Potomac River Fishing Reports

The Fletcher’s Cove leasing season ended on November 1st. With all the unseasonably summer recently, this indicates odd not to be giving our wonderful clients call at kayaks, canoes and rowboats; however in Washington, seasonal changes tend to be since unpredictable as politics, and a closing day needs to be selected beforehand. As the sunlight features shone brightly and moderate breezes have actually blown on recent times, the water heat is within the 50s, therefore it’s essential to play it safe with walk-up rentals into general public.

2015 happens to be a great year down by The Cove. It started off with a welcome helping hand from nationwide Park provider to boost safe use of our local rental dock. In nick of the time we were in a position to open for spring shad, perch and striper operates up the Potomac. The fishing had been great, our visitors had been pleased, we had been hectic. A triple play! A spring vista like no other would be to gaze out on water to see our tile-red classic ships dotting the top, anchored in eddies and seams where in fact the shad are found.

Whilst the water warmed into summer, along emerged kayakers and canoeists to explore one of the nation’s many amazing metropolitan rivers. It’s great to see individuals really taking a break from Washington’s bee-hive-like workaday globe. Within the winter months, read Louis J. Halle’s “Spring in Washington” while too may have the compulsion to split without the hive and explore the area’s valuable natural gifts.

Today, the fall colors have actually peaked across the Potomac Gorge and morning fog frequently coats the lake like nature’s butter-cream frosting. Winter’s stillness down because of the cove can be your possibility to value peacefulness unavailable through the hustle-bustle of this rental season. Those fishermen whom took advantage of the result air conditioning seas had on effective fishing were rewarded with good fat bass, catfish and walleye. Our regular “Wednesday catfish hunters” arrived early each week as well as on most occasions wrestled-up some impressive denizens of the deep. Ryan Jenkinson arrived one day with a walleye that went corner-to-corner on a 40 quart cooler. He introduced a few other people. Alex Binsted uses smooth plastics such as for example Gitzits and Senkos to fool bronzebacks of impressive dimensions into thinking there's anything as a totally free lunch. Despite the fact that rental boats are not any much longer going out, it is still feasible to seafood from coast. It has been mild in 2010 so that the probability of a catch are great until that inescapable blast of icy winter season hits.

Beyond the natural splendor in addition to great fishing, Fletcher’s is a people place. It really is that great characteristic whenever some other that drew me personally indeed there originally. I became painting a vintage ship a few weeks ago or over comes a biker to my area during the edge of the parking area. We respected him from earlier within the season when Alex and I had done a tiny benefit in lending him a kayak paddle. We'd talked at that moment about ecology and the beauty for the river and off he moved downstream in a home-crafted motorboat. When I endured with paintbrush in hand he handed me personally an artfully covered current, said many thanks hence it was advisable that you see me personally once again. Off he rode along the canal. The present had been a delicious baked item although genuine gift ended up being an attractive card with words of appreciation he penned about his grandma and expect the year ahead.

It’s rowboat fix-up time down at Cove. Our fleet of unique wooden boats needs a lot of TLC if you've got previously fished out of one, i do believe you will definitely agree the results are worth enough time and effort. About 50 % the boats had been pulled in late September and just about all set to go for next spring. We're at this time looking forward to the proper problems to pull the rest through the water. I’m hoping we could build exactly the same muscular team for another pulling in the near future. Thanks, dudes… my old straight back is grateful!

Additional end of period thanks a lot go out to so many people and organizations that assisted make 2015 another great 12 months in Fletcher’s long colorful history… To Superintendent Kevin Brandt as well as the C & O Canal NPS staff; the truly amazing Falls upkeep lawn team; The C & O Canal Trust; The recently created Friends of Fletcher’s Cove; The personnel of The D.C. Fisheries and Wildlife workplace; The D.C. Harbor Police and Fire division; The Palisades Citizens Association; the people at “H.Q.” (Guest Services business Office) with a special wink to Kris and Tricia; to your great Boathouse staff… and undoubtedly our many, many valued customers and pals who get this perhaps not employment, but an adventure!

As I choose to do before the final watercraft makes water for winter storage, we took just a little line out into the drizzle today. With each swing of oars, yesteryear arrived closer and closer. Across the water, within the mist and stillness, the spirits of a lifetime of figures surrounded me personally. Numerous amazing individuals I’ve been happy to understand, a lot of enriching organizations and experiences to hold onto. As well as in that introspective minute it took place for me your neat thing is they hold coming! In a genuine good sense, the character of the past and present came back to where it started.