Recently in Mid-Atlantic Freshwater Reports Category

Tuesday May 19th

With no traffic or headaches normally associated with I-66 or the greater Washington DC metropolitan area, the drive up at 7am was peaceful.  We arrived in an hour in Knoxville, MD to meet up with Mark Kovach for a guided float down the Potomac River.  A pleasant day was in store for us.  The weather was cooperating, the sun was shining, and despite it being early May, wet wading is on the agenda with the water boasting a comfortable 67 degrees.  Visibility was approximately 3-4 feet from Dam 3 to Harper's Ferry, and 1-2 feet below due to the Shenandoah running off color.

Water was a bit high for effective flyrodding in anything but the shallower runs and pockets, and fish were on anything crayfish-like in the 5-6 inch range.  #1/0 black clousers, #4 & 6 wooly and crystal buggers, and #2 black Clawdads were working in the deeper runs, with #2 chartreuse/yellow clousers working well in glides where you could track your fly.  Due to higher water, we were forced to throw the heathen sticks (also known as conventional tackle), but please don't hold that against us.

To learn more about Mark Kovach fishing services, please visit:  www.mkfs.com 

April 16th

Shad have been around for about a week on the Potomac.  Fishing has been good from Fletchers, with the shad bite happening during any moving tide, and shad flies.  Chartreuse, pink, orange, red, white... they all work.  Size #6 fly with a red conehead.  All hickories presently, and lots of fun on a 6-weight with a 200gr sinking line.

So much fun in fact, that enthusiastic angler Christine did a dance of joy for every shad she caught.  This is what we live for...  enjoyment of the sport, regardless of the size or species of fish.