{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Adding a little Salt into my diet for 2017

Matt,

I moved to SoMD about a year ago and got a kayak for the same reason you did.  I spent most of the summer last year getting acquainted with area and sampling a little bit of everything from the Shenandoah to the bay.  I got to see a lot of water, but I didn't get "dialed in" on anything in particular..  I did however, have a great day with schoolie stripers from a kayak over by Hoopers Island this fall (check out the video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsgvVjVazOk).  I am looking forward to the upcoming spring and summer to hit the bay a little more and also work some of the Potomac tribs for bass and snakehead on a fly.  I definitely have a lot of work to do this summer to get big stripers, cobia, and reds from the bay!

Trevor

On Friday, December 30, 2016 at 11:22:37 PM UTC-5, HeaveToo wrote:

With the future purchase of a new fishing kayak coming soon, I am starting to chomp at the bit for the upcoming fishing season.

I have a few things that I really want to do.  One of them is to do some fishing at Point Lookout State Park.

Previously I have been into the area by boat. I actually anchored there in my sailboat overnight a few years ago.  I have to say, that place looks REALLY fishy.

Not too far from the boat ramp there is the entry/exit of the harbor.  There are rock Jetties on both sides.  Tides create a lot of current in this location.  This place has to hold Schoolie Stripers on a regular basis.  I have heard stories of trout, reds, and flounder as well.

I am wondering if there are others here curious about fishing that location and maybe some that have experienced it.  I am guessing that clowser's minnow would be a go-to pattern.  I am also guessing chartreuse and white for the colors.  Maybe if the blues get into there some crease flies. 

The other nice thing is that if the weather suits, it looks like a short paddle to Point Lookout itself.  That area has to hold fish with current and the sand bars in the areas. 

I would probably do it when I was off during the week.  I am guessing that it isn't worth doing until May/June. 

Who's interested?

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{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Winter Fly Fishing (saltwater, smallmouth, etc.)

Charlie,

Thanks for the information.  Right now, making the 3 hour trip down to Virginia Beach is a little more than I wanted to put in.  However, I might have to do it to try Rudee Inlet.  On a side note, I am really intrigued by the big redfish down around the CBBT.  I keep seeing kayak fisherman online (Kayak Kevin) posting some pics of huge (45"+) reds caught on conventional gear.  I am trying to get a gameplan together to target them this summer with a fly.  If you have any info on that, I'd greatly appreciate it as it sounds like you may have some insight in the CBBT area.

Thanks again for the info.

Trevor

On Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 8:56:43 AM UTC-5, Charlie Church wrote:

Trevor,

Virginia Beach has a good amount of stripers right now but the bay season closes on the 31st. If you were to end up going, look for dock lights and bridge lights and make sure to wear some cold weather gear. Most dock lights will hold decent schoolies (16 - 24 inches) and are much safer to fish if you are fishing new water. 

After that, Rudee inlet is always a good bet when you get a real warm weekend. Puppy Drum and Speckled Trout winter over here. When the temps go up, you can find fish on mud flats throughout the inlet. Look in deeper holes if you are there on a cold day. Navionics is a pretty good way to scour the inlet to find these spots.

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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: 2016 Recap: How did everyone do?

Congratulations, Gene and Beth!  I think we'd all love to see some grip-and-grins with your newborn!  🐠👶🏻🤷🏻‍♂️

Cheers, 

-- Greg

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 30, 2016, at 8:36 PM, TurbineBlade <doublebclan@gmail.com> wrote:

2016 was very much "ungood" for us compared to 2015 in terms of overall fishing.  (Recall from 1984 that words like "bad" are not necessary when the word "good" already has an inherent negative "ungood" once you add a prefix.  We are destroying language people, get with it!)

I caught the biggest carp I've ever caught on the fly in the early spring, and we had some pretty phenomenal shad fishing about that same time, but most of the rest was slow.  

We did, however receive the gift of life in October, in the form of a healthy 8+ pound baby boy.  I plan to begin to "phase" in some fishing (the 3 of us, of course) this coming spring, probably in the form of camping trips into SNP.  Until then I'm happy being somewhat domestic ;).  

I haven't tied a fly since September!  

Gene

On Friday, December 30, 2016 at 1:33:42 PM UTC-5, Parker wrote:

2016 was a good fishing year for me! I fished with old friends and new friends, catching many new species as well as the old favorites. 

Winter: 

I focused on hiking first and fishing second to mitigate frustration...and it worked! I hiked beautiful brook trout streams (with a fly rod of course) and found some beautiful trout. 

