Patuxent Smallmouth

Type: Nontidal
Region: Central
Location: Patuxent River

I was able to scoot out to a section of the Middle Patuxent river for some hot wet wading for smallmouth on Tueday evening. The water was very low, very clear, and refreshingly cool. Found a pleasantly active and numerous population of juveniles. Some 5-6 inchers were trying to peck at my 4.5-inch worms, and some smaller ones came by to investigate. I didn't see tiny baitfish, but there were a few small sunfish around. There were also some nice chunky larger smallmouth who were at first a little shy, and later came over to grab a soft plastic craw imitation lure. I caught one, lost two. My buddy caught three. All were in a stretch about half a mile at most.

It's good to see the smallies doing well. I've had some other fine outings to the Middle Patuxent in the spring, but had a few outings of zilch as the heat built up this summer. I look forward to some more rains, but not gushers.

Attached photo courtesy of Jed Davis.