Serving Fresh and Brackish Waters
of MD, VA, D.C.  & PA

Fishing Report November 1, 2009
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

This will be the last regularly scheduled report of the year. Keep checking our website for “hot-spot” information, conservation issues and seminar schedules.

NOTES: I will move the “notes” information to the end of this report.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER , PA : ** to ***1/2; 55 degrees; stained; 7.2 @
Harrisburg ; 6.1 @ Newport ( Juniata .)

A quick surge in water level is never good for fishermen because there is substantial relocation of all species. This is the rise we all wanted however. Excellent fall fishing is ensured now. Smallmouth bass fishing was “lights-out” much of the week between Montgomery Ferry and Fort Hunter but once the river got muddy, things stalled. My prediction, which I seldom make, is that the next few weeks will be great. Bass have moved to shoreline eddies, much like the spring pattern. Campground Special tubes in Penrod Peanut Butter, KP Candy and Buzz Kill account for most fish since the rise. The lower Juniata bass are stacked near the confluence where Rapala X-Raps do the job—and the walleye have taken up residence also.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : ***; 60 degrees; “colored,” 2.75 @ Point of Rocks.

Finally—some water in the river, and bass fishing has been very good.

            WHITES FERRY/EDWARDS FERRY was both “tough” and “excellent,” depending upon the weather and barometer. The Virginia shore above the ferry has been quite reliable as has the Maryland shore below Harrison Island . Luhr-Jensen Speed Trap crankbaits, Mizmo tubes and Penrod Special spinnerbaits have done the job.

            LANDER is the place to be, most days, especially upriver of the launch where tubes, Case Magic Stiks (wacky style) and Rapala X-RAPS account for most bass.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : ** to ****; 60 degrees; high tides; stained.

On shore winds have caused high tides and strong winds keep most anglers in lesser water, but the fall bite is on. Bass have moved to hard cover or dropoffs—but there will be grass fish as long as it exists.

            WASHINGTON DC has been disappointing much of the year but I can’t understand why the fall stripers have been so scarce. You can catch bass from bridge foundations—and the Three Sisters to Fletchers sector has been OK. Pentagon Lagoon will provide some “bites” but Blue Plains and Fox Ferry Point is very productive. Crankbaits, especially Rapala DT04 and 06 (Hot Mustard and Firetiger) account foe the majority of our catch but Mizmo tubes and 3/8^th ounce Penrod Special spinnerbaits must be tried at every stop.

            WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE and vicinity is improving every day where crankbaits, tubes and Case Plastics seem to be the best choice—but you can’t catch fish where there are none. Best areas include Penrod Cove, WWB Barges; north point of Smoot Bay and humps near the middle shoals. On the Virginia side, Belle Haven Cover and Hog Island hold nice bass. The boat docks south of Belle Haven are worth the time but it’s a later-day bite. Fort Washington Lighthouse and the channel marker at the entrance to Swan Creek are worth the time.

NOTES, NEWS & VIEWS

Ken’s vehicle/boat accident of September 27^th resulted in a full-loss of his vehicle and his jet boat trailer, plus damage to the boat and a beat-up Ken. The driver of the “other” vehicle struck the Jersey wall on the fast-lane side of the Beltway and drove across four lanes to ruin his day. He is charged with negligence. The man was underinsured, and “why would any insurance company, let alone a state-run company, allow a person to drive with 15K in property damage and 20K in medicals?

            Ken is driving a 2010 Ford (yep—changed) Crew Cab F-150 purchased from Academy Ford in Laurel, MD (you will love this group) and his jet boat is finally in his driveway. I lost a ton of trips over this accident and I know I have some people angry with me for lost trips and unreturned phone calls.

            I was banged-up pretty severely. It was a 50-mph on a 50-mph collision. If I haven’t returned your calls or mails, please try again.

Outdoor Show schedule to date includes:

·        Fish Expo & Boat Show, January 14-17, at the state fairgrounds in Timonium , MD. This is a great show and those that complain that it’s smaller and less attended are just spoiled. There is nothing that you could possibly want, as an angler or boat-buyer, that is not available at this show—and you have the best anglers in the region, both saltwater and freshwater, available to teach you how to take advantage of “your waters,” not water that you may never visit in your life. LOU guides  will be on the seminar schedule, and our seminars are some of the best in the country. Who cares about Texas or California ? Want a boat deal—this is your best chance in the Mid-Atlantic. We will also be representing Lowrance Electronics at this event and you just have to see our new products. The HDS units are unbelievable—and, under the Navico family, there is nothing you could want that we don’t produce, from radar, automatic pilot, Sirius Radio Weather to GPS and nonparallel sonar. There is nothing like it—anywhere.

·        Nations Outdoor Sportsmen’s Show, January 23-25, at the Chantilly, Virginia, Expo Center —has not been confirmed as yet, but if it becomes a reality—we will be there and our seminars will be germane to the region.