Spring: 

After a couple days dedicated to the mandatory shad smack down, I shifted my focus to smallmouth and trout. I did a couple float trips in western MD for trout (sadly no big ones) and a few float trips on the Potomac and Shenandoah for smallmouth, catching some nice fish. I also explored some new brookie streams in late spring that I plan to fish again!

Summer:

A non-fishing trip up to CT where I fished (no stripers, but a few menhaden actually ate my fly which was interesting). I did some more brook trout trips and smallmouth trips when flows looked good. In August I caught a nice Savage River brown trout on a hopper, which was awesome and probably my favorite freshwater fish of the year because I worked so hard for it! 

Fall:

Mid September, I made my first ever trip to Alaska (Tsiu River) with some folks I met through TPFR. The coho salmon fishing was ridiculously good, and I still have probably 15lbs of salmon in my freezer! Richard from TPFR brought some gyotaku materials, and helped me make a salmon print...super cool!! In October, I made a few trips down to VA Beach to visit Charlie (who started this thread) and to try and catch my first redfish (which has eluded me for over two years). I caught a puppy drum on bait during my first visit. My second visit produced my most memorable fish of the year, a bull red... and then a few more bull reds! (also caught on bait). 

It was a good year. Game on 2017!

Parker

On Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 11:37:40 AM UTC-5, Charlie Church wrote:

Earlier today I decided to take a look at the 2016 resolutions thread from last year. It made me think it would be cool to see if everyone accomplished their goals. 

As for me, I got one of mine done. I had mentioned I was dying to get a bull drum (even on bait). Parker, Kyle (VB Local) and I had a pretty epic day this fall on them. We ended up with 10 big ones. 

I log all of my trips which makes providing a recap pretty easy. See below:

Winter:

I did not get out a ton this winter since I was in the process of getting ready to move to Virginia Beach in the spring. The times I did get out went well though and resulted in some early season dry fly for brookies. I also was able to get out and float the potomac once and got a decent smallmouth. I will take it in the winter. 

Spring

Before moving to VB, I was able to go on a pretty big 'going away' binge. It included 2 floats up in Western MD, a couple smallie floats, a shad trip, and a few trips to local spring creeks. In one week I was able to get a brown, rainbow, brookie, hickory shad, american shad, striper and smallmouth. I spent a couple days looking for big drum on the eastern shore to no avail. It seemed like every chance I had to get out on the shore was met with wind / dirty water. 

I also spent a ton of time looking for smaller reds, trout and flounder and did quite poorly. The flounder bite for me never materialized all year and the reds/trout took until fall. Looking through my logs, I had 11 trips that resulted in skunks. The dues were paid heavily. 

Summer

I got out a lot this summer. Highlights included 2 offshore trips, a couple cobia trips, a trip up to Alaska to visit one of my best friends who now guides at the lodge I used to work at and overall a ton of exploring. The alaska trip (goodnews river lodge) was ridiculous. My wife and I got all 5 species of salmon, rainbows, dollies, tons of grayling and a lake trout with a good amount coming on mouse patterns. Locally, I struck out on cobes but was able to get a few big trout, consistent stripers under lights, a few alberts offshore, some dolphin and a good amount of smaller reds later in the year.

Fall
Fall was easily the best time for me. Reds and trout showed up in huge numbers which made finding new wading spots a lot easier. I was able to find a few spots that I could hit after work and get into a decent amount of fish. It definitely made me not miss 495. This fall also included that awesome drum trip mentioned above. The trout bite was strong all the way up to December with more than a few memorable trips. 

Some of my favorite photos from the year are attached. Hopefully next includes a lot of time on the water, some exploration and maybe some dues paid along the eastern shore hunting the silver king.

How did everyone else do?

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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Skagit lines for one-handers?

+1 for commando heads from OPST. I paired one with my 9'6 7wt to swing some large flies for steelhead a few days back. The OPST guys said to pair it with Rio MOW lights and it got the fly into the zone, unfortunately the chocolate milk water was another issue. The setup rockets the line out there when there is limited casting room plus your line is in the water longer as post swing a quick cast upstream and then one across gets you back in the mix compared to false casting with a standard SH line.

On my trip for Atlantic Salmon in September, I had a different Commando paired with my 11'5 7wt switch. Paired that with OPST's run/riffle/bucket tips and it rocked. That setup will likely be near the top of the list for shad this spring.

All in all, very versatile lines.

Beyond the chart that Rob posted, a couple of shops have created their own charts for pairing different rod makers' offerings to Commando lines but as the grain weights are in 25g increments, a lot of it will be caster preference.

