ICPRB > News

News

About the Basin: Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve

August 25, 2022

Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve

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).

Potomac Fishing Report – August 19, 2022

August 19, 2022

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.

About the Basin: Catoctin Mountain Park

August 19, 2022

Catoctin Mountain Park

Thurmont, MD

A man sits on a rock overlooking a valley of trees in the fall.

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.

ICPRB Business Meeting to be held August 30

August 17, 2022

The 4th Quarter Business Meeting of the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) will be held on August 30, 2022. The meeting will begin at 9:45 a.m. The Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac (CO-OP) will begin at 8:30 a.m.

ICPRB Commissioners will enjoy a presentation on the final report for the Potomac Environmental Flows Workshop, discuss a resolution on the 50th Anniversary of Clean Water Act, as well as get an update on ICPRB activities over the past quarter.

The draft agenda and historical meeting documents can be found on the Business Meetings page.

The meeting will be virtual. Members of the public who wish to view the proceedings should Contact Us no later than close-of-business on Friday, August 26, for a registration link.

Potomac Fishing Report – August 12, 2022

August 12, 2022

The Shenandoah systems’ North and South forks remain clear and fishable. Recent rains have bumped water levels slightly but they will quickly return to normal for this time of year. The rains will moderate water temperatures somewhat. Both the North and South forks of the Shenandoah are producing smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. The fishing is slow, a typical summer. Officials continue to monitor the North Fork for effects from harmful algae blooms. The ICPRB is assisting in this effort. Daybreak and dusk are the best times to fish. A variety of lures can be effective if fished slowly and carefully. Mountain trout streams are low but fishable.

Low water and higher temperatures are making for a slowdown in fishing along the South Branch Potomac. Anglers report some smaller smallmouth scattered throughout the system.

The North Branch Potomac and Savage rivers are fishing well in the trout management areas. Water temperatures have moderated from the storms, bringing some relief for fish and anglers. The ICPRB staff are continuing to cooperatively monitor fish and conditions in the North Branch to inform efforts to improve the productivity of these important fisheries.

The upper Potomac River continues to fish well. The summer pattern has bass spread out, and smaller fish seem to be the most active. Water temperatures are holding in the low-80s. Smallmouth bass and channel catfish can be caught from any of the major access points along the river, including Point of Rocks, Lander, and Whites Ferry. As grass beds continue to grow low summer and fall stream levels will limit the range of boats. Anglers using kayaks or canoes or wading will be able use more of the river. It will pay them to fish daybreak or dusk when the fish will be more active. Soft plastics, creature baits, and small crankbaits worked very slowly can take fish, along with stick worms worked slowly on the bottom. Look for rocks in the middle of the river or current eddies where fish wait for bait to pass by. Channel catfish and flathead catfish can be taken with live bait

The metro area has waters carrying some mud and stain from recent storms with water temperatures in the mid-80s. Fish in the early morning and evening. Washington Channel’s grass and drop-offs harbor bass. Bridge pilings throughout the district provide good targets. Cast plastics or crankbaits to the shady areas of the pilings to entice a strike. Buzzbaits and other surface lures can bring nice strikes in low light. Some nice snakeheads are being taken in the lower Anacostia, along with channel and blue catfish.

The tidal Potomac is in typical summer mode with temperatures in the mid-80s, with slow fishing. Moderating temperatures will make it a little more pleasant for anglers, but fish will still be sluggish. Blue and channel catfish will continue to take live or cut bait fished in deeper holes or channel bottoms. A boat or two can usually be seen along the channel near Fort Washington in search of 40- plus pound blue cats. Bass anglers are finding some fish at the mouth of Piscatway and in the spatterdock and lilies in Mattawoman Creek. Anglers are sometimes crowding the grass beds downstream. Pohick Bay is a popular spot with lots of habitat. Dragging a floating frog lure across the beds at low moving water can bring exciting strikes. At higher water, anglers can probe the bed edges with a variety of buzzbaits, crankbaits, and plastics. The snakeheads are in the grass as well, with some protecting their young after recent spawns. Aquia, Chicamuxen, and Pomunkey creeks all have extensive grass beds.

Fishing activity around Colonial Beach remains slow. The mainstem Potomac remains closed for striped bass fishing. Anglers are finding some large white perch. Catfish are in the main channel bottom. Sea nettles continue to encroach on the region. A good population of spot and baitfish, portend a nice fall season for stripers. Crabbing is improving.

Near the river’s mouth, anglers are finding large spot, and white perch, Anglers are finding Spanish mackerel and large red drum around Cedar point. Speckled trout are being taken around aquatic grass in the morning and evening. There are reports of a few Cobia near Point Lookout Crabbing is getting much better. Blue catfish are always available.

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.