·        NRA Great American Hunting & Outdoor Show, January 29-31 will be held at the Carroll County Agricultural Center—Shipley Arena, in Westminster, MD—a new show, but the NRA does nothing less than quality presentations. Most fishermen are hunters also—and Ken will be the featured fish-presenter at this event. It’s important to support NRA during these times because they are the last-guard against the current political agenda. I just wonder what is hard to understand about the 2^nd Amendment that clearly states: “---shall not be infringed upon.” There are tremendous hunting speakers at this event—and NRA will provide a first-class show. Come see us here. Lowrance Electronics has introduced a new line of hand-held GPS products that revolutionizes this hunting, hiking, flying, trekking technology and we will staff that booth with LOU experts, as we have for 28 years.

·        Eastern Sport Travel & Outdoor Show—February 6-14 will be held at the State Fairgrounds in Harrisburg , Pennsylvania —and we will represent Navico/Lowrance Electronics as we have for 27-years.  

Ken’s 2009 Ranger Z-21 with 250 HP Mercury Verado: is the BEST BOAT DEAL of the year. Just ask anyone that every purchased one of Ken’s Ranger promotional boats! The super-quit, quick to speed, superior rough water ride, hole-jumping combination is the boat everyone wants but most settle for less—because of price. This motor will have less than 50-hours and you get the advantage of Ken’s sponsorship discount. Call Brian Lancaster, of Mare, Inc., at 301-898-3717 and make your deal. The boat is “new” condition, with Minn Kota 101 Maxxum-Pro trolling motor (36 volts) and two Lowrance HDS-5 sonar/Gps combos. Want a demo ride?

Conservation Concerns in our Region.

• Piscataway Creek, tidal Potomac River: I read in the Washington Post, a small “burp,” buried inside the Metro section, that,  180,000 gallons of untreated wastewater was dumped into the Potomac River from the Piscataway Creek Wastewater Treatment plant recently. It seems that a valve was” inadvertently” opened by an employee. A Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission spokesperson said: “the effects were minimal because recreational use to this area is usually confined to spring and fall seasons.” So, let me see if I understand: We justify incompetence based upon the seasonal screw-up. The man responsible, his/her superior and the spokesperson should be fired—and WSSC should be penalized extensively, if for nothing else than their attitude. That is not acceptable, their incompetence should not be condoned and what about aquatic inhabitants? I’m so angry.
•  Susquehanna River, in Pennsylvania, is a very large drainage escape, called the “longest arm of the Chesapeake Bay,” and such a beautiful resource. Almost 400 miles long, the North Branch beginning in New York, and the West Branch beginning near my home-town, Portage, is abused, maligned, ignored and under serious stress by—the political system, the government, the citizens and by you and I. The Susquehanna River is also a world class smallmouth bass fishery as well as the drinking water for millions of people that don’t care about fish.
• The Southeast Farm Express, a publication in Virginia, calls the “proposed Chesapeake Bay changes—short-sighted.” Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia farm lobby is killing the Chesapeake. Pennsylvania farm practices, especially in the poultry and hog industry, as well as inadequate sewage treatment plant operation and the recently divulged natural gas invasion in the West Branch is a major contributor. Fishermen are not hurting Susquehanna fish species—we are, you are and those that buy into “send it downriver” are.
• Unless your head has been in the sand, you have heard about the massive fish kills on the Shenandoah, Potomac and Susquehanna Rivers, especially for small, smallmouth bass. The latest insult to river inhabitants is that male smallmouth bass have “egg carrying” capacities. Do you understand—male fish with female capacity!
• Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, USGC, Pennsylvania Department of Environment, PPLG “worked together to determine that mortalities for YOY (young of year) in the Susquehanna is due to “Flavobacterium columnare,” a bacterium that typically infests stressed fish. That effect, the killing effect, is simply lack of dissolved oxygen; particularly in slow to calm water in high temperatures. That’s where small fish live.
• The massive kills in the Shenandoah liken the same result.
• What our authorities fail to point-a-finger at—is poultry/hog/human shit. Sorry to be so blunt. I remember, vividly, having breakfast with a Maryland Governor when I was complaining about the foul water coming from the Shenandoah River, so foul along the Virginia side of the river below Brunswick, that an eight-foot seine would become completely clogged with slime in  five minutes—that we had to pull that seine up. Meanwhile, on the Maryland side of the river—the water was clear. My “Governor” said: “West Virginia has the 52^nd worst economy in the US, what would you have me do?” My answer was not well accepted.

Ken Penrod’s Summer Youth Camp

 My summer youth camp is exceptional in every way conceivable—if your son is addicted to shooting, outdoors and fishing in the wild. This is not a camp for bad boys, not a camp for those that don’t want to fish, shoot or do serious outdoor ventures from AM dark to PM dark. My lodge is located in central Pennsylvania where a trout stream is just 60-feet outside the back door. We interview both parents and youngster—just to be sure that we are all on the same page. Visit our website at www.penrodsguides.com for more information. An application will be necessary. I have sessions, one, two and three weeks at a time, in the month of July.  This is a session that your son will never forget.

Is Fishing Over For The Year?