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{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Adding a little Salt into my diet for 2017

With the future purchase of a new fishing kayak coming soon, I am starting to chomp at the bit for the upcoming fishing season.

I have a few things that I really want to do.  One of them is to do some fishing at Point Lookout State Park.

Previously I have been into the area by boat. I actually anchored there in my sailboat overnight a few years ago.  I have to say, that place looks REALLY fishy.

Not too far from the boat ramp there is the entry/exit of the harbor.  There are rock Jetties on both sides.  Tides create a lot of current in this location.  This place has to hold Schoolie Stripers on a regular basis.  I have heard stories of trout, reds, and flounder as well.

I am wondering if there are others here curious about fishing that location and maybe some that have experienced it.  I am guessing that clowser's minnow would be a go-to pattern.  I am also guessing chartreuse and white for the colors.  Maybe if the blues get into there some crease flies. 

The other nice thing is that if the weather suits, it looks like a short paddle to Point Lookout itself.  That area has to hold fish with current and the sand bars in the areas. 

I would probably do it when I was off during the week.  I am guessing that it isn't worth doing until May/June. 

Who's interested?

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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Skagit lines for one-handers?

I don't understand the purpose for using a skagit heat on a SH rod.  If you want a heavier, sinking head with a floating running line for rivers, the teeny lines are really very, very good for that purpose.  I like a BS-100 for lighter rods like a 4-5 weight, and a t-200 for a 7-8 weight.  

Are you talking about something like a 10-11 weight 9' rod?  

If you were just wanting to mess about with some SH spey casts, I'd just go with a cheap double taper line; it will work about as well as anything.  If you want to fish the potomac from shore (not my first choice), a DH rod would do the job a heck of a lot better.  You'd need a trucker hat advertising some fair trade coffee beans, but that's it.  

Gene

On Friday, December 30, 2016 at 4:53:38 PM UTC-5, arthur noglak wrote:

The tip depends on the skagit head and the rod you plan to use.  

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 30, 2016, at 4:01 PM, Mark Obrinsky <omar...@gmail.com> wrote:

Rob,

Thanks for the info. Never having fished anything but standard single-handed fly lines, I have a couple of follow-up questions, if you don't mind.

1. I assume I would need running line + Skagit head + tip. If I'm using a sinking tip, would I then just add maybe a few feet of fluoro as a leader or do I need something more than this?

2. To get deep enough to reach shad how heavy (or fast-sinking) does your tip have to be?

Oh and one more: if you're smallmouth fishing on the Potomac, would it be worth trying these Skagit heads with a floating tip?

Best,

Mark O. (Barracuda on TPFR)

On Thu, Dec 29, 2016 at 12:29 PM, Rob Snowhite <r...@robsnowhite.com> wrote:

Opstskagit has them. There is a page that tells you what line for what rod. Call them and tell them your make and model. Iwill be fishing Skagit heads on 5wt rods for shad next spring. 

- the banks of the Chagrin

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 29, 2016, at 11:33 AM, Barracuda <omar...@gmail.com> wrote:

I gather there are now at least a couple of options for those who want to fish a Skagit line on a one-handed fly rod. Adding a variety of tips should allow you to cover much (most?) of the water column. Has anyone tried using these yet? Do you think they make sense in fishing to Potomac for stripers, smallmouth, or other species?

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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: How Cold Is Too Cold?

Winter fishing really kind of sucks, and I think I can make a case that I've done much more of it than the average fisherman in the past 4 years.  I like to stop off at the local bath tub once in a while to cast, try some flies, and catch a ton of sunfish and smaller bass, but that's about it.  

If you can fly somewhere warm or if you want to go for salmon or something, sure -- have at it.  

Gene

On Friday, December 30, 2016 at 4:20:34 PM UTC-5, Andy Thomas wrote:

The Savage has easy access.  If by put in you mean a boat or kayak, that's a no go for the Savage.  It's only wade fishing.  They have white water releases during the summer for kayaking but you can't float it to fish.  For access, go to Bloomington, MD.  The Savage tailwater flows into the North Branch right at Bloomington where the Savage River Road and Maryland HWY 135 meet.  Follow Savage River Rd as it winds up to the Savage Reservoir.  All 5 miles of the tailwater are accessible and fishable.  There are parking spots and pulloffs at different points and a campground as you get closer to the reservoir.  There are also private homes along the river.  I never fish directly behind them, but I have sometimes walked along the river past them to get to other stretches of water.  They are private property so I avoid fishing behind them.  However, there's plenty of water without having to fish behind someone's house.  There's also a small fly shop about half way up called Savage River Outfitters.  They rent cabins as well--pretty nice cabins.  I recommend driving all the way up to the reservoir to see the whole of the tailwater and then turning around and finding your spot.  I also recommend studs and a wading stick.  The Savage is slick and there are not good trails to walk on beside the river.  Looks like flows are around 106 cfs right now.  That's a decent level for fishing. 

