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Fishing conditions: The recent rains have brought up water levels a bit, and water temps are remaining in the lower to mid-50s. Large Stripers and some very big Smallmouth continue to feed in the areas with concentrated current either from Tidal Flow, or discharges at the area power plants and water treatment plants. Fly anglers have been hooking up when the Alexandria power plant is generating at the warm water discharge.
For daily reports, visit our local FFF club focused on this fishery: Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders: http://groups.google.com/group/tidal-potomac-fly-rodders?lnk=srg&hl=en
Largemouth Bass are also available in the mouths of tidal creeks right in the current seam, as well as along the shoreline holding tight to structure, and just beyond the drop off. Focus on areas with a lot of structure and fish these spots on an incoming or outgoing tide.
Some very large Yellow Perch are available in parts of the Tidal River with concentrated currents, especially during the outgoing tide. Often times when the sun is out and the Striper bite is off, these fish are active and will hit the same baitfish patterns.
Smallmouth Bass fishing from Great Falls to Little Falls will continue to be good any time the water levels cooperate, but the fishing will slow down as the water temperatures continue to drop. Subsurface flies are in order now, since the topwater bite falls off significantly with lower temps. Remember, the tide does not impact this stretch.
No recent snakehead catches have been reported, and it is thought that they go relatively dormant once during the colder season which is upon us. Please contact the Virginia Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries to report any Snakehead Catches at 1-800-770-4951. If you catch a tagged speciman, call the number on the tag to report it as well.
Inshore temperature: 53
Offshore temperature: 53
Type of bait fish are feeding on: Stripers will take a variety of baitfish patterns, and fishing clouser minnows on sinking lines or sinking tips is a preferred tactic. Try to observe the prominent bait where you are fishing and match it with the appropriate sized Clouser or other preferred baitfish imitation. When the tide change occurs at first light however, these fish will slam a surface pattern such as a popper or crease fly fished on a floating line.
The most effective Carp patterns are generally those that are small, sink well, have a lot of movement, and are drab earth tone colors. Bead Head Soft Hackle Nymphs in sizes 12-14 are some of the best, as are smaller Wooly Buggers and Bead Head Wooly Buggers in olive, brown, or tan in size 10. Carp in the current or in deep water will tolerate a larger fly, such as a crayfish pattern, and a heavier fly is necessary to get it down in the current and in front of the fish.
Largemouth Bass are taking baitfish patterns, large wooly buggers, and topwater flies such as Walt's Poppers, Near Hair Frogs, and Crease Flies.
Proven Smallmouth patterns are Clousers, Tequeely Streamers, Sparkle Grubs, Deceivers, and a variety of poppers and sliders. Blue Poppers and Sliders are the hot pattern this time of year, likely due to the number of Blue Damsels on the water.
Snakeheads will hit baitfish patterns, and bigger is proving to be better. There are some exceptions though, as one recent catch was had on a #6 Chartreuse/Black Walt's popper. As a matter of fact, their primary source is Banded Killifish, which average 2"-4" long. It appears they hit the large patterns out of aggression, but primarily feed on smaller baitfish and frogs. Also, there have been some reliable reports that darker colors such as black and purple have been successful. Flies that push alot of water are best, and large Tarpon patterns are a good candidate. Look for these fish along the mouths of feeder creeks and in tidal marshes in the same holding water you would expect to find largemouths.
Catfish will take a variety of streamers such as Clouser Minnows, Deceivers, and larger Wooly Buggers or leech patterns such as Starlight Leeches.
"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby: None
Fish species: Striped Bass, Shad, Freshwater Bass, Carp, Panfish, Northern Snakehead Fishing season: January 1 - December 31 (Prime: March 16 - November 5) Nearest airport: Ronald Reagan National Airport Recommended fly fishing leader: 9 Foot Leader Recommended fly fishing tippet: 12 Tippet Pound Test Best fly fishing rod:
9' 8 Weight Fly Rod
Best floating fly line:
Striper WF Best sinking fly line: Depth Charge Full Sink
Tide data from Tidelinesonline.com:
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Outgoing tides are lining up in the late morning again this week, but the coming rain forecasted later this week should make for perfect conditions for some great daytime fishing. Night time will continue to be excellent as well during the evening tides. Fish the Tidal creek mouths and inlets to intercept big Stripers smashing baitfish in the current. I cannot stress enough how many places along this river are perfect for two-handed rods. While I have fished these areas with my 9' rods, I can simply cover more water with my 14' 9weight.
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Fish Baitfish patterns on intermediate or sink tip lines along tidal inlets and tidal creek mouths for Stripers. Fish the outgoing tide, and swing your flies (down and across) in the current as the tide runs out. Try black or purple at dawn and dusk, and lighter colors during the day. Olive over White Clousers are generally my favorite, but it doesn't seem to matter if the fish are there. You will likely take some huge smallmouth on the same techniques while targeting Stripers. Two handed rods and Spey Casting Techniques are very effective for covering the water in these stretches. Stop by the shop with all of your questions about using Two-Handed Rods in the Tidal Potomac, as we have really been dialing in the best techniques and tackle requirements to unlock many of the spots you couldn't fish before.
Largemouth Bass are being taken on Baitfish patterns and popping bugs during the daytime as they prepare for winter. The mouths of tidal creeks and tidal inlets are the best places to find really big Bass right now. As always, fish the structure, weeds, and deadfalls as well as docks and bridge pilings.
In the stretch between Great Falls and Little Falls, swinging streamer patterns down and across in the current is the most effective technique for Smallmouth Bass. Be sure to sweep your fly past every piece of holding water, and pay close attention to the areas behind boulders and other current breaks. Fish the seams hard, and cover the water column from top to bottom before moving on. Clousers, Deceivers, Tequeelies, Sparkle Grubs, Wooly Buggers, and other baitfish patterns are all effective as are crawfish patterns. This is a perfect stretch of river to cover with a light Spey outfit or Switch rod.
Smallmouth are also available in the tidal portion of the river and are usually caught using the same techniques listed above for Stripers.
Catfish are taking baitfish and leech patterns at the mouths of tidal creeks and along tidal outflows. Fishing the outgoing tide is best, and these fish will take a fly throughout the water column. They are not only found along the bottom, and they will actively pursue prey. Sink Tips or Poly leaders and 0X flourocarbon is recommended.
For Snakeheads, we are recommending fly rods in the 8 to 10 weight class, and large baitfish patterns, popping bugs, and crease flies. This is a new and emerging fishery, and there is much to learn, but anglers are having success using similar techniques as those used for Bass. A heavy Flourocarbon bite tippet or wire bite gaurd is necessary if you want a shot at landing on of these toothy fish. Few Snakeheads have been caught lately, and it is believed they go dormant when the temperatures drop as they have lately.
This year, we formed a Federation of Fly Fishers Charter Club with a focus on this fishery called Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders. For more information on this group, this fishery, and the fly fishers that call it home, please visit us here and consider joining: http://groups.google.com/group/tidal-potomac-fly-rodders?lnk=srg&hl=en |
Late morning outgoing tides will make Striper fishing scarce any time the sun is shining bright. Rain is forecast later in the week, so these are the days I would focus on. Otherwise, prepare to fish at night, during the evening outgoing tides along the tidal creek mouths and inlets. Incoming tides at the Tidal Basin should produce as well if you can get out at first light. |
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