove invasive plants, restore native plants, and more.
An abundance of hiking trails criss-cross through the preserve. They are well-marked, but hikers should keep their eyes on the trail blazes (those colored marks on trees that designate the correct path) to stay on their desired trail. That may be hard to do if you’re also admiring the profusion of wildflowers along the way. Dogs are allowed but horses and bicycles are not. Ticks can be an issue, so bug spray or protective clothing are recommended.
A small fishing pond provides time for quiet reflection so grab a pole and try your cast for catfish and blue gill (license required).
Fishing News
Striped Bass Closure
The striped bass fishery on the tidal Potomac mainstem is closed until August 21. Virginia striped bass season is closed until October 4. Maryland embayments to the Potomac are open to striped bass fishing. This conservation measure was enacted because hot weather and low oxygen this time of year creates tough conditions for striped bass to survive catch and release – and this high mortality impacts the future of our fishery. Although the season has reopened, water temperatures remain high, and anglers should play all fish quickly and minimize the time fish are out of the water before release.
REPORTS
The Shenandoah system’s North and South forks remain clear and fishable, and not much has changd during the previous week. Mountain trout streams in Shenandoah National Park are fishing well with the temperature moderating. It still pays to visit early in the morning to catch wary trout at their most active.
Both the North and South forks are holding some nice smallmouth bass and channel catfish. The slow pace has been boosted a bit from the slightly higher flows and cooler temperatures.
In the South Branch Potomac, smallmouth bass are being taken in the river around Petersburg as the region cools. Early morning will be the best time to chase smallies in the cooler water.
The North Branch Potomac and Savage rivers are at decent flows and temperatures, but we have not seen any reports from the past week. The trout management areas fish pretty steadily, however. The ICPRB trout monitoring program on the North Branch has had to share focus with staff monitoring the Shenandoah for harmful algae blooms.
The upper Potomac River continues to fish well. Water temperatures have slid into the upper 70s. Visibility is good, with some stain. Water levels are near median. While the summer patten still holds, the slide in temperature is bringing some larger smallmouth bass into the action. Good fishing can be had from any of the major access points, including Lander, Point of Rocks, Brunswick, and Whites Ferry. As grass beds grow and levels remain low, traditional boats will have difficulty navigating some areas. Canoes, kayaks, and wading will open up a lot of river over traditional boats. Soft plastics, buzzbaits, stick worms, and small crankbaits can take fish from boulders and rock gardens in the main channel, the downstream edge of grass beds, and downed trees or other structure. Costs need to be accurate and retrieves slow and deliberate. Early morning and evening remain the best times to entice a bite. Channel catfish and flathead catfish can be taken with live bait.
The metro area holds lots of different structure, but aquatic grass production has not been great this season. The area around Key Bridge is productive but uncrowded. In the District, bridge pilings house largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass. Channel and blue catfish will take live or cut bait. Areas with an armored shoreline, such as Washington Channel, will hold a mix of fish. Snakeheads are an added feature in the lower Anacostia. Soft plastics and crankbaits will find bass at the pilings, docks, and riprap structure. Some nice bass are being found in the spoils area and the docks at National Harbor.
The tidal Potomac remains in summer mode, and anglers are rewarded when fishing very early in the morning or at night. Blue catfish are in the deeper holes, waiting for a line with cut or live bait. The river channel off Fort Washington is particularly productive. Largemouth bass are being taken at the mouth of Piscatawy Creek. Downstream, Mattowman Creek lilies and spatterdock hold a mix of largemouth bass and snakeheads. Grass beds downstream in the embayments are popular spots. Pohick Bay , Aquia, and Chckamuxen creeks are fishing well. Floating frogs over gass beds is catching some nice bass, while the shallower creek heads with grass are yielding snakeheads. Stick worms fished very slowly remain a good tactic. Soft plastics and buzzbaits at grass beds edges can be effective. Leeesylvania has been fishing well.
Fishing activity around Colonial Beach is slow but picking up. Striped bass can be taken in the Maryland embayments, but the Potomac and Virginia embayments remain closed. Anglers are seeing a lot more sea nettles as the dry conditions bring more bay saltwater up the river. Spanish mackerel are being taken in the relatively clear 82 degree water. Catches of large white perch are being reported. Blue catfish are readily available.
Near the river’s mouth, anglers are flanding some nice Spanish mackerel and red drum. Croaker, white perch, and kingfish are being taken around Cornfield Harbor. Bluefish are common, and anglers are casting in the shallows for speckled trout. And of course there are blue catfish. Crabbing has been going pretty well.
Be careful on the water this weekend. Be mindful of the hazards of abundant sun and high temperatures on both you and your quarry. Handle all fish to be returned quickly and with care.
We are grateful to the many river watchers who contribute to this effort. Particular thanks go to the state departments of natural resources, National Bass Guides, Shallow Water Fishing Adventures, and Machodoc Creek Marina, Inc.
Thurmont, MD
Photo Credit: Peggie Gaul (NPS)
As summer comes to a close and kids start returning to school, our thoughts turn to cooler weather, autumn color changes, and less-sweaty outdoor activities. There are many places to catch the leaves change in the Potomac River basin. Hiking, fishing, and boating in the region can be top notch when the weather is cool and the sun stays up late. The Catoctin Mountain Park near Thurmont, Maryland, is one of the more popular places for “leaf peeping.” It’s not just the fact that it is within an easy drive from the DC Metro Area, but it is also part of a larger area of public lands that stretches through Cunningham Falls State Park, Middletown and Frederick watersheds, and beyond. The contiguous stretch of second-growth mixed hardwood forest creates a dramatic view from both the freeway and the trailway.
With 25 miles of hiking trails in Catoctin Mountain Park, and even more trails connected to Cunningham Falls State Park, there are many opportunities to get your fall fix.
There are also plenty of opportunities for grabbing a cozy blanket and a pumpkin spice latte and watching the wildlife go by as you sit by a cozy campfire. Owens Creek Campground, Camp Round Meadow, and Camp Misty Mount have a variety of campsites and cabins.
The creeks are clear and clean. It is common to see folks fly fishing for brook, brown, and rainbow trout in the cool water. Big Hunting Creek, one of the largest creeks in the area, was one of the first Maryland streams to be designated as a “fly-fishing only” stream. There are some regulations to know, so make sure to read-up before you grab your tackle box.
For the more adventurous out there, the rock climbing and bouldering opportunities abound.
The park started as the Catoctin Recreation Demonstration Area to allow “city folk” a chance to enjoy the outdoors during the Depression. It was part of the many Civilian Conservation Corps programs that we still benefit from today. Stone from local quarries and logs from recently-felled American Chestnut trees affected by the blight were used to build the cabins in the 1930s. A decade later, those same cabins were used for military training during WWII, with the added bonus of providing additional protection for nearby Camp David.
As part of the National Park System, rangers at the visitor’s center (open daily) provide maps, a bookstore, history of the park, and educational materials on the flora and fauna you will experience there.
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