If you have a boat and want to float, you could float the North Branch.  There's a put in about 30 minutes from the Savage at the Barnum Whitewater Area.  Of course, you have to find a shuttle. 

On Friday, December 30, 2016 at 3:56:54 PM UTC-5, James Fletcher wrote:

Many thanks! 

Is there specific place to put in you'd suggest?

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 28, 2016, at 1:05 PM, Andy Thomas <andrs...@gmail.com> wrote:

You could try the Savage if you can make it out to Western MD.  Granted, the Savage can be technical and tough even during the warmer months but I've had some good days when its has been freezing as well.  However, I wholeheartedly concur that if its freezing out, the fish will likely only be active for a short period of the day.  For instance, I fished for a day out there last year for about 6 hours.  My guides kept freezing over about every fifth cast so that tells you it was cold as well as the snow flurries throughout the day. However, about 3pm the fish started taking dead drift wooly buggers and scud imitations.  I caught 5 within the span of an hour and then they shut off.  So, all that to say that being patient and consistent in your technique (and finding that warm part of the day) can put you on a few fish even on the coldest days.

On Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 1:42:38 PM UTC-5, James Fletcher wrote:

With winter coming on in full form, now is when I have the worst luck finding trout, getting action on streams, etc. I don't want to put up my rod for months, but I have never had a good day on VA during this time of year, usually only freeze my ass off when I go out on the water. So, this year I'm making it my mission to get my nymph (using a 3wt) / streamer (using a 5wt) skills on point and locate some good streams that produce during the winter.

I read somewhere (or was told sometime ago) that when the water temperature is below 40 degrees, chances of catching trout are slim to none. Is this true? Is it better to go out right in the middle of the day with the sun high overhead?

I'm usually going to Passage Creek and Beaver Creek (VA) at this time but was glad to the discussions about places in PA, MD, and WV. Will these fish well throughout the entire winter or does their action fall off in January or February?

Any advice that keep me on the water with a tight line would be very much appreciated! 

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{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: 2016 Recap: How did everyone do?

2016 was very much "ungood" for us compared to 2015 in terms of overall fishing.  (Recall from 1984 that words like "bad" are not necessary when the word "good" already has an inherent negative "ungood" once you add a prefix.  We are destroying language people, get with it!)

I caught the biggest carp I've ever caught on the fly in the early spring, and we had some pretty phenomenal shad fishing about that same time, but most of the rest was slow.  

We did, however receive the gift of life in October, in the form of a healthy 8+ pound baby boy.  I plan to begin to "phase" in some fishing (the 3 of us, of course) this coming spring, probably in the form of camping trips into SNP.  Until then I'm happy being somewhat domestic ;).  

I haven't tied a fly since September!  

Gene

On Friday, December 30, 2016 at 1:33:42 PM UTC-5, Parker wrote:

2016 was a good fishing year for me! I fished with old friends and new friends, catching many new species as well as the old favorites. 

Winter: 

I focused on hiking first and fishing second to mitigate frustration...and it worked! I hiked beautiful brook trout streams (with a fly rod of course) and found some beautiful trout. 

Spring: 

After a couple days dedicated to the mandatory shad smack down, I shifted my focus to smallmouth and trout. I did a couple float trips in western MD for trout (sadly no big ones) and a few float trips on the Potomac and Shenandoah for smallmouth, catching some nice fish. I also explored some new brookie streams in late spring that I plan to fish again!

Summer:

A non-fishing trip up to CT where I fished (no stripers, but a few menhaden actually ate my fly which was interesting). I did some more brook trout trips and smallmouth trips when flows looked good. In August I caught a nice Savage River brown trout on a hopper, which was awesome and probably my favorite freshwater fish of the year because I worked so hard for it! 

Fall:

Mid September, I made my first ever trip to Alaska (Tsiu River) with some folks I met through TPFR. The coho salmon fishing was ridiculously good, and I still have probably 15lbs of salmon in my freezer! Richard from TPFR brought some gyotaku materials, and helped me make a salmon print...super cool!! In October, I made a few trips down to VA Beach to visit Charlie (who started this thread) and to try and catch my first redfish (which has eluded me for over two years). I caught a puppy drum on bait during my first visit. My second visit produced my most memorable fish of the year, a bull red... and then a few more bull reds! (also caught on bait). 

It was a good year. Game on 2017!