ICPRB Thanks 2022 Interns

August 12, 2022

ICPRB would like to say thank you to our three 2022 interns. From graphic design, to computer modeling, to HABs field work, they learned a lot and had a great time doing it! Hear about their summer spent at ICPRB:

About the Basin: New Germany State Park

August 12, 2022

New Germany State Park

403 McAndrews Hill Rd, Grantsville, MD

Nestled within the expansive arms of Savage River State Forest in Western Maryland, New Germany State Park sits in the valley between Big Savage Mountain and Meadow Mountain.

The Lake House is where the action is at New Germany. It is where staff hold park-sponsored events, a snack bar provides sustenance and souvenirs to weary adventurers, and the large Black Forest Room is available for events or conferences. A nature center and native plant garden introduce visitors to the local flora and fauna. Canoes, kayaks, standup paddleboards, and row boats are available for rent from the Lake House.

A vintage photo of a man with a dark jacket standing in the snow, holding a camera.

Photo credit: Fred Besley with camera in hand at the opening of the ski resort– 1941 (MD DNR).

At one point in history this area was known as the “Maryland Alps” when downhill skiing became popular in the 1940s. It was the venerable forester Fred Besley who knew the best way to get public opinion in favor of states forests was to get the public in the forests, so he and a team of foresters worked to install Maryland’s first ski resort in Maryland. Although the resort closed a few decades later, the popularity of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing continues for locals and tourists alike. Rental equipment is available at the Lake House, as well as a chance to get warm after a day playing in the snow.

The New Germany lake is small but provides a picturesque view year-round. Anglers may find largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and stocked trout.

Grab your floaties and sunblock to jump into the lake at the designated swimming beach.

A variety of cabins and campsite options include some winter camping possibilities. The twelve rentable cabins are fully furnished and available year-round. They are perfect for a quiet weekend away with family or friends. The campground provides shady spots and a central bathhouse with restrooms and showers. A couple spots are available with RV hook-ups. Two of the campsite loops provide year-round camping opportunities with a heated bathhouse.

There is no cell phone service at the park, so plan accordingly.

New Germany Lake surrounded by trees with a mountain in the background.

Photo Credit: New Germany State Park, Nicole Sharp (Flickr).

ICPRB is Hiring

August 9, 2022

We are hiring for an Aquatic Ecologist I (Early Career Ecologist) position.

The ICPRB seeks an enthusiastic, detail-orientated, full-time early career aquatic ecologist for its aquatic habitats program. The individual will support ICPRB staff in producing data, information, and reports about the condition of non-tidal streams and rivers in the Potomac River basin and neighboring watersheds, including the larger Chesapeake Bay basin.

Learn more on our Jobs page.

Fishing Report – August 5, 2022

August 5, 2022

Some Fisheries News…

Striped Bass Closure

The striped bass fishery on the tidal Potomac mainstem is closed until August 21. 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.

Tournaments

Anglers looking for a little elbow room in busy parts of the river may benefit from knowing when and where organized tournaments occur. Maryland DNR has you covered with its tournament fishing page, which includes information and a listing of sanctioned tournaments. It can also be helpful in knowing where increased fishing pressure has occurred.

Maryland is considering some changes to fishing regulations. Public comment is invited.

Reports

The Shenandoah systems’ North and South forks are clear and fishable. Some isolated storms have held water levels steady, and anglers are wading to take some nice smallmouth bass. The North Fork is productive in the stretch from Chapman’s landing to Woodstock. The South Fork is doing very well. Anglers will be rewarded by being on-site at daybreak or dusk to take advantage of the low light and cooler temperatures. Carp, sunfish, and catfish also are biting. This time of year, smallmouth bass strikes tend to be from smaller fish, but the big ones are out there. Trout streams are a little tougher as water is at its lowest and warmest of the season.

Anglers on the South Branch Potomac are finding some nice smallmouth bass and catfish in deeper holes around Petersburg.

The North Branch Potomac and Savage rivers are fishing well in the trout management areas. Water temperatures are increasing. The clear water demands a stealthy approach to get to the wary fish. The ICPRB staff are continuing to cooperatively monitor fish and conditions in the North Branch to inform efforts to improve the productivity of these fisheries.

The upper Potomac River continues to fish well. Good catches of smallmouth- and some largemouth bass are being taken in the segment from Seneca to Brunswick, with the mostly smaller fish typical of this time of year. The slow bite demands that anglers pay attention and use accurate casts and slow retrieves. Early morning and dusk are favored by the fish, which seek shaded areas to rest during the day. Another report focuses on the segment from Edwards Ferry to Dickerson and the mouth of the Monocacy River. The area has benefitted from some localized rain, holding water temperatures in the low- to mid-80s. Smallmouth bass can be targeted at large rocks in the channel, fallen trees, and grass beds that create eddies or other diversions in the current. Anglers should use small plastic baits such as hellgrammite imitations and other creature baits. Smaller fish are common, but smallmouth in the 14- to 18-inch range are being found. Taking nice fish requires accurate casts and slow working of the lure. The segment also has plenty of channel and flathead catfish. Live bait is key to taking these fish, especially the flatheads, which can grow easily to 20 pounds. Whites Ferry, Lander, and Point of Rocks provide good access, although navigation by boat can be difficult in stretches due to low river levels. Wading, canoeing, and kayaking provide more territory to anglers.

