A great walleye trip

Type: Nontidal
Region: Western
Location: Dam #3 to Dam #5 Potomac River

After a long winter of low, clear, cold, and icy river conditions; spring is finally peaking around the corner! Finally, with spring rain the Potomac River and its tributaries have higher flows and water temperatures have reached 40 degrees, which indicates actively moving fish! Although overall numbers of walleye in the mainstem Potomac are down from years past due to lack of recruitment, the quality of older/larger fish is worth a trip on the water! The highest densities of Potomac River walleye can be found from Dam #3 to Dam #5. Within the next several weeks, depending on water levels and color, walleye fishing should be good, as they become concentrated in key areas. Keep in mind that the Potomac River is under a 5 fish per day, 15 inch minimum size; and from January 1 to April 15 a 20 inch maximum size limit is also in effect to protect spawning fish. No walleye over 20 inches may be taken during this period!

This past weekend John Mullican and I were accompanied by western Maryland brook trout biologist Matt Sell, his first trip for Potomac walleye. I believe he left a satisfied man! During his short stay, he was able to land several nice fish and get a taste of what the Potomac River walleye fishery has to offer. With limited time on our hands, we were forced to get underway in less than ideal conditions, battling high dirty water and strong winds. These circumstances restricted us to jig fishing shoreline eddies. Most of the fish landed ranged from 18 - 25 inches. Inland fisheries will be conducting field surveys in the coming weeks to monitor the walleye population.

Photographs are courtesy of Matt Sell.