Potomac Riverwatch: June 16 - 22, 2012

Wonderful weather will cover the basin this weekend, with sunny skies and highs in the low- to mid-80s. Stream and river levels in some areas of the basin were boosted by weekday showers, but generally, major streams are low and running clear.

Water temperatures are in the low- to mid-70s in the upper portion of the basin, with temperatures rising to about 80 degrees in the tidal portion. Prepare for on-water activities by checking the weather and water levels just before venturing out, let family and friends know your float plans, and always wear a life vest. Call the National Weather Service at (703) 996-2200 for detailed weather information, or check the online Potomac river gage map here.

FISHING:

The upper Potomac River is running clear and low in most spots. The clear water and bright sunshine can make fishing more difficult. It is already summer on the river, where the rising water temperatures have fish feeding on the surface at dawn, but moving to the cooler deepwater or the cover of grass beds during the day. Several anglers have reported good catches of 12"-plus smallmouth bass. Channel catfish are being taken by those throwing deep water lures at the smallmouth. Lander and White's Ferry remain popular spots, with good catches reported. Some anglers have noted blobs of green algae along shorelines, and in the lower Shenandoah River. Aquatic grass stands, while still noticeably decreased compared to last year, are growing with the clearer water and abundant sunshine. Anglers in the Fletcher's Boathouse vicinity in Washington continue to land catfish, although striped bass catches have decreased.

Fishing for largemouth bass and snakeheads remains very good in the upper tidal Potomac. Some anglers targeting largemouth bass are considering the growing snakehead population a nuisance. Fishing is particularly good on the morning falling tide, which brings bass into the shallows. Grass beds are a good bet during the day, and during high tide, anglers are buzzing the bed tops with floating or shallow-water lures. Mattawoman Creek, one of the tidal river's most productive areas, is very good, although frequent tournaments can make for a crowd on weekends. Striped bass remain in the area, although catches have decreased.

Near the river's mouth, striped bass fishing has picked up, with anglers hitting the shallow areas and dropping jigs in deeper spots. Charter boats are doing well for anglers looking for striped bass. Anglers also are taking large grey trout and flounder. Croaker fishing is hot near the Chesapeake Bay.

EVENTS

Paddle the Potomac, June 17, from Marshall Hall to Pomonkey Creek--This event, sponsored by the Chesapeake Paddlers Association, is for those who have been on longer trips (up to 10 miles, full day outings), have some experience with varying conditions such as winds and waves and have good rescue and group-paddling skills. For more information, call 301-283-2391, or visit www.cpakayaker.com/calendar.

Potomac River Ramble, Sunday, July 14, Potomac river Dam 4 to Snyder's landing.--Join ICPRB on the river for a day of fun and exploration. For details, visit www.potomacriver.org/2012/steward/ramble

Potomac Riverwatch is a weekly report from the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin on the conditions of the Potomac River and its tributaries. Volunteers throughout the Potomac basin are contacted each week by Commission staff for first-hand information on their area of the river. Check out the complete calendar of events at www.potomacriver.org.