Pax and Poto rivers and float trip setups

[stevej00]

I've been driving back and forth from the office in Annap. to Upper Marlboro lately and going over the Pax. River....It sure looks inviting...

I was wondering if anyone here fishes that area at all...If so whats the hot time....and for what species, small mouths and yellow perch ??

It is a ton of fun...

How about any other areas....Potomac River ???

Does anyone want to setup some float trips with drop offs and pick ups anywhere ??? One of the things I'm hoping to do now I have my little yak is float the Potomac river for smallies....I've done that a few times in a canoe from Paw Paw down stream...

I'd love to set something up....

[chesapeakeblend]

My dad said Waysons Corner was loaded up with cars on saturday. Perch must be starting their run down there. I really enjoy paddling that area. You can really get into some LM Bass all through there too. Check out the Jug Bay area downstream. For that matter, check out upstream too.[grin]

Overall, it is a great place to paddle and fish.

Mike

[JoshKaptur]

Fished jug bay from a canoe once... few bass and some nice carp. Also some cats. I've been eyeing the upper pax, which looks like nice shore fishing for smallies... but have yet to wet a line to see if it's true.

[FishingRod]

I've never been on the Upper Potomac but would be interested in doing a trip sometime.

Come mid April I would like to put-in at Marshall Hall, MD and look for some big stripers, lm bass and catfish. Let me know if anybody is interested in trying that area of the Potomac.

I will be in So. MD this weekend and may try Waysons Corner or Allen's Fresh for pickerel and perch. Let me know if anyone is interested in meeting up this weekend.

[The Old Man]

I paddle and fish the U. Potomac all the time...except last year was the worst year on record for me and most other anglers, in terms of numbers and big fish (smallies).

There was a major fish kill that decimated the smallie population on the Potomac, Susky, and Shenandoah rivers last summer. It was a real bummer. [sad]

I've pretty much given up on those rivers, given their condition...and I'm a nut for smallies, so that's saying a lot. Even Bob Clouser stopped guiding on the Susky last summer, things were so bad.

So anyway, I'm not even gonna try until I read that things are better, and that may be a few years from now.

Now the upper James is another story....I would be down for a share-a-trip shuttle if anyone is gam later in the year.

Hmmm, the perch are running? Might see a wekend trip coming up....

[stevej00]

Sounds great everyone....

I still need to get some goodies for the kayak, paddle, PDF, cheap DF.

Then I'll be in business. Some fishing and some "getting my feet wet" paddle only floats...will definately be in my plans...

[Jeff Little]

I launched my kayak from the put in off of route 4 yesterday. It was my first time fishing that area. I was after largemouth, and got no hits. I went upstream about a mile and a half. The bank structure looked interesting: lots of wood, some bulkhead, and rip rap. I wanted to check out Jug Bay, but thought better of it with the forecasted 40 mph gusts. Some folks were fishing for perch, but were not catching. My highest water temp was 39 degrees. I may go back next weekend. I left mid day and checked out another area that I want to learn: Day's Cove on the Gunpowder. I put in on the river, paddled up to the first rapid, went downstream toward the tidal area, but ran out of daylight before I got to Day's Cove. I would love some company next time.

[Capt.Nick]

Jeff I've fished Day's Cove several times.It's one of those coves that looks very Bassy looking.It's a large,shallow,weedy, and a bit murky.I've never got a strike?I'll try again,but it has me stumped.Locals that I've seen fish there fish for Catfish & tell me the same thing...never caught a Bass there.

[frankstevanus]

Jeff:
I grew up fishing the Gunpowder and it is not what it used to be. The Largemouth situation, sad to say has gone bye-bye as well. Once a great bass feedery, between the great fluctuation of water let out by Loch Raven, and the worstening quality of the bay with an ever increasing population in the area, the fishing is a dude. A few herring and perch in the spring, and an occasional bass from using chartreuse plastics on an outgoing tide is about it any more.
The only bright spot is the Carp. That river is loaded with them. I have caught two at a time and had them drag my 'yak up and down that river all day. But that is about it. Sorry.
If you need some pointers or want some company, give a jingle. I live right up the street.

Frank Stevanus

[Capt.Nick]

I caught my first Bass on the Gunpowder in April 1968.The Millfoil beds were 1 thick bed from the railroad bridge to maxwell point.Back then there were boatrentals on just about every river.You could either row or attach a mtr.There was a rental place right next to the railroad bridge on the Balto.Cty. side.$3 a day.Dundee was $2 a day.There was really no need to own a boat. There's still plenty of Bass there,they just changed their address a bit.Last year was my best Fall fishing ever.I caught 20 Bass from 1-3lb.in 2 hrs. and knew a few guys catching over 50 a day,but those bites are very rare.The largest I saw caught was over 6# 2 years ago.My largest is 6.5 lbs. caught in 71.A friend of mine caught 3 over 7# back in the 70s.These were officially weighed.I've had guys tell me that they've caught bigger fish,but they only "Guessed"their weight,and you know how that goes.My best March was 1988 with 93 Bass C&R. up to 3.5 lbs.I'm only an average Bass fisherman and may be stretching it a bit.Since I fish for many species,I don't devote enough time at it to be a really good Bass fisherman.I'm getting back into it more & more with my changing fishing attitude.

[FishingRod]

Frank,
I've talked to you before about doing some carp fishing from the yak. I'm moving to Perry Hall in April so I'll be closer the Gunpowder and plan on exploring those waters some more. I've tried for carp a couple times in Rocky Gorge reservoir but had no luck. I did manage to catch a nice size catfish at Rocky gorge that gave me a sleigh ride!
I may have to give you a buzz this spring for some Gunpowder river carp fishing pointers.

Rod

[Capt.Nick]

June is a prime month for Carp there.

[stevej00]

The heads of the South and Severn Rivers are usually full of carp...I think around early may (??)

What's the good way to catch those guys. A friend of mine catches them on the fly but I have not idea of patterns or lures to use. I always thought it was a dough ball fish ??

[frankstevanus]

Rojer that on the fishing, Rod. Last year I spent most of the summer working with a new horse or two. But this year I am definitely going to hit the Ol' Gunpowder for the fish. Usually the Carp start migrating up the upper bay rivers to spawn around May if the damn Russians haven't caught them all! I'll be waiting for what's left for some awesome catch and release of the giant goldfish in my Jon-Bouy.
Give a jingle when you blow in town. I will have them all baited up.
Good Luck!
Frank Stevanus

[Bonefish79]

Steve, check the MD DNR website. They've got a section on floating the Patux. with launch sites mapped out. I drive over that stretch every day as well and I've always wondered what the fishing is like. I love the upper stretches for panfish, but that's all wading. See ya out there.
Doug