Report from Fletcher’s Cove, May 16, 2008

Today is the first day of striped bass season in D.C. waters. An angler may keep two stripers per day. One can be between 18 and 28 inches in length, the other, 18 inches or larger. While I support the sport fisher-persons privilege to keep fish, unless you are sure that a fish will be used for personal consumption, please practice catch and release!

As you probably are aware, the Potomac is currently high and muddy from last weekends deluge. The storm was a cool-water event, so as the river drops fishing will improve and one can hope for a flourish to the end of the shad season. Striper abundance can run into the summer. There will be no boat rentals on the Potomac this weekend however. Please call next week to inquire when rentals of fishing skiffs will resume.

Shore fishing can produce surprising results. Derek Binsted caught a nearly four pound largemouth bass just yesterday in a creek off of the main current. And for the third time this spring, a reliable report of a snakehead sighting was passed on to me. Now we wait to see one in a bucket or on a stringer.

For the photos this time, I am including some shots of the high water around the boathouse during the past week. This was a minor flood… bad for business, but good for reminding us humans that forces greater than our own still rule the Earth. The power and majesty of the river is to be respected.

From calmer-water times this spring, some happy angler photos:

Adil Ouinaksi, a regular at Fletcher’s is holding an impressive striped bass he caught and released on April 14.

River-rats Dave Winer, Steve Newman and George Malusky had a nice day on the (calm) river earlier this month. Dave holds the healthy cat, while Steve hoists a pretty striper and George looks on with a smile.                                            

We hope to see you at Fletcher’s soon!

Addendum, Thursday, May 22 

The Potomac is still moving along at an above normal pace, but has come down from last weeks very high level.  Fishing is coming around and with some dry weather, the outlook is brightening with each day.  As of today, boat rentals are not yet possible, but we are hoping to begin fishing rentals by Sunday or Monday of Memorial Day Weekend.  Keep in mind that, when we re-start rentals, the boats will be restricted to the currents edge only.  This is where it is safe, AND, where most of the fish are anyway!  You will have to call to find out if we are renting or not. 

Good news of the week: a regular angler, Mark Binsted, caught 11 hickory shad, 1 American shad and several freshwater fish just yesterday afternoon from a choice shore spot he frequents.  So………. My hope of a final flourish to the shad season is not a pipe dream!  You just have to be willing to try, (and take your chances).  Striped bass should be around for a good while as the water temp is very low for this period in the season.  That is a good thing, as hot water equals slow fishing in Washington, DC.

Fletcher’s will be renting kayaks, canoes and a few boats on the C & O Canal this holiday weekend.  Bike rentals for the trails are also available.  D.C. fishing permits, bait and tackle are for sale at our store (shack!).  Hope to see you soon.

Dan