Metro area has waters with good visibility and temperatures in the mid-80s. Anglers in the District are targeting bridge pilings, docks, and other structure. Small crankbaits and soft plastic tubes and buzzbaits are being thrown at the pilings of Key and Long Bridges for smallmouth, largemouth and striped bass. Anglers are finding fish in the Pentagon Lagoon and the grass, shoals and drop-off in Washington Channel. Some bass and snakeheads are being taken in the lower Anacostia, which is running muddy. Catfish are biting cut or live bait on the channel bottoms and deeper holes.

The tidal Potomac is in typical summer mode with temperatures in the mid-80s, and fishing can be slow. The daytime heat is taxing for both anglers and fish, so moving water in the early morning and late evening is the best time. Blue and channel catfish are lurking in deeper holes everywhere. Grass, mostly hydrilla, continues to fill in, although the larger grass beds have developed from Mattawoman Creek downstream. Mattawoman beds and spatterdock are holding largemouth bass and snakeheads, and downstream creeks, including Pomonkey, Chicamuxen, Quantico, and Pohick Bay are producing bass and snakeheads. Snakeheads are spawning at the heads of tidal creeks in shallow water with heavy grass, and adult fish will strike at threats to their schooling young. Anglers continue to target the edges of grass beds in higher water with crank baits, swim baits, and soft plastics. Some nice topwater bites use floating frogs dragged across the tops of the beds.

Fishing activity around the Colonial Beach remains slow. The mainstem Potomac remains closed for striped bass fishing. Anglers are finding some large white perch. Catfish are in the main channel bottom. Sea nettles are moving into the embayments. There are some spot and other baitfish are in good numbers. Things are expected to pick up later in the month. Crabbing is improving.

Near the river’s mouth, anglers are finding some spot, white perch, bluefish, and some striped bass in the Maryland embayments. Channel and blue catfish are biting in the embayments. Some nice catches of Spanish mackerel are being reported.

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.

About the Basin: Rocky Gap State Park

August 5, 2022

Rocky Gap State Park

Flintstone, MD

Rocky Gap State Park is situated in the cool mountains of Allegany County in western Maryland. It is most well-known for the Rocky Gap Casino and Resort, a privately owned and operated venue that is popular for events and conferences. However, Lake Habeeb is the real jewel of the park. Known as the “bluest water in Maryland,” the 243-acre lake is popular among anglers, kayakers, and hikers.

The five-mile trail around Lake Habeeb is the highlight of the hiking scene at Rocky Gap. The moderate trail follows the perimeter of the lake while winding through forests and over foot bridges. For a more challenging hike, take the 5-mile roundtrip on Evitt’s Homesite Trail which climbs up Evitt’s Mountain. The one-quarter mile Touch of Nature Trail is perfect for a short easy stroll to an accessible fishing pier. Visit the Lemel Bucy Family Cemetery by taking a short stroll from the Touch of Nature parking lot. Here you’ll find a bit of the land’s history with several gravestones from the Civil War era.

The day-use area provides several options for large get togethers and family day trips to the beach. There are picnic tables, playgrounds, and grills, as well as Hawk’s Nest Café and a ranger station. Canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards are available for rent during the season. The park can reach capacity on weekends and holidays, so check their Twitter account before heading out. Don’t forget to bring Fido in on the fun. Pets are permitted in the day-use area and in many of the camping areas.

The nature center provides a variety of activities. Especially noteworthy activities encourage anyone to experience the outdoors—regardless of their background or economic status—by borrowing equipment like boats (during Free Paddle events) and fishing equipment. The “tackle loaner” program lets any kid try their hand at fishing by borrowing all the necessary equipment free-of-charge from the nature center. Other ranger-led activities include birding, yoga, trivia nights, an owl-pellet breakdown, and night sounds. An aviary is available to explore by appointment or during limited open hours. The Friends of Rocky Gap State Park Facebook page lists many of the park’s activities.

Fishing is a 24/7 activity at the park. Anglers at Lake Habeeb go after panfish, trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, pumpkinseed, and more. Artificial habitats have been added to the lake to improve fish habitat.

The campground boasts 278 campsites with a variety of options like tent-camping, RVs, mini-cabins and yurts. If you’re planning a family trip with family or friends who are less-than-excited about camping, check out the Easter Hill Chalet—the fully furnished house accommodates 8 people and provides a large deck, gas fireplaces, and an outdoor campfire area.

The area of Rocky Gap State Park is the ancestral home of the Shawandasse Tula and Massawomeck Peoples.

People play on a sandy beach along Lake Habeeb at Rocky Gap State Park.

Photo Credit: Beach at Rocky Gap State Park (MD) July 2016, Ron Cogswell (Flickr)