Hi Rick, I dont have much experience with tidal potomac largemouth bass but my guess is they are probably moving into deeper water this time of year. The colder weather and shorter photoperiod triggers them to change their behavior. Tom's observation about not seeing many around this year could also be a clue. I used to see Ken Penrod put out a great report about the tidal potomac but can't find it anymore.
Through the years I've had some epic days catching bass in November in the local DC area. Last year and this year so far, not so much.
I'm fly fishing exclusive, but not sure it matters.
Anyone having any luck right now?
I'll bite. Not a fly fisherman, but I love the discussions on this board!
Anyone have tips for targeting bass in the Potomac around Alexandria? I fish mostly at Jones Point, Four Mile run, and Dangerfield Island.
I've caught the rare largemouth on soft plastic worms and curly tail grubs in the past, but since around October... skunked 5x in a row.
I'm bored of catching catfish on hot dogs ;)
I've thrown everything in the tackle box targeting bass - spinnerbait, paddle tails, wacky worm, curly tailed grub, ned rig, mepps spinners, jerkbaits...
I fish mostly up and down the seawall and around docks, usually in the evening / night. I'm focusing these days on getting my presentation as subtle as possible: 8lb floor leader with weightless soft plastic or 1/16 jig head with a curly tail grub are the things that have worked in the past for me. I recently got my hopes up thinking the ned rig was the answer, went and bought some ned rig worms and watched a bunch of videos, but so far I've skunked with it trip after trip. I'm casting it out, letting it sit on the bottom, and then twitching / jumping it along the bottom back to me.
Any tips? Should I keep going lighter / smaller? Should I tie a fly on my spinning reel setup?! I'll try anything.
The sunsets and city skyline views have made every trip worth it, so I'm not upset.
Thanks for all the good advice on here!
- Rick B.
On Monday, November 9, 2026 at 8:44:32 AM UTC-5 Misha Gill wrote:
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- late afternoon, still, quiet, solitary and nice fall color. Water was cold, so I nymphed a couple of flies under an indicator. 3 nice bass, 20+ bluegills, and an amazing 2 hours of tranquility.