Actually, the fall/winter season may be as good as spring—maybe better. We stop our reports, because, well, I want to hunt deer and bear. Book your trips and find out for yourselves. If you can’t reach me—go to our website and click on “Meet our guides.”  Call a guide of your choice.

Ken Penrod’s Guides.

My Guides are not my guides—they are associates, and I value every one of them or they would not be in my stable. Please go to our website at www.penrodsguides.com and click on “meet the guides” to review our power. We have something for everyone and no one does it better.

Need a Guide

            I do have a need for a guide however. I want a guide for the Susquehanna River, week days, familiar with the Duncannon area, fully licensed and capable of meeting my strict requirements. Please send resume to kenpenrod@comcast.net. 

Fishing Report October 25, 2009
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

NOTES: Captain Richard Novotny spent the last 26-years of his life as Executive Director of the Maryland Saltwater Sportsmen’s Association (MSSA)—and looking-out for you and I. He recently retired and I for one want to thank him for everything he has done to ensure longevity, fairness and legislative competence for the anglers—and aquatic inhabitants throughout the waters of Maryland. Thanks Rich.

Just a reminder—next week will be our last report for 2009. We will post Hot-Spot reports from time to time. I will provide outdoor show information in next week’s report.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER , PA : ***; off-color; 55 degrees; 4.1 and falling at Harrisburg ; 4.1 and falling at Newport ( Juniata .)

Smallmouth bass fishing has been good to great between Montgomery Ferry and Fort Hunter . LOU guide Mike Breeding says “throw anything in the tackle box—but Penrod Special spinnerbaits; Campground Special tubes (peanut butter & KP Candy); Rattlin’ Rapalas and X-RAP jerbaits account for the majority of our hook-ups.”

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : ***; clear; 56 degrees; 1.2 at Point of Rocks.

Bass fishing remains very good between Seneca and Brunswick but all that rain did little to affect flow and water color. There is still plenty of SAV to deal with but it continues to pull loose from the bottom and float away. Our standby lures are Mizmo Teasers in Penrod Purple, Green Pumpkin and Red Craw.

The WHITES FERRY/EDWARDS FERRY sectors continue to provide very good results except for those extremely windy days. It’s best upriver of Whites and upriver of Edwards. A very reliable source informs me that he witnessed an angler on the ramp at Whites Ferry with smallmouth bass on a stringer. You are reminded that this sector is catch and release 365 days a year. If you see similar activity, call the Natural Resources Police.

LANDER remains consistent with good numbers and plenty of quality fish, in either direction from the launch. The water level is “up” just a few inches and that did little to redistribute the fish. Tubes and Luhr-Jensen Speed Traps are highly recommended.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : ***; 59-62 degrees; high tides; much debris north.

I’m hearing rumors of more illegal rockfish activity in the Potomac —and that PRFC has hired a commercial fishing source to catch and destroy blue catfish. Does anyone have further information on these subjects? Bass fishing has been very good in some areas and very tough in others. Buzzbaits and frogs continue to catch larger bass but the Rapala DT series crankbaits, Mizmo tubes, Case Magic Stiks and drop-shot plastics seem best.

            WASHINGTON D.C. has been stingy this week. We looked for stripers in the Washington Channel and did not mark a single fish on my Lowrance HDS sonar/GPS. A few bass on the bridge foundations and a few more in Pentagon Lagoon. Blue Plains is hit-or-miss but when you “hit” them, it’s worth the wait.

            WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE and vicinity was the best this week where we caught lots of bass on tubes and Rapala DT06 crankbaits. The better areas include Penrod Cove, Belle Haven Cove; Hog Island and boat docks and grass beds just south.

            MATTAWOMAN CREEK is heaven or hell—and on Monday, I was in hell. We fished seven hard hours within the “6-MPH” zone without a single bite.  That’s a “first” for me. Pretty good results in the Occoquan, grass beds near Chopawamsic Creek and grass beds in Chickamuxen.

Ken used a Rapala DT06 to catch this bass from submersed wood cover near the WW Bridge.	Ken’s Thursday’s guests caught a “bunch” of bass near Penrod Cove on Mizmo tubes.

KERR LAKE , VA : **: 293; 60-66 degrees; stained in upper reaches.

LOU Associate, Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com) reports “up and down” results this week, depending upon water releases and weather. In addition, the lake is turning-over. Tim suggests that anglers find the bait and fish the bait. Look to the back end of creeks and pockets and coves off of the main lake. Tim like the ¼ ounce Blue/Silver Sugar Shad and Case Magic Stiks.

DEEP CREEK LAKE : **: 45 degrees; clear to stained in upper reaches.

LOU guide Captn' Brent Nelson reports that the recent freezing temps and high barometer have made the fishing tough on this highland reservoir.  "Get up late and fish into the afternoon when the sun is your best friend," Nelson says. Most of the docks are pulled and some grass still exists.  Largemouths and smallmouths will hit hard jerkbaits and Case Magic Stiks.  Walleyes are schooling and a vertically jigged spoon in the right place can fill the boat.  Turkey Neck and North Glade Cove near Sky Valley remain solid bets.

