Potomac News Reservoir, July 3, 2019
Crabs, oysters, dead zones, Potomac cleanup, the way we were, and more in the Potomac News Reservoir.
News
About the Basin: Pyrotechnics on the Potomac
Celebrating Independence Day with fireworks is almost as old as the country itself. Fireworks were used to mark the occasion a year after the Declaration of Independence was signed.
We continue to celebrate our independence with grand pyrotechnic displays in the sky. There are many options throughout the area to enjoy a magnificent show. Here are just a few:
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Virginia (June 28 and 29) – Take this special opportunity to enjoy a piece of history after dark. Special tours, musical performances, and games will be followed by a patriotic fireworks display overlooking the Potomac River.
Dumfries, Virginia (June 28-30) – Known as the “Not on the 4th” Fireworks, this annual display is launched from a barge on the Potomac River and organized by a local restaurant.
Colonial Beach, Virginia (July 4) – Auto races, parades, and children’s activities will be part of the town’s festivities. A star-spangled fireworks display will emanate from the municipal pier and over the Potomac River.
Washington, D.C. (July 4) – This year’s theme of “A Salute to America” honors the armed forces with a speech from President Trump, special tributes, flyovers, and military demonstrations. There will be a free concert with Carole King, Vanessa Williams, and other big names in the business. A massive display of fireworks will be launched from West Potomac Park shortly after 9:00 pm. The new location for the fireworks display will mean restrictions for boat traffic in the river, so please plan accordingly.
Sharpsburg, Maryland (July 6) – The Maryland Symphony Orchestra will be playing at the Antietam National Battlefield in a “Salute to Independence” performance.
Potomac Fishing Report – June 28, 2019
Trout continue to bite in the western streams, mountain streams of the Shenandoah, and the North Branch and Savage.
The Shenandoah mainstem and its forks are giving up some nice smallmouth bass and catfish. Some algae is beginning to appear in spots.
The upper Potomac is in good shape, with reports of some nice smallmouth bass and catfish around Dams 4 and 5. As water levels slowly decline, fish may concentrate during the day in deeper ledges and rock gardens. Bank fishing with topwater lures will be more productive at dawn and dusk. Catfish can be found in any deep hole or channel with cut bait.
In the District of Columbia, anglers are finding lots of catfish at bridge pilings and deeper channels. Anglers are taking largemouth bass off the War College wall and adjacent grass. Some smaller striped bass have been caught as well. Downstream bass are being caught with crankbaits and plastics at Blue Plains and Fox Ferry point.
Bass are being found in the few main channel grass beds, piers, and other wood structure. Grass beds near the mouth of Mattawoman Creek are producing some nice fish. Snakeheads are breeding at the heads of tidal creeks, and appear to be spawning even in areas without grass, where they defend bald patches of creek bottom.
Near the Route 301 Bridge, anglers are working the shipping channel, trolling, chumming, and jigging for striped bass. Chum slicks also bring blue catfish. The area continues to see very low salinity, average clarity, and a larger than normal dead zone of low oxygen is predicted. As temperatures rise, the stripers—especially larger fish—can exhaust themselves when being caught in the warmer water, Maryland Department of Natural Resources is cautioning anglers about fishing in the warm waters for a species that is having population issues.
Near the river’s mouth, anglers are continuing jigging, chumming and trolling for striped bass on the channel edges from Piney Point to St. Georges Island, with blue catfish in the mix. Shallow water fishing has yet to pick up. And anglers continue to wait for the arrival of croaker and spot. White perch are everywhere, and crabbing continues to be pretty good.
We are grateful to the many river watchers who contribute to this effort. Particular thanks go to the state departments of natural resources, Steve Chaconas/National Bass Guides, Mike Dudash/Eagle Aquatics, River and Trail Outfitters, Aqualand Marina, and White’s Ferry.
Potomac News Reservoir
Dolphins, striped bass, goldfish, trash, a recreational survey, and more in the Potomac News Reservoir.
