Serving Fresh and Brackish Waters
of MD, VA, D.C.  & PA

WEEK ENDING October 26, 2008
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Webmaster Brent Nelson: bbnelson@comcast.net

Guiding on fresh & brackish waters of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania & DC  

• This will be our last scheduled fishing report for the year—but if we find extraordinary fishing, we will post a report here.
• We will continue to operate a rather busy guide schedule through December so don’t think the fishing’s over just because we don’t offer reports.
• Our spring dates for the Susquehanna and Tidal Potomac “book-up” very quickly so if you are interested, try to get on our books asap.
• My 2008 Z-21 Ranger with 250 Verado is now available. Call Brian Lancaster of Mare, Inc.(301-898-3717) for pricing. This is one of the best boat-deals in the country
• My 08 Xpress Jet Boat with 90/65 Mercury is for sale.
• We will post our show schedule when we have more information. For certain, we will be at the “Fishing Expo and Boat Show” in Timonium in January.
• I have a good selection of Gator Rods for sale.
• GIFT CERTIFICATES for fishing trips are available—and they are very popular for the Christmas season.
• Books I still have in print include:
• Pursuing River Smallmouth Bass
• Ken Penrod’s Tidal Potomac Fishing Bible
• Fishing the Upper Potomac River
• Ken Penrod’s Top Ten for PAMARVA

Go to www.penrodsguides.com and download an order form.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : ***, 50s, 1.2 @ Point of Rocks, clear.

There was a slight rise to the river late this week, and it’s too soon to understand what Saturday’s rain may do. Bass fishing has been red-hot from Edwards Ferry to Brunswick . The level has been as low as it’s been all year but a slight rise was observed late this week. Grass is still a problem but it’s almost all gone. This is “ledge” time so: 6 or 8-pound test mono, Mizmo Penrod Special tubes or Case Magic Stik—and cast up-current of the underwater ledge and allow the offering to drop into her front porch.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER , PA : ***, 3.0 at Harrisburg , low 50s, clear.

This amazing river continues to delight anglers with quality smallmouth bass, bigger than average walleye and huge musky. The water level is still summer-low and it’s tough boating but what great bass fishing above Fort Hunter . Cast Mizmo tubes to ledges and current breaks and hang on.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : **, very high tides, murky, high 50s.

Not a very good week but I blame the wind and high barometer more than anything. In Washington D.C. , the smallmouth bass have been cooperative, especially around a few of the bridges where Mizmo tubes and Luhr Jensen Speed Traps have been productive.

          In the Woodrow Wilson Bridge vicinity, Penrod Cove and Belle Haven Cove have been “fair,” where tubes and sticks on dropoffs—or buzzbaits and Magic Stiks in the grass cover provided a few bass.

          In the Mattawoman Creek vicinity, it was tough in spite of pretty good tides. We catch some on channel drops within the “6-MPH” zone. The grass beds between the park and main stem were very stingy.

          Occoquan/Belmont Bay grass beds and rocks are giving-up a few bass but not up to par.

Ken Penrod & Guides endorse the following great companies;

          Mare, Inc.

          Ranger Boats

          RangerTrail Trailers

          Xpress Boats

MercuryOutboards & Jet Drives

Minn Kota Trolling Motors and Battery Chargers.

Lowrance & Eagle Electronics

Gator Rods

Luhr Jensen & Sons

Big Mouth Lure Company

Mizmo

Case Plastics

Jennelle Opticians

See our website, www.penrodsguides.com for links to our sponsors.

WEEK ENDING October 19, 2008
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Webmaster Brent Nelson: bbnelson@comcast.net

Guiding on fresh & brackish waters of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania & DC  

NOTES: I will suspend the fishing reports as of the end of October but that doesn’t mean that we will suspend our fishing operation. There are great opportunities ahead so make your reservations accordingly.

          I will now accept spring bookings and for those of you that want to get in on our trophy smallmouth schedule on the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania —you may want to contact us soon. Those dates fill quickly.

          I am actively seeking a river smallmouth guides, familiar with the Susquehanna and upper Potomac . You must have a modern, well designed jet boat, be capable of guiding during the week, be able to teach and communicate and NOT be dependant upon guiding as a means for making your living.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : ***, low 50s, 1.1 @ Point of Rocks & very clear.

