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.