Water Temps Slowly Warming in Upper Potomac

Type: Nontidal
Region: Western
Location: Upper Potomac

Although winter continues to maintain its grip, water temperatures in the upper Potomac are slowly warming into the 40s. Smallmouth fishing has been good, especially on warm afternoons.

Snowmelt has kept flows high, so look for bass in calmer areas behind islands and in shoreline eddies. Tubes and hair jigs have been best, but dont overlook jerkbaits and crankbaits too. On a recent outing in Alleghany County, Steve Peperak and I had a great day catching and releasing many quality-size smallmouth including several over 17 inches.