          Smallmouth bass fishing has been very good all week, especially at Lander where we use Mizmo tubes, Case Magic Stiks and Luhr Jensen Speed Traps over ledges both upriver and down of the public launch. The early morning “trico” hatch is not so prolific but it certainly does spur the bites. At Whites Ferry, we chose to go upriver until we see the tall Dickerson smoke stack—then we use our Minn Kota trolling motors to control our downriver drift. We stay in the middle 2/3 of the river.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : ***, full moon tides, low 60s, floating surface grass.

          Very good fishing throughout the river although the full moon high tides were flood-like, and floating grass makes moving-bait presentations difficult. In Washington D.C. water, very good smallmouth bass activity between Key Bridge and Fletchers where Luhr Jensen crankbaits did best for us. Better fishing in the Washington Channel where tubes and Case Magic Sticks lured fine largemouth bass from the dropoff near Fort McNair . In the Woodrow Wilson Bridge sector, LOU guide Keith Barker is catching some topwater action near Belle Haven and grass beds in Broad And Piscataway Creek are again productive where buzz baits, Case Sticks and Big Mouth spinnerbaits are favored. In the Mattawoman Creek sector, main river grass beds upriver of Mattawoman have been holding surprising numbers of largemouth best caught on frogs, buzzbaits and Penrod Special (by Big Mouth) spinnerbaits catch bass to five pounds. Grass beds in Belmont Bay , mouth of Mattawoman, mouth of Chickamuxen and Chopawamsic Island have been productive.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER , PA : ****, mid 50s, 3.1 at Harrisburg , clear.

          LOU guide Mike Breeding has been fishing the lake lately until the river level improves. Mike recommends 3/8^th to ½ ounce, Big Mouth spinnerbaits, Mizmo tubes on ¼ ounce RAB jig heads and Rapala jerk baits.

          On the free flowing river, in the vicinity of Duncannon, there is above average results from ledges upriver of Fort Hunter —and deep holes and grass islands upriver of River Front Camp Grounds.

POCOMOKE RIVER , MD : ***, 60s, full moon tides, tannic clear.

          Bass fishing gets better each day it seems as fish feel the urgency to store calories for tougher times ahead. Find spatterdock with submersed wood (even cypress knees) where tidal guts and ditches serve the main river—and beat these areas-up with Big Mouth spinnerbaits (Penrod Special), buzzbaits during low light, weightless Case plastics and Luhr Jensen Speed Trap crankbaits. I like Nassawango on a falling tide but upriver or down is an equal call for now.

KERR LAKE , VA : 

            LOU Associate Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com) reports “improved” largemouth catches on a lake that’s still holding water temps in the high 60s. Look to creek mouths, even mid-portions of the creeks for shad schools, then  cast Luhr Jensen Sugar Shads, Big Mouth spinnerbaits or Rapalla jerk baits. Nutbush, Ivy Hill and Clarksburg areas seem best for now. Stripers can be found near Ivy Hill for now but look for movement uplake ( Clarksville area) in the coming weeks.

WEEK ENDING October 12, 2008
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Webmaster Brent Nelson: bbnelson@comcast.net

Guiding on fresh & brackish waters of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania & DC  

Understanding Ken’s grading system.

I rate the fishing for the past week on a 1-star to 5-star scale—with ***** being the best. I rate the water based on our expectations for the destination, based on our experience—NOT against another  water. For instance; a *** at Deep Creek Lake will not relate to a *** on the Upper Potomac River .

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : **, low 60s, 1.3 @ Point of Rocks, clear.

The water temperature is holding in the 60s, surprisingly, and the water willow and curly pondweed grasses are pulling free and floating away—but bass fishing this week was tough. At Lander my client and I spend two days catching 27 the first day and 4 the second. The barometer was very high and the northerly winds were tough on us. We fished both up and down from the launch where Case Magic Sticks were our saving grace. Same news at Whites Ferry & Edwards Ferry.

Mattawoman bass, by Lenny, aboard Ken's Ranger/Mercury Verado/Minn Kota combo--and Case Magic Stiks did the deed.	Jennelle Optics (Sterling, VA) polarized sun glasses could be your most important purchase this year--because I owe much of my success to that simple but vital purchase. Call Jennelle at 703-437-8300 and tell them Ken sent you. All you need is a credit card, a prescription--or not, and A want-to be better. By the way--the bass was caught on a Penrod Special, Big Mouth spinnerbait.
You may not appreciate the little tips I send along--but Jennelle Optics, Sterling, Virginia, polarized sun glasses are a big part of my success--and this Potomac River smallmouth bass was viewed before caught--on a Penrod Special Mizmo tube.	My fishing friend/client for more than 20-years celebrates his 2nd Lander smallmouth bass--after successful surgery--and he will remind you that this one may be his 1000th while guided by Ken over the years.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : ***, mid-60s, morning low tides, normal color.

