POTOMAC RIVER

FISHING
February 17, 2025

38.20, -76.81

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The Potomac River in Maryland offers excellent fishing opportunities for species such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and shad. Popular nearby activities include hiking, biking, and camping. Fishing tips include using soft plastic baits for bass and cut bait for catfish. The best time to visit is in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild, averaging around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Winter can also be productive for fishing, but temperatures can drop below freezing.

FEATURED FISH - AMERICAN SHAD

The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: This is a silvery fish with a single dorsal fin in the middle of the back. There is a large black spot directly behind the top of the gill cover, followed by 4-27 spots, which are generally smaller than the first. Sometimes there may be a second row of spots below the first, and more rarely, a third row below the second.They closely resemble the hickory shad. The most important physical distinction is in the lower jaw. In the American shad this jaw fits easily into a deep notch under the upper jaw, whereas, in hickory shad the lower jaw protrudes noticeably beyond the upper jaw. Also, the American shad grows considerably larger. Both occur up and down the coasts, but the American shad is predominantly in southern climates.

FISH SPECIES

  • Image Alt Largemouth Bass


  • Image Alt Smallmouth Bass


  • Image Alt Bluegill


  • Image Alt Common Carp


  • Image Alt Channel Catfish


  • Image Alt Black Crappie


  • Image Alt Tiger Muskellunge


  • Image Alt White Perch


  • Image Alt Yellow Perch


  • Image Alt Chain Pickerel


       

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Weather Forecast

Nearby Streamflow Levels

Discharge Stage Elevation
MATTAPONI RIVER NEAR BOWLING GREEN
2025-02-16T01:45:00.000-05:00 		717cfs 6.74ft 170ft
MATTAWOMAN CREEK NEAR POMONKEY
2025-02-16T01:50:00.000-05:00 		132cfs 4.08ft 46ft
S F QUANTICO CREEK NEAR INDEPENDENT HILL
2025-02-16T02:15:00.000-05:00 		42cfs 4.08ft 244ft
ST MARYS RIVER AT GREAT MILLS
2025-02-16T02:30:00.000-05:00 		186cfs 3.03ft 13ft
RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER NEAR FREDERICKSBURG
2025-02-16T02:00:00.000-05:00 		4220cfs 3.78ft 74ft
HUNTING CREEK NEAR HUNTINGTOWN
1998-06-04T00:45:00.000-04:00 		6cfs ft 17ft
ST CLEMENT CREEK NEAR CLEMENTS
2025-02-16T02:15:00.000-05:00 		126cfs 1.89ft 11ft
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Nearby Camping

Camping Area Reservations Toilets Showers
Prince William Forest RV Campground
Burke Lake Park
Andrews AFB Military
Bull Run Regional Park
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Pohick Bay Regional Park
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Local Parks

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Sightseeing

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Fishing Areas

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Boat Launches

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