Captn' Brent Nelson guided Phil Scott from Rockville to this  respectable "High-country" bass from Deep Creek Lake on Monday.   Water temps were in the mid 40's.

Fishing Report October 18, 2009
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : ***; 59 degrees; clear; 1.2 @ Point of Rocks.

NWS isn’t predicting much of a rise but I find that hard to believe. Bass fishing is really good although it was a rough few days at the end of the week with driving rain and NE winds.

WHITES FERRY/EDWARDS FERRY sectors remain quite productive where tubes, crankbaits (Rapala DT04 and Luhr Jensen Speed Traps), Case Magic Stiks and Penrod Special spinnerbaits are most successful for us. At Whites Ferry, above the ferry is best. At Edwards, upriver is best. Do not avoid those grass beds.

LANDER continues to produce good numbers and some impressive smallmouth bass. Both upriver and down are equal. We rely on Mizmo tubes, Case Magic Stiks and Luhr-Jensen Speed Traps.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : ***; 60 degrees; normal color.

Mike Walker fished with Ken this week and he caught some fine bass on frogs.	Emily Fintel teamed with Ken to catch this Mattawoman bass on a buzzbait.

Monday and Tuesday were “nice,” but the last half of the week was about NE winds and lots of rain. Tides were higher than normal due to onshore wind. Bass fishing has been fair to excellent, depending upon location. The largemouth bass have been acting confused and they alternate between grass and wood cover.

WASHINGTON D.C. water is improving every day, especially the Washington Channel, bridge foundations and Pentagon Lagoon. We depend upon Rapala DT04 and 06 crankbaits in the deeper water and dropoffs. Tubes and crankbaits do well on the foundations and Case plastics are used in Pentagon Lagoon.

  WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE and vicinity is improving also as bass seek deeper cover especially in Penrod Cove, Smoot Bay, Belle Haven where crankbaits, especially Rattlin’ Rapalas, Mizmo tubes and drop-shot Magic Stiks are reliable. We continue to catch some grass bass in PISCATAWAY CREEK, BULLTOWN COVE and POHIC Bay . Try the buzzbait every day.

MATTAWOMAN CREEK continues to be fickle but we are catching some fine bass from dropoffs and spatterdock/grass within the 6-MPH zone. Our most successful lures were Bib Mouth spinnerbaits, buzzbaits & Chatterbaits; frogs; Case Stiks and Mizmo tubes. There was a 150-boat tournament this weekend and another next weekend.  Nearby OCCOQUAN RIVER , CHICKAMUXEN CREEK and the shorelines near CHOPAWAMSIC CREEK are productive.

SUSQUEHANN RIVER , PA : ***1/2; 58 degrees; light stain; 4.0 and rising @ Harrisburg; 4.6 for Monday.

There was substantial precipitation in the basin but much of the middle drainage area was in the form of snow. Smallmouth bass fishing is awesome and that trend will improve. LOU guide Mike Breeding is working the Montgomery Ferry to Fort Hunter water where he is catching lots of quality bass on spinnerbaits, Rattlin’ Rapalas and tubes.

KERR LAKE , VA : ***; 293.2; clear lower portion; mid-60s.

LOU Associate Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com) reports very good fishing throughout the lake, particularly the creeks between town and Nutbush. Tim says “the shad are moving into creeks so the pattern is simple; find the shad and you have found the bass.” Tim recommends Rattlin Rapalas, Speed Traps and swim baits. “Size is important now, and the smaller baits are doing better than the large types.” “The lake is very low so boaters must be very careful,” warns Wilson .

Fishing Report October 11, 2009
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : **; 62 degrees; clear; 1.0 @ Point of Rocks.

The river is so clear that it looks almost black, which happens every year when the algae is absent. Fishing success usually “slows” some during that period but it’s short-lived. Our best lures continue to be Mizmo tubes and teasers and Case Magic Sticks and Sweet Ps. It’s a good idea to get some Luhr-Jensen 1/8^th ounce Speed Traps in crawfish pattern.

      LANDER is providing the best bass of the year now and it matters not which way you travel from the launch. The level is only 1.0 at Point of Rocks so chose your lines carefully. Underwater ledges hold the better bass.

      WHITES FERRY and vicinity, including the Edwards Ferry sector is pretty consistent with better than average bass since the water chilled. Upriver from the ferry is the safest route.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : **to***; 54 degrees; tidal clear.

Bass success varies according to barometric pressure but it’s that time of year when bass feed more than ever. I have noticed that other cover besides grass has become productive and that’s an annual expectation. Our most successful lures include Mizmo tubes; Big Mouth spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and chatterbaits; Luhr-Jensen Hot Lips crankbaits and Rapala DT-06 and Rattlin’ Rapalas.

      WASHINGTON DC activity has improved, particularly in the Washington Channel and bridge foundations on the main stem. We are using Rapala DT10 cranks and Mizmo tubes for the most part.

      The WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE sector  has also improved especially in Penrod Cove nearby submersed barges and Fox Ferry Point where crankbait6s to the job.