A long-lasting high barometer accompanied by northerly winds made for difficult fishing this week but she still gets 3-stars for the quality of the bass we catch. In WASHINGTON , DC the smallmouth action between Three Sisters and the fall line has been steady where Mizmo tubes and Luhr Jensen crankbaits are recommended. In “town,” bridge foundations, dropoff at Fort McNair wall and Blue Plains habitat provided some bass best caught with firetiger pattern Brush Baby crankbaits. In the WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE vicinity, look to Fox Ferry Point, Penrod Cove concrete, sunken barges and old bridge rubble for better than average bass albeit few, on crankbaits and Mizmo tubes. The mouth of Broad Creek, grass beds between Hog Island and Mount Vernon and Fort Washington Light are reliable stops. For grass beds we rely on the Penrod Special spinnerbait by Big Mouth Lure Co; topwater frogs; Case Magic Sticks and buzzbaits. DOUGE CREEK grassbeds are full of small bass best caught with 6-inch weightless worms such as Case provides. In the MATTAWOMAN CREEK vicinity, I spent time two days on excellent tides and didn’t fare well. We caught some quality bass from spatterdock and dropoffs with Penrod Special spinnerbaits in the 60-MPH zone. Didn’t do much better from the massive grass beds between the Park and the river. OCCOQUAN BAY/BELMONT BAY has remained “steady to improved” and CHOPAWAMSIC CREEK & vicinity grass beds are fairly steady habitat.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER , PA : **, 3.2 @ Harrisburg , low 50s, clear.

LOU guide Mike Breeding fished the “lake” this week with pretty good success, where he used Big Mouth spinnerbaits and Mizmo, Penrod Special, tubes. John Cunningham of Riverfront Campground reports that his “floater-rentals” are still popular and the smallmouth bass between Clemson Island and the mouth of the Juniata has been “on fire,” The area above Fort Hunter that we refer to as the Sherman Ledges or the “Community Hole” is still giving up good numbers of smallmouth bass. The river is very low so you must be careful.

POCOMOKE RIVER : ***, normal tides, low 60s, “tanic” color.

LOU guide Brian Barnes said the evening low tides were the best hours this week where Big Mouth spinnerbaits and buzzbaits were best for willing largemouth in spatterdock cover below Shad Landing—and stump fields above Snow Hill.

Tip for this week: Polarized sun glasses are as important to me as any fishing aid I own. I can’t imagine fishing without good quality polarized glasses. I must have corrected lens, but even if you don’t, allow me to recommend Jennelle Optics in Sterling , Virginia (703-437-8300.) You don’t haven to drive to Sterling —simply call the office. This is something you can do right-now that will improve your ability to find and catch all types of fish.

WEEK ENDING October 5, 2008
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Webmaster Brent Nelson: bbnelson@comcast.net

Guiding on fresh & brackish waters of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania & DC  

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : ****, low 60s, clear, 3.0 @ Point of Rocks & falling.

It’s nice. We finally got some water and the grasses are pulling free and headed toward the tidal district. The recent rise has pulled much of the submersed grasses free from the bottom and it’s tough to fish surface lure but the Lander smallmouth bass have a propensity for Mizmo tubes anyway. We do best, for now, downriver, between the power lines and the south end of Bald Eagle Island—the area I refer to as Hales Pond or Huffman Rocks. At Whites Ferry, LOU guide Mike Breeding is treating his clients to quality smallmouth action both up and downriver of the launch. Our routine is simple: cast Mizmo tubes most of the day—but “try” topwater lures in the morning. Our “numbers” are 40-60 bass per outing with several in the 15-inch plus category—and it’s just going to get better.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : ****, low 60s, normal color and tidal action.

