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Another day working in Gaithersburg, another opportunity to go fishing on the Potomac when work ends. I can't think of a better way to wait for the nightmare of the DC area traffic than to go fishing for smallies!
On this late September Thursday, I headed down to Swain's Lock. Like all the access points to the Potomac, it was well marked off River Road and I had no trouble finding it. The books talk about a boat rental outfit working from this lock. While I did see an older building there, there was no evidence that the business was still going. So, if you plan on canoeing, bring your own.
But, I did not need a boat - I was here to wade. In my typical pre-fish haste, I geared up quickly and then worked my way out into the main river. Even in the low water environment of late 2007, the water was noticeably higher here than it was at either the Seneca Breaks or Pennyfield locations and forced me to adjust my strategy. I moved downstream a bit and began a flank attack on Gladys Island as there was an inviting chain of rock ledges leading out to it. I cautiously worked my way around the rocks, avoided several of the deeper drops and slowly got into position to work the tip of the Island.
Wow. It was really deep there - over the head deep, can't see the bottom deep! And I did not have a sink tip with me or my sinking line - there's a mistake I will not make again. I started working the area with poppers and larger terrestrials. Immediately, the faithful bluegills pounced! If it were not for those guys, most of my summer would have been pretty boring!
I tried to work hellgrammite patterned nymphs deep down into the seam of the current, but they kept getting hung up on the vegetation that seems to have exploded response to the late summer low water flows. I assume the lowered volume prevented the weeds from being swept away periodically; something that would definitely ensured a better, clearer fishing experience on this day.
Failing in the nymphs and not able to get to the shore of Gladys to work around to the other side, I turned back to the shore fished the numerous deep drops around the rocks as I worked my way back. Picked up a few smallies in the process, but nothing to brag about.
Of course, the bluegills were on duty and did not fail to give me all the action I wanted. I have discovered that if it gets boring after smallies, just put a smaller popper on and the blues will just light into it with a vengeance!
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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.
Bottom line: First impression would lead to the conclusion that this is not a good wading spot.. Given that we had low water this year, a typical flow would quickly put this in the "need a canoe" category. However, do not be quick to conclude that there is no wading here. I just went to the wrong spot. I later learned that if I had moved up the river from Swain's Lock to the area west of the "G" in Glady's on the above map, it would have become shallower and better for wading. I'll check that on the next trip.
I'll bet that if you can work the other side of the island, you would kill 'em. If only because it is harder to get to, it must see less pressure.
Getting there: You can take River Road from the Beltway. Turn off River Road at the Swain's Locks road. Follow that road to the parking lot.
Update from Jigskipper on River Smallies: Safest and best time to wade is when the Point of Rocks Gauge is 2' or below.
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