Parker

On Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 11:37:40 AM UTC-5, Charlie Church wrote:

Earlier today I decided to take a look at the 2016 resolutions thread from last year. It made me think it would be cool to see if everyone accomplished their goals. 

As for me, I got one of mine done. I had mentioned I was dying to get a bull drum (even on bait). Parker, Kyle (VB Local) and I had a pretty epic day this fall on them. We ended up with 10 big ones. 

I log all of my trips which makes providing a recap pretty easy. See below:

Winter:

I did not get out a ton this winter since I was in the process of getting ready to move to Virginia Beach in the spring. The times I did get out went well though and resulted in some early season dry fly for brookies. I also was able to get out and float the potomac once and got a decent smallmouth. I will take it in the winter. 

Spring

Before moving to VB, I was able to go on a pretty big 'going away' binge. It included 2 floats up in Western MD, a couple smallie floats, a shad trip, and a few trips to local spring creeks. In one week I was able to get a brown, rainbow, brookie, hickory shad, american shad, striper and smallmouth. I spent a couple days looking for big drum on the eastern shore to no avail. It seemed like every chance I had to get out on the shore was met with wind / dirty water. 

I also spent a ton of time looking for smaller reds, trout and flounder and did quite poorly. The flounder bite for me never materialized all year and the reds/trout took until fall. Looking through my logs, I had 11 trips that resulted in skunks. The dues were paid heavily. 

Summer

I got out a lot this summer. Highlights included 2 offshore trips, a couple cobia trips, a trip up to Alaska to visit one of my best friends who now guides at the lodge I used to work at and overall a ton of exploring. The alaska trip (goodnews river lodge) was ridiculous. My wife and I got all 5 species of salmon, rainbows, dollies, tons of grayling and a lake trout with a good amount coming on mouse patterns. Locally, I struck out on cobes but was able to get a few big trout, consistent stripers under lights, a few alberts offshore, some dolphin and a good amount of smaller reds later in the year.

Fall
Fall was easily the best time for me. Reds and trout showed up in huge numbers which made finding new wading spots a lot easier. I was able to find a few spots that I could hit after work and get into a decent amount of fish. It definitely made me not miss 495. This fall also included that awesome drum trip mentioned above. The trout bite was strong all the way up to December with more than a few memorable trips. 

Some of my favorite photos from the year are attached. Hopefully next includes a lot of time on the water, some exploration and maybe some dues paid along the eastern shore hunting the silver king.

How did everyone else do?

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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Skagit lines for one-handers?

The tip depends on the skagit head and the rod you plan to use.  

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 30, 2016, at 4:01 PM, Mark Obrinsky <omarksky@gmail.com> wrote:

Rob,

Thanks for the info. Never having fished anything but standard single-handed fly lines, I have a couple of follow-up questions, if you don't mind.

1. I assume I would need running line + Skagit head + tip. If I'm using a sinking tip, would I then just add maybe a few feet of fluoro as a leader or do I need something more than this?

2. To get deep enough to reach shad how heavy (or fast-sinking) does your tip have to be?

Oh and one more: if you're smallmouth fishing on the Potomac, would it be worth trying these Skagit heads with a floating tip?

Best,

Mark O. (Barracuda on TPFR)

On Thu, Dec 29, 2016 at 12:29 PM, Rob Snowhite <rob@robsnowhite.com> wrote:

Opstskagit has them. There is a page that tells you what line for what rod. Call them and tell them your make and model. Iwill be fishing Skagit heads on 5wt rods for shad next spring. 

- the banks of the Chagrin

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 29, 2016, at 11:33 AM, Barracuda <omarksky@gmail.com> wrote:

I gather there are now at least a couple of options for those who want to fish a Skagit line on a one-handed fly rod. Adding a variety of tips should allow you to cover much (most?) of the water column. Has anyone tried using these yet? Do you think they make sense in fishing to Potomac for stripers, smallmouth, or other species?

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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Skagit lines for one-handers?

Here is a video of a 5wt launching a commando head.  I'm using the OPST Lazar Line as a running line. 

https://youtu.be/E_vB6OVOP9Y

Hickories will bite right under the surface so a sink line isn't always needed. We got plenty of them on the surface behind the boat next to the outboard last spring while forming a D loop to launch the line. 

If your leader is rod length and you cast upstream you will get your fly into the strike zone as it drifts downstream. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 30, 2016, at 4:08 PM, Yambag Nelson <northstreetwreckingcrew@gmail.com> wrote:

My personal opinions:

1.  Yep, just a few feet off the end of your tip.

2.  Depending on where you are fishing, I would start with T-14.  Some of the deeper areas near fletchers would be better served with more.