Largemouth bass fishing has really improved due to cooling water temperature and declining grass growth. In Washington D.C,  some impressive smallmouth action upriver of Three Sisters Island where Luhr Jensen crawfish pattern Speed Traps and Mizmo tubes in green pumpkin and Penrod Special do the job. The bridge foundations have been productive, especially Key and Long Brige. There are still some pretty nice stripers around those bridge structures and the underwater humps nearby. In the Woodrow Wilson Bridge area, Use Brush Baby crankbaits and tubes in Penrod Cove, especially the concrete cover Penrod had placed there in 1985. Nearby grass beds south of Belle Haven, mouth of Broad Creek and mouth of Dogue Creek are holding lots of bass and buzzbaits, frogs, spinnerbaits and Case Stiks are our favorites. Pohick, Pomonkey, Belmont Bay & Mattawoman grass beds have been very productive where plastics, frogs and buzzbaits account for most bass.

Judge Robert Giammittorio fished Lander with Ken this week and Mizmo tubes accounted for lots of chunky smallmouth bass.	Dr. David Giammittorio with a fine Lander bass caught from Ken's Xpess jet boat.
Submersed grasses have become common habitat on the upper Potomac River. You can avoid it--or learn to take advantage of it.	Ken's "Penrod Special" by Mizmo is a green pumpkin/purple flake tube and the smallmouth bass seem to like it.
Kenny Rounds of Ennis Electric won co-Angler "lunker" during the Maurice Invitational Bass Tournament.	The team of Gary Gedlicka, Walt Agnolutto and Brandon Pyles wre 2nd place during the Maurice Invitational Bass Tournament.
Brandon Pyle's 5.12# largemouth was Boat Operator Lunker" during the Maurice Invitational.	Bob Gough, Al Fiorille and Matt Watson won the Maurice Invitational with 30.1 pounds of Potomac largemouth bass.
The Team of Carl Larson, Rick Allen and Danny O'Conner caught nearly 28 pounds of Potomac bass, good enough for 3rd place at the Maurice Invitational Bass Tournament.

POCOMOKE RIVER , MD : ***, low 60s, tanic color, falling tides.

Captain Brian Barnes and I spent three days on the Pocomoke this week where bass fishing was “tough.” We averaged 12-20 bass per boat each day but they were mostly small (11-17 inches long). The huge cold front and accompanying clear skies with strong northerly winds are to blame. We fished between Snow Hill and Pocomoke City with Mizmo tubes, Luhr Jensen Hot Lips, Big Mouth spinnerbaits and buzzbaits and Case sticks. The most reliable patterns were “stumps on dropoff” and dropoff edge cypress knees. Lots of boats this week—unusual for sure.

Lu Romanno, Captain Brian Barnes, Lenny Romanno and Zachery (seated) show off some of the Pocomoke River inhabitants they caught aboard Ken and Brians Rangers while using Case Magic Sticks, Mizmo tubes and Penrod Special/Big Mouth Lure Company spinnerbaits.	Lucian Romanno spent three days with Ken Penrod's guide servive upon the beautiful Pocomoke River, fishing main river cover with Luhr Jensen crankbaits, weightless Jack Sticks and Penrod Special spinnerbaits.
Lenny Romano used a Mizmo, red craw tube to lure this fine Pocomoke largemouth to Ken's Ranger/Mercury boat.	Zach poses with Captain Brian Barnes near Shad Landing on the Pocomoke River--the deepest tidal river in the world.
Daniel Mumma fished the Pocomoke with Ken on Saturday and caught this rockfish on a blue fleck worm.

  SUSQUEHANNA RIVER , PA : ***, high 50s, 3.3 @ Harrisburg , clear.

Smallmouth bass fishing remains “very good” but it’s not jet boat run and gun for the most part. John Cunningham of Riverfront Campground reports excellent fishing for those he shuttles upriver for drift-fishing back to camp. Boaters can get in at Fort Hunter and make their way upriver to the Sherman Ledges where lots of nice bass are taken on tubes and spinnerbaits. 

WEEK ENDING September 28, 2008
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Webmaster Brent Nelson: bbnelson@comcast.net

Guiding on fresh & brackish waters of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania & DC  

Notes: A week of northeast winds and some heavy rains over the weekend “may” help us but it’s too soon to predict yet. Resident goose season ends Tuesday the 30^th.We will provide fish reports until the end of October.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER , PA : **: 3.2 @ Harrisburg and rising; mid-60s; clear.