Potomac River Fishing Report – June 21, 2019
Trout continue to bite in the western streams, mountain streams of the Shenandoah, and the North Branch and Savage. Lots of terrestrial hatches are occurring, so match the hatch!
The Shenandoah mainstem and North Fork are running well and fairly clear, and are giving up some nice smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish.
The upper Potomac remains stained in some areas, but is generally running and fishing well. The smallmouth bass fishing seems slow in some areas. Walleye and some musky are taking up the slack around Dam 4. Catfish seem to be everywhere. Smallmouth bass fishing is slow at Lander and Brunswick, but with good numbers of catfish. Fish are setting in to their summer pattern. Bass will be feeding close to shore during low light, and moving o deeper areas with shadow during the day.
In the District of Columbia, the Fletcher’s Boat House area is giving up lots of catfish. Bridge pilings and wood structure are holding fish as well as the emerging grass beds. The Washington Channel and War College grass beds remain popular spots to hook up with smallmouth bass and the occasional striper.
Downstream, anglers are focusing on some main river grass beds and wood structure. Dock pilings and other obstructions are holding fish, which move to shallows as tide ebbs and the sun goes down.
Although largemouth bass remains the target of choice, many anglers are going after the healthy populations of snakeheads and blue catfish. Judging by the anecdotal reports on social media, anglers are taking large numbers of both fish. Additionally, both species also have commercial fisheries, and population numbers seem to be holding up in the face of this increased pressure. Snakeheads ae prevalent in the grass beds and in shallow water at the heads of tidal creeks, with many anglers using kayaks to get to the fish in these difficult areas.
Near the Route 301 Bridge, anglers are trolling, chumming, and jigging for striped bass. Chum slicks also bring blue catfish. The area continues to see very low salinity, average clarity, and a larger than normal dead zone of low oxygen is predicted.
Near the river’s mouth, anglers are jigging, chumming and trolling for striped bass on the channel edges from Piney Point to St. Georges Island, with blue catfish in the mix. Shallow water fishing has yet to pick up. And anglers continue to wait for the arrival of croaker and spot. White perch are everywhere, and crabbing continues to be pretty good.
We are grateful to the many river watchers who contribute to this effort. Particular thanks go to the state departments of natural resources, Steve Chaconas/National Bass Guides, Mike Dudash/Eagle Aquatics, River and Trail Outfitters, Aqualand Marina, and White’s Ferry.
About the Basin: Cedarville State Park
Cedarville State Forest
The Maryland Forest Service manages 214,000 acres of forest spread among 13 different State Forests. At 3,510-acres, Cedarville State Forest is one of the smallest, but not the smallest, of these managed forestlands.
Before European settlers arrived, the Piscataway Indian Tribe would travel to this area of Maryland to enjoy the cooler climate and plentiful hunting and fishing during the summer months. On the fourth Sunday of the month (other times by appointment), stop by the Piscataway Indian Museum and Cultural Center in the nearby town of Waldorf to dive deep into the history and culture of the Piscataway Indians and other native people.
The headwaters of Zekiah Swamp Natural Environment Area are found within Cedarville State Park. The swamp drains into the Wicomico River, a tributary of the Potomac River. This area has been claimed to be one of the most significant ecological areas in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The Cedarville State Forest campground has 27 family camping sites. Twelve of the sites include an electric hookup and several water spigots are located throughout the campground. Dogs are allowed throughout the campground. There are also sites especially reserved for youth group camping and equestrian camping.
Picnic tables are located throughout the area on a first-come first-served basis. Two pavilions are available for rent for large groups.
Fishing and hunting are allowed (within designated areas and with the correct license). A fishing pond, with benches and shade, is stocked with bluegill, catfish, sunfish and bass.
There are 19-miles of hiking trails throughout the forest, including mountain biking and equestrian trails.