3.  I am not sure why you would want to use a Skagit line with a floating tip if you are going to use a single hander.  To me, the advantage of Skagit heads is their ability to throw heavy tips.  Might as well just use a floating line. 

Honestly, aside from the ease of changing tips, I am not sure why would want to use a Skagit head on a single hander. 

On Friday, December 30, 2016 at 4:01:03 PM UTC-5, Barracuda wrote:

Rob,

Thanks for the info. Never having fished anything but standard single-handed fly lines, I have a couple of follow-up questions, if you don't mind.

1. I assume I would need running line + Skagit head + tip. If I'm using a sinking tip, would I then just add maybe a few feet of fluoro as a leader or do I need something more than this?

2. To get deep enough to reach shad how heavy (or fast-sinking) does your tip have to be?

Oh and one more: if you're smallmouth fishing on the Potomac, would it be worth trying these Skagit heads with a floating tip?

Best,

Mark O. (Barracuda on TPFR)

On Thu, Dec 29, 2016 at 12:29 PM, Rob Snowhite <r...@robsnowhite.com> wrote:

Opstskagit has them. There is a page that tells you what line for what rod. Call them and tell them your make and model. Iwill be fishing Skagit heads on 5wt rods for shad next spring. 

- the banks of the Chagrin

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 29, 2016, at 11:33 AM, Barracuda <omar...@gmail.com> wrote:

I gather there are now at least a couple of options for those who want to fish a Skagit line on a one-handed fly rod. Adding a variety of tips should allow you to cover much (most?) of the water column. Has anyone tried using these yet? Do you think they make sense in fishing to Potomac for stripers, smallmouth, or other species?

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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: How Cold Is Too Cold?

The Savage has easy access.  If by put in you mean a boat or kayak, that's a no go for the Savage.  It's only wade fishing.  They have white water releases during the summer for kayaking but you can't float it to fish.  For access, go to Bloomington, MD.  The Savage tailwater flows into the North Branch right at Bloomington where the Savage River Road and Maryland HWY 135 meet.  Follow Savage River Rd as it winds up to the Savage Reservoir.  All 5 miles of the tailwater are accessible and fishable.  There are parking spots and pulloffs at different points and a campground as you get closer to the reservoir.  There are also private homes along the river.  I never fish directly behind them, but I have sometimes walked along the river past them to get to other stretches of water.  They are private property so I avoid fishing behind them.  However, there's plenty of water without having to fish behind someone's house.  There's also a small fly shop about half way up called Savage River Outfitters.  They rent cabins as well--pretty nice cabins.  I recommend driving all the way up to the reservoir to see the whole of the tailwater and then turning around and finding your spot.  I also recommend studs and a wading stick.  The Savage is slick and there are not good trails to walk on beside the river.  Looks like flows are around 106 cfs right now.  That's a decent level for fishing. 

If you have a boat and want to float, you could float the North Branch.  There's a put in about 30 minutes from the Savage at the Barnum Whitewater Area.  Of course, you have to find a shuttle. 

On Friday, December 30, 2016 at 3:56:54 PM UTC-5, James Fletcher wrote:

Many thanks! 

Is there specific place to put in you'd suggest?

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 28, 2016, at 1:05 PM, Andy Thomas <andrs...@gmail.com> wrote:

You could try the Savage if you can make it out to Western MD.  Granted, the Savage can be technical and tough even during the warmer months but I've had some good days when its has been freezing as well.  However, I wholeheartedly concur that if its freezing out, the fish will likely only be active for a short period of the day.  For instance, I fished for a day out there last year for about 6 hours.  My guides kept freezing over about every fifth cast so that tells you it was cold as well as the snow flurries throughout the day. However, about 3pm the fish started taking dead drift wooly buggers and scud imitations.  I caught 5 within the span of an hour and then they shut off.  So, all that to say that being patient and consistent in your technique (and finding that warm part of the day) can put you on a few fish even on the coldest days.

On Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 1:42:38 PM UTC-5, James Fletcher wrote:

With winter coming on in full form, now is when I have the worst luck finding trout, getting action on streams, etc. I don't want to put up my rod for months, but I have never had a good day on VA during this time of year, usually only freeze my ass off when I go out on the water. So, this year I'm making it my mission to get my nymph (using a 3wt) / streamer (using a 5wt) skills on point and locate some good streams that produce during the winter.

I read somewhere (or was told sometime ago) that when the water temperature is below 40 degrees, chances of catching trout are slim to none. Is this true? Is it better to go out right in the middle of the day with the sun high overhead?