MATTAWOMAN and vicinity provides good days and lesser ventures depending upon the barometer. In the “6-MPH” zone we find more fish on wood cover and along the dropoffs than we do in the vegetation. Tubes and Magic Stiks are a good choice but the crankbait bite gets better every day. LOU guide Keith Barker is fishing in the Occoquan River with good success. CHICKAMUXEN CREEK  is also a good stop, especially near the narrows.

Larry Di Joseph shows off a nice bass he caught while fishing with LOU Guide Capt’n Keith Barker .	Larry Di Joseph with another nice bass caught fishing Mattawoman Creek with LOU Guide Capt’n Keith Barker.
Steve and Brian Bull show off several bass they caught on a 37 fish day with LOU Guide Capt’n Keith Barker.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER , PA : ***; 60 degrees, clear; 3.8 @ Harrisburg

LOU guide Mike Breeding reports “great” smallmouth bass fishing between Montgomery Ferry and Fort Hunter where stick baits, Rattlin’ Rapalas, Big Mouth spinnerbaits and Campground Special tubes account for most caught fish. “We are catching 40-50 per day and most of the bass are between 15-18 inches long with a few in the 20-inch class,” reports Mike.

Fishing Report October 4, 2009
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

Notes: this week’s report will not be up to our usual standards as Ken was involved in a nasty accident on September 27 (Sunday) while on his way to fish the upper Potomac River . A motorist hit the Jersey Wall adjacent to the far left lane of Route 270 and skidded across 4-lanes to wipe-out Ken’s truck, boat and trailer. Ken is receiving medical attention but was fishing again by Thursday—albeit quite sore.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : ***; clear; 60 degrees. 1.2 at Point of Rocks

The river level came-up a few inches and the water temperature has declined a few degrees. Bass fishing has been very consistent, in the “good” to “really good” range but it’s still low and there is so much floating grass as well as living, surface vegetation that hampers boating efforts. It is well worth the effort however.

            LANDER and vicinity remains very productive where smallmouth bass in numbers take Penrod Special and teaser tubes around submersed ledges while Case Stiks are the deal along grass edges. We do best between the power lines and the end of Bald Eagle Island , in Hales Pool—and upriver we do well between Twin Rocks and the Sawbuck. If you have youngsters with you, let them cast Panther Martin spinners.

            WHITES FERRY remains productive, especially upriver, where mid-river controlled floats produce plenty of bass on tubes and Luhr-Jensen Speed Traps.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : ***; 64 degrees; full moon tides.

Some good days and some tough days this week. It was a “good” tide week but the barometer was high near the end of the week and that made it difficult. The grass beds continue to hold bass but we are catching bigger fish on wood cover and dropoffs.

DISTRICT of COLUMBIA water was pretty good most of the week especially the bridge foundations, Washington Channel Giesboro Point and Blue Plains. We do best with Rapala DT06 (firetiger and hot mustard), Mizmo tubes and weighted (3/16^th) Case Plastics.

WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE and vicinity is still stingy but there are some big, fat bass in Penrod Cove, Wilson Barges, South Point and Belle Haven Cove where Rapala DT06 & FT10 crankbaits, Mizmo tubes and Case Magic Stiks account for most bass. Grass beds in Broad Creek, Piscataway Creek and Bulltown Cove are best later in the day and buzzbaits, Penrod Special spinnerbaits and Case Stiks do the deed.

MATTAWOMAN CREEK and vicinity remains most reliable although it was “tough” a few days this week. Within the “6-MPH” zone, we catch some bass in the grass adjacent to spatterdock fields but we are catching “bigger” bass on wood cover and dropoffs with Rapala DT06 crankbaits and 6” Mizmo tubes. In the grass we use Case Magic Stiks, Big Mouth Chatterbaits, buzzbaits and Penrod Special spinnerbaits. LOU guide, Captain Keith Barker likes the green pumpkin/gold Magic Stik over submersed grass throughout the Creek and his clients concur. Between the state Park and the main river, we search the south coves, especially in deeper grass, with Stiks and 1/8^th ounce Speed Traps. Nearby CHICKAMUXEN Creek grass beds were not up to par.

NOTE: The US Fish and Wildlife electro-shock boat was in Mattawoman this week looking for snakeheads—and they shocked up three. They released the fish—contrary to advice provided us by MDNR. “We think it’s a lost cause” was their response.

Ken's a little banged up from a recent accident but this Mattawoman Creek bass can't attest to that.

SUSQUHANNA RIVER : ***; 64 degrees; clear; 3.8 @ Harrisburg & 3.5 @ Newport

LOU guide Mike Breeding has been doing “terrific” most days but “disappointed” a few days this week when the barometer was high and the wind was strong. Mike is fishing the Montgomery Ferry to Riverfront Campground sectors where Rattlin’ Rapalas and Campground Special tubes (Peanut Butter, Penrod Candy & Penrod Redcraw) have been deadly. “We caught 54 nice bass on Wednesday but on Thursday, at the very same places, we only caught 15,” said Mike.