Potomac News Reservoir, June 20, 2019
Snakeheads, blue cats, dolphins, enlarged dead zones, microplastics, pipelines, and more in the Potomac News Reservoir.
Potomac River Fishing Report – June 17, 2019
Trout are available in managed areas and down the North Branch. Shenandoah trout streams are doing well with several hatches going.
The upper Potomac is still stained on some areas from recent rains, but is clearing. Smallmouth bass and sunfish will be at the bank in the morning and evening, and moving to deeper ledges and rock gardens when the sun is up. Some nice musky have been taken near Dam 5. Catfish are available at most areas. The Lander and The North Fork and mainstem Shenandoah are fishing nicely for smallmouth bass and catfish.
In the District of Columbia, the Fletcher’s Boat House area is giving up a few striped bass and lots of catfish. In the tidal river, grass beds are few and far between, so bridge pilings, docks and other structure are holding fish. Some hydrilla and coontail are emerging.
Downstream, some main channel grass beds are emerging, and the tidal creeks on both sides of the river hold some nice largemouth bass and lots of snakeheads. Blue catfish are on the edges of the main river channels.
Striped bass action is picking up near the Route 301 Bridge, with anglers trolling and chumming the channel edges.
Near the river’s mouth, anglers are jigging, chumming and trolling for striped bass on the channel edges channel edges from Piney Point to St. Georges Island. Many blue catfish can be. Shallow water fishing has yet to pick up.. White perch are everywhere, and crabbing continues to be pretty good.
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, River and Trail Outfitters, Aqualand Marina, and White’s Ferry.
Potomac News Reservoir, June 13, 2019
Blue cats, oysters, stormwater, microplastics, big dead zone, and more in the Potomac News Reservoir.
About the Basin: Piscataway Creek
Piscataway Creek
We’re switching gears for this week’s About the Basin. Instead of extolling the virtues of a nature reserve or state park, we’ll be travelling down a short stream just south of Washington, D.C. called Piscataway Creek and discovering all the natural and historical treasures it has to offer.
Beginning just north of Rosaryville, Maryland, the Piscataway runs just 4.5 miles long. The headwaters pass through Piscataway Creek Stream Valley Park. This park is difficult to access and has few trails. However, if you are in the area, stop by Cosca Regional Park. The main feature of this park is Lake Cosca, which runs into Butler Branch, a tributary of Piscataway Creek. Boat rentals and overnight camping are available in this 690-acre park near Clinton, Md.
About the time Piscataway Creek flows under Indian Head Highway (Route 210), it opens-up into an embayment that provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, boating, fishing, and educational adventures. The Piscataway Creek Trail can be found on the north side of the embayment. The highlight of this park is a short, easy hike with beautiful views of the river. Just west of the trail is Fort Washington Marina which offers two boat ramps and lots of parking.
Beyond the recreational opportunities, this area is rich with history. The mouth of the river is directly across from George Washington’s Mount Vernon and is largely protected because of its view of this historic piece of land. But long before George Washington dug a hoe into the ground, the Native Americans considered the area a special place. Many organizations work to preserve the history of this creek and its embayment.
On the west side of the marina is Fort Washington Park, one of the few forts still in its original form along the east coast of the United States. An important Potomac River stronghold, this fort showcases how it has adapted to the advances in artillery, ships, and warfare over the past two centuries.
Across the creek from the fort is National Colonial Farm at Piscataway Park, managed by the Accokeek Foundation. In addition to a boat ramp, hiking trails, arboretum, and forest restoration projects, the park hosts a living history farm from the colonial period. Visit the farm to learn what it was like to live as a middle-class family before the American revolution (spoiler alert: they didn’t have wifi!).
Just west of National Colonial Farm is Alice Ferguson Foundation’s Hard Bargain Farm, an environmental center focused on sustainable agriculture and cultural heritage. Most of the farm’s programs are for local students and teachers, but the center occasionally opens to the public for special events, such as last Saturday’s Pinot on the Potomac.