Maryland anglers are seeing some wonderful fishing opportunities this week as freshwater species settle into predictable patterns and an influx of summer marine species begin to move into Maryland waters.
Fresh water fishing
The western region received another significant rain event over the weekend, and the upper Potomac River showed another rise in river levels. Anglers pursuing smallmouth bass and walleye on the upper Potomac River should always exercise caution when water levels in the river are elevated.
The western region’s trout streams are in great shape due to the recent rain runoff. The Delayed Harvest waters are providing some fishing for those wishing to keep the trout they catch, which is 5/day. The catch and release and gear restricted trout management waters are providing excellent fishing for fly anglers using a variety of terrestrials and dry flies.
Deep Creek Lake is providing plenty of fishing opportunities for a variety of species this week. Smallmouth and largemouth bass can be found during the day seeking shade under floating docks. Casting wacky rigged stick and soft plastic worms as close to skipping under a portion of the docks is a great tactic. Smallmouth bass can also be found near deep grass lines and sunken structures. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and jerkbaits can be good choices for lures and fathead minnows never fail.
The reservoirs of the central region are real gems when it comes to fishing for largemouth bass, chain pickerel, crappie, and in some waters white perch and landlocked striped bass. Most of the reservoirs used for Washington and Baltimore drinking water require permits for boats and have minor restrictions. Boats can be rented at Loch Raven Reservoir and Piney Run Reservoir.
Largemouth bass are in a post-spawn mode of feeding behavior and have moved into various areas where they find structure and feel comfortable for the summer months. They are moving into an evening mode of feeding behavior in the shallower waters where they reside. This means that the best time to fish for them will be the morning and evening hours in the shallower waters where baitfish can be found holding near grass beds. topwater lures, spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, and jerkbaits are great lures to use. Deeper waters or what are often called transition areas often hold largemouth bass lurking under thick floating grass mats, sunken wood, lily pad fields, overhanging brush, and in some cases docks, all in an effort to have an ambush point and to find some shade. Wacky rigged stick or soft plastic worms are a good choice, but paddletails and grubs can also be a good choice. In tidal waters anglers will encounter Chesapeake Channa in these same habitats.