Budget cuts at a number of agencies threatens to eliminate up to 30 river gauge stations in the next few months. These stations provide river flow information vital to the reporting of rising and/or flooding water. Don’t bother contacting NWS is State College—they have nothing to do with funding the stations, they only use that information when reporting “river conditions in central Pennsylvania .” It’s no understatement when I say that without the information from some of the gauges slated for elimination, the NWS (1-888=881-7555) river report will be degraded significantly. If you wish to voice your displeasure, direct your complaints toward Armey Corps of Engineers and USGS. I find it implausible to reduce this valuable information that can have life-threatening consequences. One of the stations slated for “dismissal” is Harrisburg . What a deal!

VISIT: http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1222133112318840.xmlcoll=1

          LOU guide Mike Baden fished the Fort Hunter to Sherman Ledges this week and he said “I got my butt kicked today Ken.” The high barometer and windy conditions didn’t help anyone.

MID ATLANTIC RIVER FORECAST CENTER

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER ; ***; 1.3 @ Point of Rocks, clear, mid-60s.   

          Smallmouth bass fishing remains excellent in spite of a continuing drought, nor’easters and windy days. At Whites Ferry, our preferred launch for the Edwards Ferry to Dickerson sector, we find lots of bass, albeit small, both upriver and down. Just be caution when venturing downriver because the riffle at the head of Harrison Island can ding you.  We stay low in the boat, use 6# mono and make long casts. Same story at Lander, where we prefer upriver but find it tough-going due to submersed grass. The fish are in middle river habitat, especially ledges, dropoffs and grass edges. Best baits are: Mizmo Small Jaws (Penrod Special; Irish Coffee; Juniata Treat) and Case Magic Sticks (green pumpkin/gold, halogen white and bubble gum).

          Books by Ken: “Fishing the Upper Potomac River & Pursuing River Smallmouth Bass cost $25 each. Send a check to: Ken Penrod, 4708 Sellman Road , Beltsville , MD 20705 .

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : ***; higher than normal tides; low 70s.

Cloudy, rainy, low barometer days mixed with equal amounts of lightning, small craft warnings and bass tournament activity caused differing stories—depending on what days you participated.

          In the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, guide, Captain Keith Barker, and Mate, Danny Grulke are leading clients to giant blue catfish on cutbait along channel edges and deeper hole. A few of the catfish weighed about 50#. Bass fishing was decent this week because the northeast wind didn’t affect Penrod Cove and the entire eastern shore. Big largemouth bass from grass edges at Piscataway , Broad and Swan Creeks on buzzbaits, mice and Case Sticks. In Penrod Cove—and along the outside dropoff, use Hot Lips crankbaits in firetiger pattern.

          Mattawoman Creek was a frustrating puzzle but some excellent largemouth bass from grass beds between the park and river—and also within the “6-MPH” zone where spatterdock, lily pads and lotus hold quality bass best taken with buzzbaits, frogs and Case sticks.

          Other worthwhile areas include: mouth/grass edge of Chickamuxen Creek, Tug Boat Cove, Chopawamsic Island and Leesylvania riprap.

Jim Spencer with a big-ol' Mattawoman bass caught on a "mouse" while fishing with ken Potomac	Ken used a buzzbait to find this bass, but a Case Magic Stick to catch her from pads in Mattawoman.
Mattawoman vegetation is changing. Lotus appeared a few years ago and now this giant lilly pad. Wonder why?

KERR LAKE : 
LOU Associate Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com) reports decent bass fishing and 70-degree water on the main lake. Tim’s been fishing grass beds in Nutbush and near the dam—a pattern not many realize. The bass are eating topwater baits and rattling lures but I’m sure buzzbaits, frogs and Magic Sticks will do a nice job. Look for surfacing stripers between Grassy Creek and Ivy Hill early and late—and don’t neglect the back end of creeks where bass are busting bait schools.

POCOMOKE RIVER : ***; higher than normal tides, tanic, mid-70s.

Pretty good week in spit of drenching rain and northeast wind. Good bass fishing both up river and down, Just stay with the spatterdock pattern, using Big Mouth spinnerbaits, Case Sticks and LJ Speed Traps. I’ll be there Thursday thru Saturday this week.

DEEP CREEK LAKE: ***; Main lake clear, slightly stained in coves, mid-60s.

LOU guides Brent Nelson and Bret Winegardner report that there is plenty of wild celery and milfoil throughout the lake holding both largemouth and smallmouth bass.  Topwater action is excellent in low light conditions.  Walleye, perch and crappie are prolific on bridge foundations at mid-lake.  See report at www.fishdeepcreek.com.

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2008
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Webmaster Brent Nelson: bbnelson@comcast.net

Guiding on fresh & brackish waters of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania & DC  

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER , PA : ****; 3.2 @ Harrisburg ; mid-60s; clear.

