Ken Penrod’s Fishing Reports
43-Years.
1997 National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame-Legendary Guide.
(Mailing Address) 1860 Robin Court, Lusby, MD 20657
kenpenrod@comcast.net <> 240-447-2206 <> penrodsguides.com
Fishing Report for Week Ending April 2, 2023
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LOU Fish of the Week
Toothy Critter: Steve Stevens (25’ walleye) (4 foot Musky)
Smallmouth: J T Freeze (20”)
Brent Nelson (20)
Jason George (5-3)
Eddy, Youth Category
Griffith Youth
Ken Penrod 20-Inch Smallmouth Club
Sponsored by Ardent Outdoors and Riverfront Campground
Dave Kerrigan—Five Pounds
J T Freeze: 20”
Brent Nelson; 20”
Jason George (5-3)
Gryffith (Youth)
LOU Potomac River Largemouth Club
Sponsored by Lowrance Electronics and Ardent Outdoors
HOT HOT HOT: Lures of the Week
Smallmouth: Case Magic Swim on Campground RAB jig head;
Campground Tubes in Purple Tail on 1/8th oz. RAB jig head
Big Mouth Sweetheart Spinnerbait
Largemouth: Lipless crankbait; Bomber Firetiger7A; Case Magic Stik;
Campground 3.5’ tubes in KP Rose; Case Magic Stik in Ken’s Stik and Green Pumpkin-Gold on 3/0 hook; Big Mouth “Penrod” Spinnerbait; Big Mouth Big Shaky
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Susquehanna & Juniata Rivers: ***; some color main stem; 49 degrees; 5.2 at Newport rising to 6 feet by Wednesday;5.6 at Harrisburg rising to 7.7 by Monday.
The most undependable profession in America are weather forecasters. Worse than used car sales; worse than surgery schedulers; worse than Democrat politicians.
Topsy Turvey weather this week with some of everything from freezing mornings to 70 degree days. A cold front made things difficult some days but the fat-sos are still in spawn areas and needing to eat. I can’t remember when I saw so many heavy-healthy smallmouth bass. Check the “Whats Hot” column above for our lure recommendations. Juniata was go-to much of this week and–Main River islands too.
Brisk most days but those lying weather folks kept many away Saturday–including me. Yep—its April Fools day and we were the fools
. Capt Dave Kerrigan reports “game on”! True to expectations Susky bass are moving to A team spawning areas. A good mix of FAT ladies are joined by those feisty males in the usual places. On Saturday we witnessed several balls of fry that suggests that some fish have already done the deal. Most baits we throw each spring are catching fish but those Campground Special tubes with the purple tails just keep kicking butt with some real chunks taken in the mix. Next couple of days will feature rising stained water. Use those darker colors to trigger bites in moving water next to current breaks. Don’t forget those swim baits…besides crawfish Susky bass eat lots of small fish. We’ve caught some pigs on those Case Lil Swims this week!! White works well but natural minnow colors also produce.
Upper Potomac River: ***; mid 50s; spawning activity; clear to some color; 3.2 at Point of Rocks with a bump-up to 3.6 by Tuesday
It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to say that “smallmouth bass fishing is quite good” nut it is—no thanks to MD DNR or VA’s fishery folks..
We only cover the Piedmont sectors from Brunswick to Seneca but that’s where the fat ladies are thriving.
See the “What’s Hot” column above for favored lures.
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Tidal Potomac River: ***; quite clear; near 60 degrees; very active pre-spawn activity.
A mild winter and absence of flooding has most aquatic life feeling good and looking to spawn. From DC to Aquia your chances are good to excellent. Check the wind velocity and go from there.
I’m rating the Penrod Cove to Piscataway Creek sector as “best” but there is no “worst.”
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LOU GUIDES FOR 2023
United States Coast Guard Licensed Captains
Captain Ken Penrod (Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, Legendary Guide)
Susquehanna River, Juniata River, Tidal Potomac River, Eastern Shore Tidal Rivers;
Upper Potomac River; Stevenson Dam; Cameron County trout
Captain Dave Kerrigan, VP (301-252-5322)
Susquehanna River, Juniata River, Upper Potomac River, Tidal Potomac River
Captain Brian Barnes (302-745-4668)
Upper Chesapeake Bay, Tidal Potomac River, Nanticoke River, Choptank River, Wicomico River, Pocomoke River
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2023 LOU Sponsors and Partners:
#lowrance; #ArdentOutdoors; #CasePlastics; #ZipperWorms; #Case Magic Swim; #CampgroundTubes; #RABjigheads; #Simms; #Costa: #Yeti; #RiverPro; (AlumaRyder-Captain Kerrigan); #RiverfrontCampground; #Ghost; #BigMouthLures