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It started with a forum conversation on Tristatesportsmen.com. A number of us were poking on the availability of good fishing in Antietam Creek this time of year - specifically in search of smallies. When we got a thumbs up that smallies exist in Antietam, John and I decided we would make the expedition together.
I picked John up at 0630 and we headed north. The day prior we discussed other options beyond Antietam and decided that if the Potomac River looked good, why spend the additional time on the road? As we crossed the bridge near Harpers Ferry, it only took one look at the rocky river to change our plans - we headed for the water. As we pulled in to one of the few parking sections on the the north bank of the river, I was surprised that there were as many cars present - most of these small lots were full. A quick glance toward the river provided the explanation. The C&O walking path was about 25 yards away and it was already bustling with activity at 0730 in the morning. Bikers, hikers, kayakers... babies, mommies, dads and even the random park ranger were all evident.
With the itch to fish stimulated by our chat on the drive about our last trip up to the Yawk, we quickly rigged up and headed to the river. This was to be a landmark day for John - his first day of fly fishing with some gear his grandfather gave him. As soon as we broke out of the trees that line the shore, I knew this was the perfect place for a lesson; even one from a new fly guy as the blind would attempt to lead the blind. What stretched out in front of us was a wide panorama of shallow pools and rock outcrops that provided the boundary marker for swifter, deeper runs. I quickly took John through the basics of the cast -> 10 - 12, keep your elbow at the same level, hurry up and stop at 10 and 12 to slam energy into the rod to propel the line; tight loops. There was not much time for more as the urgency mounted - fish were probably already lining up to chomp our buggers. I quickly tied on his leader and a wooly bugger (brown with gold fleck), showed him how to do the knots using a small brass tool that I also gave him (I recently learned how to do the same thing with the hemostat).
Within 5 minutes, FISH ON! John hauled in a bluegill and I had my first smallie of the day on a nymph. We worked the area right next to the road where the red line pokes out into the river on the map and then headed upstream. I worked my way across the surprisingly fast current to fish up the northern rim of a broad area of low lying "islands" (see the picture below). I started where the major "streams" came through these sections using a copper john with same green fly looking smaller nymph I had used successfully before. In short order, I had picked up two nice smallies that were a bit over 12 inches each - threw them both back. There is a consumption advisory in effect for the main stem of the Potomac. According to the WV DNR, you should only eat one meal of game fish a month. But... on the same page, they recommend not eating any non-game fish. It seems like all these guys are swimming in the same place, they should all be nasty; so it's an automatic catch and release for me.
The "island" area was interesting, but non-productive. You can catch as many small smallies or bluegills as you care to haul out, but there is only one place I found larger game. In the center of the island area, there is a deeper pool where I had a really nice smallie hooked on a brown wooly bugger with green flecks, but he shook the hook off as he rocketed into the sky doing a frantic rendition of the twist. I'll get him next time.
We worked the area for about 4 hours. I spent at least two working the islands. I wandered all the way across to the West Virginia side and discovered that the mainstem of the river, on this day, was over on the Maryland side. The water near West Virginia was fast and shallow with small pools that only hold the 'gills. Dang those guys... they are as obnoxious as telemarketers and attack pretty much anything you throw in. |
Remember to refer to my rating explanations - these are based on what I look for - so RED for Physical Fitness translates to easy physically - you do not need to be in shape to fish this section. I prefer terrain that is tough to get into and out of.
Therewere plenty of other people fishing. When we started, there were other parties about 50 yards both up and downstream from where we were. I noticed another party working the island section as well - they moved north out of the island and then worked down the northern fringe to our initial crossing point. Between them and all the other water sports - canoes and kayaks - there was plenty of activity in the area. Not a place for solitude, but the smallies did not seem to care much. We did not bother with waders - just jumped in. I did wear my cleats and noticed that the rocks could be slick. My wading staff came in real handy as I worked my way across the current.
The scenery is good - it's nice to see the jagged rocks cutting their way out of the river and defining the likely holding areas for the fish. They really provide a nice focus. This place is easy to get to, but hard to park. When we left, another party jumped at our parking place with ferocity equal to a bluegill going after a trout magnet!
For the first time in years, I was actually checked for my license by a CO. I thanked him for doing that and encouraged him to get the poachers. I wish I had had the presence of mind to get a bit of advice on other good smallie spots accessible from the bank... but did not ask.
Getting there: From Route 7 coming out of Northern Virginia, turn onto the Charlestown Pike. Take 671 (Harpers Ferry Road) and follow it north until it crosses the river at Harpers Ferry. Take your first right (Keep Tryst Road) and another right on Sandy Hook road. This road will take you down to the river. You can stop anywhere along here you can find a parking place. There is a small grocery store on the way down where you can get a sandwich and some halting advice on where to fish.
Bottom Line: When you go fishing for bass, you don't expect much in the way of solitude. Additionally, it's hard to find a remote place to fish for a bass from the shore, so I don't put much weight in the low ratings I gave in those areas. I would go back here in a heartbeat. It's just a nice place to spend the day wading and fishing.
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