Harper's Ferry - Upper Potomac - What'cha catching?

[starg33ker]

Thinking about making another trip over to Harper's Ferry, WV for some smallmouth fishing and the occasional trout from Devil's Back Bone in about a week or so.

Anyone fishing the river/creeks? How's the fishing?

[LY2000]

I have been casting from the bank (too deep to wade for me right now) at Point of Rocks lately and it has been slower than a month ago but the fish are a bit bigger. Water level is going down and getting clearer so it should get good soon.

[starg33ker]

Ok! I've confirmed that I'll be at the Harper's Ferry area this Saturday. I'd really like to catch my first walleye but I heard they're hard to find. I mostly plan on finding the larger smallies and maybe head up Antietam Creek for some trout (I'd have to see if they've been stocked).

I'm not local to the area (2 1/2hrs on the shore) but if any locals know where the walleye are biting I'd appreciate a PM :)

[SteveL]

Starg,

If you are fishing from shore you have limited options, but there is good shoreline fishing in the Potomac near the confluence with the Doah. Parking along 340 is screwed up, but especially early or late in the day you can park on the VA WV line on the right headed south on 340 (after crossing into VA from MD) at the widespot past the gas station and the popcorn and BBQ stand. You would hike down to the river and fish below the last small ledge/rapid in the large pool area, slightly downstream from where you park. Fish small crankbaits or leadhead plastics (tubes, twisters, etc. in earth tones like green or brown or black or clear/sparkle or chartruse) in that pool, especially in low light. I have caught and seen a lot of Potomac walleye, one of the lagest I have ever seen was caught in that spot this time of year from shore on a small crankbait--it was in the 10+ lb range, maybe even 12 lbs.

Another great shoreline spot is from the MD shore downstream from the railroad bridge directly below the confluence. Take Keeptrust road on the left headed south on 340 (just before the bridge into VA), take the first right and go thru scenic Sandy Hook, park on the right a bit past the RR tunnel and hike back downstram and fish at the bend where its easy to get to the water. I have caught large crappie there in the past on 2 inch shad tails on 1/16 oz jigheads, and smallies and walleye are also possible.

You can also access the Doah from the National Park Service lot located just past the Doah 340 bridge on the right. Park and hike over the RR tracks to the river, you can move up and downstream a long ways along that shoreline and you can wade that stretch at current water levels.

Send me a PM if you want more info and please post a trip report!

[starg33ker]

Thanks for the info Steve! I sent you a PM

[C Sollers]

Try below dam #4, a little ways upstream.