As the waters of the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers warm and daylight hours reach their maximum length, rockfish are becoming increasingly plentiful. Anglers are reporting remarkable catches, with one fisherman reeling in an impressive 75 rockfish in the lower Potomac while casting lures from his kayak. Slot reds were also part of the catch, with 4-inch paddle tail jigs proving particularly effective in the shallows.
Potomac and Patuxent Offer Prime Fishing Spots
The Patuxent River is seeing an influx of fine stripers, particularly in the area between Helen Creek and Broomes Island. Trollers have found success using bucktails, jigs, and spoons along the twenty-foot edge. In the Potomac, rockfish, puppy drum, and slot redfish are abundant, providing ample opportunities for anglers.
Mid-Bay areas around the Targets, Point No Point, and Hooper’s Island are also teeming with bluefish schools and rockfish. These spots have become prime locations for fishing enthusiasts looking to take advantage of the warm waters and active fish populations.
Croaker and Spot Make an Appearance
This week, croaker, also known as hardhead, have made an appearance, with shore fishermen catching them at night in the Patuxent. Small croaker are mixed with spot in the Potomac, and spot are being caught bottom fishing with bloodworms in various locations. White perch are taking bloodworms in the Patuxent at Hawk’s Nest, where spot are also plentiful.
Catfish and Freshwater Fishing Thrive
Catfish have retreated upstream in both the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers. These catfish are not only plentiful but also large and eager to bite, providing exciting fishing opportunities for those targeting these species.
Freshwater fishing remains excellent, with big bass being caught in the Potomac at Mallows Bay and in Nanjemoy. St. Mary’s Lake continues to produce a variety of fish, including bass, bluegill, crappie, and pickerel, making it a popular destination for freshwater anglers.
Expert Insights
Ken Lamb of the St. Mary’s Tacklebox, who provided this comprehensive fishing report, emphasized the richness of the current fishing season. “The abundance of rockfish and the variety of other species available this season make it an exciting time for anglers. Whether you’re fishing from a kayak, trolling, or casting from the shore, there’s plenty of action to be had in both the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers.”
Lamb’s insights highlight the diverse fishing opportunities in the region, catering to both saltwater and freshwater fishing enthusiasts. His report underscores the importance of using the right bait and techniques to maximize the chances of a successful fishing trip.
Seasonal Trends and Bait Recommendations
As the fishing season progresses, the effectiveness of different baits and lures becomes evident. For rockfish, 4-inch paddle tail jigs have been particularly successful in the shallows. Trollers targeting stripers in the Patuxent have found bucktails, jigs, and spoons to be highly effective.
For those fishing at night for croaker, using bloodworms has proven to be a reliable method. Bloodworms are also attracting white perch and spot in the Patuxent, making them a versatile choice for anglers in the region.
Looking Ahead
With the warm waters and long daylight hours expected to continue, fishing conditions in the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers are likely to remain favorable. Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of this prime fishing season and explore the diverse opportunities available in these waters.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the sport, the current abundance of fish and the variety of species present make this a perfect time to get out on the water and enjoy the rich fishing opportunities the region has to offer.