I'm usually going to Passage Creek and Beaver Creek (VA) at this time but was glad to the discussions about places in PA, MD, and WV. Will these fish well throughout the entire winter or does their action fall off in January or February?

Any advice that keep me on the water with a tight line would be very much appreciated! 

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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Skagit lines for one-handers?

My personal opinions:

1.  Yep, just a few feet off the end of your tip.

2.  Depending on where you are fishing, I would start with T-14.  Some of the deeper areas near fletchers would be better served with more.

3.  I am not sure why you would want to use a Skagit line with a floating tip if you are going to use a single hander.  To me, the advantage of Skagit heads is their ability to throw heavy tips.  Might as well just use a floating line. 

Honestly, aside from the ease of changing tips, I am not sure why would want to use a Skagit head on a single hander. 

On Friday, December 30, 2016 at 4:01:03 PM UTC-5, Barracuda wrote:

Rob,

Thanks for the info. Never having fished anything but standard single-handed fly lines, I have a couple of follow-up questions, if you don't mind.

1. I assume I would need running line + Skagit head + tip. If I'm using a sinking tip, would I then just add maybe a few feet of fluoro as a leader or do I need something more than this?

2. To get deep enough to reach shad how heavy (or fast-sinking) does your tip have to be?

Oh and one more: if you're smallmouth fishing on the Potomac, would it be worth trying these Skagit heads with a floating tip?

Best,

Mark O. (Barracuda on TPFR)

On Thu, Dec 29, 2016 at 12:29 PM, Rob Snowhite <r...@robsnowhite.com> wrote:

Opstskagit has them. There is a page that tells you what line for what rod. Call them and tell them your make and model. Iwill be fishing Skagit heads on 5wt rods for shad next spring. 

- the banks of the Chagrin

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 29, 2016, at 11:33 AM, Barracuda <omar...@gmail.com> wrote:

I gather there are now at least a couple of options for those who want to fish a Skagit line on a one-handed fly rod. Adding a variety of tips should allow you to cover much (most?) of the water column. Has anyone tried using these yet? Do you think they make sense in fishing to Potomac for stripers, smallmouth, or other species?

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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Skagit lines for one-handers?

Rob,

Thanks for the info. Never having fished anything but standard single-handed fly lines, I have a couple of follow-up questions, if you don't mind.

1. I assume I would need running line + Skagit head + tip. If I'm using a sinking tip, would I then just add maybe a few feet of fluoro as a leader or do I need something more than this?

2. To get deep enough to reach shad how heavy (or fast-sinking) does your tip have to be?

Oh and one more: if you're smallmouth fishing on the Potomac, would it be worth trying these Skagit heads with a floating tip?

Best,

Mark O. (Barracuda on TPFR)

On Thu, Dec 29, 2016 at 12:29 PM, Rob Snowhite <rob@robsnowhite.com> wrote:

Opstskagit has them. There is a page that tells you what line for what rod. Call them and tell them your make and model. Iwill be fishing Skagit heads on 5wt rods for shad next spring. 

- the banks of the Chagrin

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 29, 2016, at 11:33 AM, Barracuda <omarksky@gmail.com> wrote:

I gather there are now at least a couple of options for those who want to fish a Skagit line on a one-handed fly rod. Adding a variety of tips should allow you to cover much (most?) of the water column. Has anyone tried using these yet? Do you think they make sense in fishing to Potomac for stripers, smallmouth, or other species?

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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: How Cold Is Too Cold?

Many thanks! 

Is there specific place to put in you'd suggest?

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 28, 2016, at 1:05 PM, Andy Thomas <andrsonevn@gmail.com> wrote:

You could try the Savage if you can make it out to Western MD.  Granted, the Savage can be technical and tough even during the warmer months but I've had some good days when its has been freezing as well.  However, I wholeheartedly concur that if its freezing out, the fish will likely only be active for a short period of the day.  For instance, I fished for a day out there last year for about 6 hours.  My guides kept freezing over about every fifth cast so that tells you it was cold as well as the snow flurries throughout the day. However, about 3pm the fish started taking dead drift wooly buggers and scud imitations.  I caught 5 within the span of an hour and then they shut off.  So, all that to say that being patient and consistent in your technique (and finding that warm part of the day) can put you on a few fish even on the coldest days.

On Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 1:42:38 PM UTC-5, James Fletcher wrote:

With winter coming on in full form, now is when I have the worst luck finding trout, getting action on streams, etc. I don't want to put up my rod for months, but I have never had a good day on VA during this time of year, usually only freeze my ass off when I go out on the water. So, this year I'm making it my mission to get my nymph (using a 3wt) / streamer (using a 5wt) skills on point and locate some good streams that produce during the winter.