NOTES: I read in BASS Times that natural gas drilling operations in the West Branch near Williamsport will results in millions of gallons of contaminated water will be dumped into the river. How can this happen?

Fishing Report September 27, 2009
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

Notes: Ken writes articles regularly for: “Mid Atlantic Fisherman Magazine,” and “ Chesapeake Angler.”

            Ken’s 2009 Z-21 Ranger with 250 HP Mercury Verado will be available in November. Contact Brian Lancaster of Mare, Inc. at 301-898-3717.

            We will offer fishing reports through October before suspending the service until March of 2010. That does not mean that fishing becomes poor, actually November and December could be spectacular. Keep checking our website for “Hot Spot” news and for outdoor show information.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : ***; clear; 70 degrees, 1.0 at Point of Rocks.

This was a “heating” week and the river continues to be very low—but smallmouth bass activity is very good in spite of thick grass mats that boaters need to deal with.

            LANDER, in either direction from the launch offers good results for smallmouth and blue gill. We do best with “teaser” style tubes and Case Magic Stiks. Look for submersed ledges and holes in the river bottom where chunk rock is present. Six pound test monofilament works best for now since the water is so clear. It’s tough to use tight-line lure presentations because there is so much floating grass.

            WHITES FERRY continues to produce good numbers of smallmouth bass albeit small, especially upriver of the ferry.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER , PA : ***; 65 degrees; 3.3 @ Harrisburg and Newport .

Bass fishing is still excellent but it’s tough to get around since the water is so low.

            The RIVERFRONT CAMPGROUND sector at the Juniata River confluence is still producing good numbers of bass in the 16-18 inch class for those that cast Rattlin’ Rapalas, Campground Special tubes and Case Salty Shads.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : **-***: 74 degrees

Some sectors are still providing excellent results while others are downright tough. There is substantial grass die-off but many of the fields are still lush and thriving.

            WASHINGTON D.C. was just “OK” this week but expect to catch some nice bass from bridge foundations; from the Washington Channel dropoff and rip rap near the entrance to Pentagon Lagoon. Our best lures continue to be Rapala DT06, Mizmo tubes and Rattlin’ Rapalas.

            The BELLE HAVEN/Woodrow Wilson bridge vicinity was “tough” this week. We caught a few bass in Penrod Cove and coves near Belle Haven Marina. The marina launch is choked with grass and there will be plenty attached to your trailer when you retrieve your boat.

            In MATTAWOMAN CREEK, results have been pretty steady, pretty good, from the Dunes to the mouth. Evening results have been much better than morning and mid-day ventures and topwater poppers do very well then. LOU guide, Captain Keith Barker is casting Magic Stiks to grass beds adjacent to spatterdock within the “6-MPH” zone with good success. There are still plenty of bass in the grass between the park and the main river where frogs, chatter baits, Penrod Special spinnerbaits and Case Plastics do the deed. In nearby CHICKAMUXEN CREEK, there are schools of bass in the grass but you may have to spend hours finding them.

John Wong shows off a nice bass while fishing Mattawoman  Creek with LOU guide Capt’n Keith Barker

DEEP CREEK LAKE : ***; low; clear; 62 degrees

LOU guides Brent Nelson (bbnelson@comcast.net) and Bret Winegardner report very good results as the water cools and the pleasure craft have disappeared. See www.fishdeepcreek.com for more detail.

KERR LAKE , VA : No report from Tim Wilson this week. 

Fishing Report September 20, 2009
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : ***; 71-degrees; clear; floating grass; 1-foot @ Point of Rocks.

The river is very low and floating grasses makes boating and lure retrieval difficult, but smallmouth bass fishing is really good.

LANDER: I spent two days on this section of the river this week and we averaged 70 fish, mostly small, with 6 in the 16-19 inch class. Fishing in either direction from the launch was about equal for numbers but the bigger bass were caught upstream. Most bass came from relatively shallow water ledges where tubes and Stiks worked well. My guest, Jack Packard caught the majority of his fish on in-line spinners (Panther Martin.)

WHITES FERRY: Bass fishing remains good to excellent, especially upriver where we tend to stay in the middle of the river and cast tubes and Stiks. There are many small bass (6-10 inch) but it’s rare when we don’t catch a few in the 18-inch class.

Jack Packard with a nice "Lander" smallmouth bass caught aboard Ken's Xpress jet boat.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : ***: 70S; very high tides; floating grass. Clear.

A lot of on-shore wind this week causing higher than normal tides and some small craft advisories. We didn’t do well this week but there were some bright spots.

            DOC was has held up well, especially bridge foundations and the Washington Channel. It’s crankbait time, since the water temperature continues to drop. We use Luhr-Jensen Hot Lips and Rapala DT06 and DT10.

WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE and vicinity improves each day, particularly Penrod Cove, dropoffs in Smoot Bay and the Belle Haven coves where tubes and crankbaits take bass to 4.5 pounds. Nearby Fort Washington Lighthouse and the dropoff between Dogue Creek and Gunston Cove has some nice fish. The “Hot Mustard” and Firetiger colored Rapala DT06 is a hot offering.

