This month has brought consistent weather we have not seen in the month of February for several years. The upper Potomac River gauge at Edwards Ferry is showing just over 5 feet. The gauge at Point of Rocks is showing just over 3 feet with water temperatures in the mid 40's. The Susquehanna River at the Harrisburg gauge is showing just over 5 feet. Spring is just around the corner and the smallmouth will be thinking about spawning in the near future. Before they spawn they like to stage in certain areas close to spawning locations. One type of area they like to stage in, is on island points in the middle of the river. Right now we have been catching fish on SWFA Tubes, 4 inch swimbaits, small Zman Baits and suspending jerkbaits. Target shoreline eddies and shoreline areas that have very slow moving water. The bite has been very light. The bite will be a light tap on the end of your line. When you feel that tap, you need to set the hook right away. Good luck on the water and be careful. Always wear safety gear when on the river.

Here are your current conditions and fishing report for the upper Potomac River. As we get closer and closer to February the weather is getting colder during the day and night. I believe the nighttime temperatures are very important this time of year. They set the tone for how the water temperatures will trend. The upper Potomac River is currently sitting at 40 degrees. The water level at the Edwards Ferry gauge is holding at 4.4 feet. The water clarity is clear with stained water in deeper areas. To catch smallmouth focus on whatever deep water you can find. Deep water being 6 feet or deeper. They are being found in very slow moving water and classic eddy looking water with the above mentioned depths. Use small plastic baits such as SWFA Tubes, Neds, Zman Baby Goats and Zman TRD Ticklerz. Jerkbaits are also a key factor in catching smallmouth right now. You can’t go wrong with Lucky Craft, Megabass or Rapala Jerkbaits. Fish these baits and lures very slow/ dead stick them. Good luck and stay warm. These baits, lures and techniques mentioned should work anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic Region on river smallmouth.

Fish this winter with Shallow Water Fishing Adventures. Here is a quick fishing report for the upper Potomac. The water is 43 degrees, the water clarity is stained with good visibility, the river gauge is reading showing 5.5 feet. Fish are being caught in shoreline eddies near the current seams. We are catching fish with swimbaits, tubes, Zman Ticklerz, Zman Baby Goats and jerkbaits. Depending on the area that we are fishing 1/16th to 1/8th oz jigheads are being used. The bite is soft. January is a great month to be on the river. If your interested in learning how to catch smallmouth in the winter or are familiar with winter fishing and just want to get on the water then contact Shallow Water Fishing Adventures.