I read somewhere (or was told sometime ago) that when the water temperature is below 40 degrees, chances of catching trout are slim to none. Is this true? Is it better to go out right in the middle of the day with the sun high overhead?

I'm usually going to Passage Creek and Beaver Creek (VA) at this time but was glad to the discussions about places in PA, MD, and WV. Will these fish well throughout the entire winter or does their action fall off in January or February?

Any advice that keep me on the water with a tight line would be very much appreciated! 

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{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: 2016 Recap: How did everyone do?

2016 was a good fishing year for me! I fished with old friends and new friends, catching many new species as well as the old favorites. 

Winter: 

I focused on hiking first and fishing second to mitigate frustration...and it worked! I hiked beautiful brook trout streams (with a fly rod of course) and found some beautiful trout. 

Spring: 

After a couple days dedicated to the mandatory shad smack down, I shifted my focus to smallmouth and trout. I did a couple float trips in western MD for trout (sadly no big ones) and a few float trips on the Potomac and Shenandoah for smallmouth, catching some nice fish. I also explored some new brookie streams in late spring that I plan to fish again!

Summer:

A non-fishing trip up to CT where I fished (no stripers, but a few menhaden actually ate my fly which was interesting). I did some more brook trout trips and smallmouth trips when flows looked good. In August I caught a nice Savage River brown trout on a hopper, which was awesome and probably my favorite freshwater fish of the year because I worked so hard for it! 

Fall:

Mid September, I made my first ever trip to Alaska (Tsiu River) with some folks I met through TPFR. The coho salmon fishing was ridiculously good, and I still have probably 15lbs of salmon in my freezer! Richard from TPFR brought some gyotaku materials, and helped me make a salmon print...super cool!! In October, I made a few trips down to VA Beach to visit Charlie (who started this thread) and to try and catch my first redfish (which has eluded me for over two years). I caught a puppy drum on bait during my first visit. My second visit produced my most memorable fish of the year, a bull red... and then a few more bull reds! (also caught on bait). 

It was a good year. Game on 2017!

Parker

On Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 11:37:40 AM UTC-5, Charlie Church wrote:

Earlier today I decided to take a look at the 2016 resolutions thread from last year. It made me think it would be cool to see if everyone accomplished their goals. 

As for me, I got one of mine done. I had mentioned I was dying to get a bull drum (even on bait). Parker, Kyle (VB Local) and I had a pretty epic day this fall on them. We ended up with 10 big ones. 

I log all of my trips which makes providing a recap pretty easy. See below:

Winter:

I did not get out a ton this winter since I was in the process of getting ready to move to Virginia Beach in the spring. The times I did get out went well though and resulted in some early season dry fly for brookies. I also was able to get out and float the potomac once and got a decent smallmouth. I will take it in the winter. 

Spring

Before moving to VB, I was able to go on a pretty big 'going away' binge. It included 2 floats up in Western MD, a couple smallie floats, a shad trip, and a few trips to local spring creeks. In one week I was able to get a brown, rainbow, brookie, hickory shad, american shad, striper and smallmouth. I spent a couple days looking for big drum on the eastern shore to no avail. It seemed like every chance I had to get out on the shore was met with wind / dirty water. 

I also spent a ton of time looking for smaller reds, trout and flounder and did quite poorly. The flounder bite for me never materialized all year and the reds/trout took until fall. Looking through my logs, I had 11 trips that resulted in skunks. The dues were paid heavily. 

Summer

I got out a lot this summer. Highlights included 2 offshore trips, a couple cobia trips, a trip up to Alaska to visit one of my best friends who now guides at the lodge I used to work at and overall a ton of exploring. The alaska trip (goodnews river lodge) was ridiculous. My wife and I got all 5 species of salmon, rainbows, dollies, tons of grayling and a lake trout with a good amount coming on mouse patterns. Locally, I struck out on cobes but was able to get a few big trout, consistent stripers under lights, a few alberts offshore, some dolphin and a good amount of smaller reds later in the year.

Fall
Fall was easily the best time for me. Reds and trout showed up in huge numbers which made finding new wading spots a lot easier. I was able to find a few spots that I could hit after work and get into a decent amount of fish. It definitely made me not miss 495. This fall also included that awesome drum trip mentioned above. The trout bite was strong all the way up to December with more than a few memorable trips. 

Some of my favorite photos from the year are attached. Hopefully next includes a lot of time on the water, some exploration and maybe some dues paid along the eastern shore hunting the silver king.

How did everyone else do?

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