MATTAWOMAN CREEK and vicinity continues to be most productive, especially within the “6-MPH” zone where bass were in the grass adjacent to spatterdock. Case Magic Stiks, Penrod-Special spinnerbaits by Big Mouth Lure Company and Campground Special tubes in Peanut Butter color were our favorite offerings. There are still plenty of bass in the grass between the State Park and the main river where frogs and Case Plastics were best. Nearby Chickamuxen Creek, especially near the narrows, is a good bet where drop-shot plastics do well.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER: ***; 65 degrees; clear; 3.5 @ Harrisburg and Newport .

Smallmouth bass fishing has been very good for those that can deal with the low water conditions and the main stem and the Juniata are flowing about the same—and steady. It’s tough to launch at Riverfront Campground but with some effort it will work. There are plenty of smallmouth bass in the 322 ledge and you can get through this ledge if you are careful. Smallmouth bass attach Rattlin’ Rapala crankbaits and tubes, spinnerbaits and Case Salty Shads account for most bass we catch.

DEEP CREEK LAKE : ***; clear; lower than normal.

So many think of Deep Creek Lake as a summertime vacation destination, but there is a world of difference between summer success and cooled water efforts. This lake can be phenomenal in the fall—and it begins now. LOU guides Brent Nelson (bbnelson@comcast.net) and Bret Winegardner are kicking-butt in the upper lake now, and the smallmouth action between the park and the dam is heating up. See more detail at www.fishdeepcreek.com.

KERR LAKE , VA : ***; clear below the rivers; mid-70s; 295-feet ASL.

LOU Associate, Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com) reports “improvement every day as the water temperature drops.” Concentrate your efforts in the 4-12 feet depths with Rapala crankbaits and Carolina rigged plastics. Tim likes the main lake points between Clarksville and Grassy Creek but he spends time in small cuts and coves also. The striper anglers are either trolling or live-lining shiners in the lower end of the lake, especially between Nutbush and the dam.

NANTICOKE RIVER : **; 70s; tidal clear; very high water this week.

Bass fishing was “off” some this week due to onshore wind and erratic barometer. The best action was between the bridges on the Marshyhope, and on channel drops near Seaford . Rapala DT06 crankbaits and Case Plastics were effective—and the Penrod Special spinnerbaits, around deeper spatterdock edges were fairly effective.

Fishing Report September 13, 2009
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

NOTES: The US Coast Guard came under media scrutiny on 9-11-09 when they were conducting drills in the District of Columbia sector of the tidal Potomac River . There were even rumors of “shots being fired.” The situation “got out of hand” because of ceremonies at the Pentagon—and an over-zealous press. I witness such training on many days when I’m fishing this sector and as far as I’m concerned—thank you USCG for your diligence and preparedness. I want to appeal to all Potomac River anglers and boaters to always abide by instructions that are given by USCG, DOC Harbor Police and other enforcement authorities while in this sector. They are “looking out for us.”

            I’ll post this report as of Friday, September 11, 2009, because I will spend the weekend, obtaining  “hunter safety training” with my 11-year old grandson.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : **1/2; clear; 75 degrees; 1.0 @ Point of Rocks.

Bass fishing on the upper Potomac River has been pretty good in spite of very low flow and much floating grass. It’s tough to get around via boat because of the dead and matted grass beds.

WHITES FERRY continues to be one of the better areas to fish, especially upriver of the ferry, between the grass beds, where Case Magic Stiks, Penrod Purple tubes and Penrod Special spinnerbaits by Big Mouth Lure Company account for most fish. It’s tough to use crankbaits now because fast-retrieve lures are quickly choked by dead and floating vegetation.

LANDER remains very productive—but the thick vegetation is problematic for boaters. Both upstream and down from the launch is pretty equal as far as catching fish is concerned. The Case plastics, Mizmo tubes and Big Mouth spinnerbaits perform well.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER , PA : **; clear; 68 degrees; 3.5 @ Harrisburg ; 3.5 @ Newport on the Juniata .

I have only given this water a “**” this week, not that fishing success has diminished, it’s just that getting around on the river now is tough due to low water. The bottom has fallen out of the Juniata also.

DUNCANNON is our favorite section where we fish between Montgomery Ferry and Fort Hunter , launching from Riverfront Campground—and now, “launching” is the issue due to the low water. John Cunningham is shuttling his campers from the campsite to upriver launch sites where they float back to the campground and they are catching plenty of bass on spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, Rattlin’ Rapalas and Campground Special tubes.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : ***; 73 degrees; much floating vegetation

Bass fishing is improving every day since the water temperature has declined but the annual grass die-off is affecting some areas negatively.

            WASHINGTON DC waters have been quite good in spite of recent hoopla over USCG training practices. The Washington Channel has a bunch of rockfish along the Fort McNair dropoff best caught by trolling Rapala DT06 crankbaits (FT and Shad) along the 10-foot contour. There are largemouth bass along that stretch also, as well as along the foundations of Long Bridge and Key Bridge . Blue Plains has been productive, especially in the evening hours and bass are pretty cooperative on Fox Ferry Point during falling water.

            WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE and vicinity has improved recently, especially in Penrod Cove, Smoot Bay , Belle Haven coves and Fort Washington Lighthouse. There are still plenty of bass in the grass on the Virginia side, below Belle Haven as well as in Broad Creek and Piscataway Creek. I recommend Rapala DT06 and 10 crankbaits for the dropoffs—and Case Magic Stiks and Big Mouth spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits for the grass beds.

            MATTAWOMAN CREEK and vicinity has been holding-up nicely. LOU guide, Captain Keith Barker is fishing within the “6-MPH” zone where he relies on Case Magic Stiks along grass edges adjacent to spatterdock.  The grass beds between the park and main river are still productive where frogs, Stiks and chatterbaits do well. Nearby Chickamuxen Creek, especially toward the “narrows” is a good bet and grass near Chopawamsic Creek is worth the time.

Todd Greenstone & Fred Kallmeyer (former President of Trout Unlimited from Haymarket VA) with several nice bass they caught in Mattawoman Creek while fishing with LOU Capt’n Keith Barker .

DEEP CREEK LAKE : **1/2; 65 degrees; clear.

Fishing Report September 5, 2009
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: 
bbnelson@comcast.net

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : ***; 1.0 @ Point of Rocks; clear; 78 degrees

Smallmouth bass fishing has been “pretty good” but getting around upriver of Seneca is tough due to extensive submersed aquatic vegetation.

WHITES FERRY is fairly productive upriver of the launch but finding and catching quality bass is difficult. The best baits continue to be Mizmo tubes (Penrod Purple teasers) and Case Magic Stiks (white, pink and Green Pumpkin/gold.)

LANDER to BRUNSWICK   may be the best portion of the river now but boating, especially with jet drives is laborious. There is a short-lived topwater bite in the morning as the trico hatch dies off but tubes and Magic Stiks are by far—the most productive lures.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER , PA : ***; 4.1 @ Harrisburg ; 3.5 at Newport ( Juniata ); 72 degrees; clear.

Smallmouth bass fishing, especially between Fort Hunter and Montgomery Ferry, has been excellent and the river level is still above four-feet, allowing good floats and jet boat use. LOU guide Mike Breeding has been catching “lots of big bass” just upriver of the Clarks Ferry Bridge —some in the 19-21 inch class. Best lures have been Rapala Rattlin’ Rap; Big Mouth spinnerbaits; Case Salty Shads and Magic Stiks. The middle of the day is “tough” so plan for an early departure—or the last few hours of daylight.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : **1/2; 80 degrees; floating/dying grass.

Bass fishing success ranges between fair and good depending upon the day and location. The recent cold front should help as water temperature declines.

WASHINGTON DC : smallmouth bass fishing around bridge foundations and rocky shore above Georgetown has been pretty steady. There are still plenty of small rockfish in the Washington Channel as well as underwater humps downstream of Long Bridge . Largemouth bass fishing has been so-so but the Washington Channel and Blue Plains are worth the time.

WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE and vicinity is a Dr Jeckle and Mr. Hyde comparison. Some days we catch quality bass and on other days we struggle. The best areas have been Penrod Cove; old, submersed bridge foundations; Belle Haven Cove; boat docks and grass beds south of Belle Haven and grass beds near the mouth of Piscataway Creek.

MARSHALL HALL and vicinity has been pretty good, especially grass beds at Bulltown Cove; main river grass south of Bulltown Cove; mouth of Pomonkey Creek and grass beds in Pohick Bay.

MATTAWOMAN Creek and vicinity has been quite good, especially grass between the park and the main river but the 6-MPH zone has been superior on some days. Other areas to test include Occoquan Bay ; Chickamuxen Creek (lots of snakeheads in this grassy bay) and grass near the marine base.

The best lures continue to be: frogs; Magic Stiks; Big Mouth spinnerbaits; buzzbaits and Rapala DT04 crankbaits.

Dr. Dave with a fine Mattawoman Creek largemouth bass that was caught on a Case Magic Stix, Texas rigged.

DEEP CREEK LAKE : **1/2; 70 degrees; clear; normal pool

LOU guide, Captain Brent Nelson, and Bret Winegardner report “pretty good” bass fishing from grass beds in the morning, where noisy, splashy topwater lures draw vicious strikes around the vegetation as well as main lake points and flats. When the sun is high, use Wacky rigged Magic Stiks over deeper grass beds.

NANTICOKE RIVER : **1/2; 78 degrees.

The Marshyhope, between the bridges, has been pretty good this week. Bass are on spatterdock where submersed wood is available but find the stump fields off of the vegetation to catch bigger bass.

The best lures continue to be Rapala DT06; Case Sweet Ps; Case Magic Stiks (wacky rig) and Big Mouth spinnerbaits.

KERR LAKE , VA : **1/2; 296.3; mid 80s; clear except rivers