Great smallmouth bass between Fort Hunter and the Sherman ledges although you must be caution when boating this area due to low water. LOU guide Mike Breeding says “the spinnerbait-bite is awesome” where Big Mouth spinnerbaits take quality fish to 4.5 pounds.

Rumors that NOAA will discontinue the National Weather Service, “ Central Pennsylvania River Conditions,” obtained at 1-888-881-7555 are not accurate, as verified by a NOAA official.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : ****; 1.5 @ Point of Rocks; 72 degrees; clear.

The river is still very low, cooling but the submersed grasses are pulling free of the bottom and moving Bay-ward. Smallmouth bass fishing has been steady but we are not catching as many quality bass as we have become used to.

At Whites Ferry, you have options. Downriver you nave to run through grass and negotiate the “skinny” water at the head of Harrison Island . Once in the deeper water, stay in the middle of the river and cast Mizmo Small Jaws on 1/8^th or even 1/16^th ounce jig heads. I’m finding 6-pound test Excell monofilament a bit more effective than 8# for now. Upriver of the launch, the center 2/3^rd of the river is most productive.

At Lander we like the upriver portion but getting through the grass matts can be tough. The Catoctin Hole (in front of Catoctin Creek in middle of the river); Penrod Pond (the flat water above the Sawbuck Ledge) and the Fence Pond (just below the Fence ledge. The Penrod Special tube, Case Magic Stiks and Big Mouth buzzbaits are most productive.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER :  ***; normal tidal levels; clear but for algae; low 70’s.

Largemouth bass fishing improved each day as the water temperature drops and grasses pull free and clutter the surface.

In Washington , D.C. , pretty good action in Pentagon Lagoon, bridge foundations, Submersed aqueduct foundations and old, submersed pier locations along the Air Station.

We are using more crankbaits as the water cools and the firetiger Hot Lip for dropoffs—and the blue/silver Speed Traps for flats really do the job. In addition, green pumpkin, Mizmo tubes, green pumpkin/gold Case Magic Sticks and the Penrod Special spinnerbait by Big Mouth Lure Company are the tools we rely on.

Some monstor catfish from the Channel and holes along bridge foundations.

In the Woodrow Wilson Bridge vicinity, the old gravel barges abandoned in front of Penrod Cove and between the bridge and Penrod Cove is holding more fish every day. The former bridge deck islands and cove jetty concrete provides similar results I’m using the Mizmo tubes and Hot Lips crankbaits for this pattern.

Belle Haven Marina sector is getting better also and you can catch some fine bass in the cove, in grass beds at Charlie Cove, around the downriver boat docks and barges in Broad Creek. The lighthouse dropoff and channel-edge grass is a pretty good pattern backup—and Pomonkey Creek, Gunston Cove and Hallowing Cove are nice opportunities.

LOU guides Captain Keith Barker (301-509-2102) and Dan Gruelke team up to catch an average of 200 pounds of catfish per outing in this area. You may want to book a trip with Captain Barker this fall or early winter.

I’m recommending 15# test, Green monofilament for the crankbaits and spinnerbaits—but 8 or 10# mono for the tubes and Sticks. My lure choices for grass includes Big Mouth buzzbaits and Penrod Special spinnerbait; Case Sticks (6-inch) in just about any color you like; frogs and Johnson Spoons. In the dropoffs waters, that firetiger Hot Lips crankbaits will be your best friend.

The Mattawoman sector (includes the waters between the Navy Marina and Aquia Creek) is still the most productive zone although there are some anglers that are struggling here. I like the 6-MPH zone this time of year but the grass bed between the 6-MPH zone and the main stem of Mattawoman is very productive. It seems like incoming tide is most productive. We love the Case stick-like products, a big, white skirted buzzbait, Penrod Special spinnerbaits (see the link to Big Mouth on websites website’s front page).

Chickamuxen grass edges and open areas are offering similar results and Mallows Bay , grass in coves at Aquia Creek and Potomac Creek are giving up some nice fish. The striper action is pretty reliable at the mouth of the creeks to.

NANTICOKE RIVER : ***; normal tides; mid-70’s; tidal clear.

LOU guide, Captain Brian Barnes (302-629-0392) calls this water “the best tidal river for largemouth bass of all the Eastern Shore tidal rivers. "I’m finding bass in the Seaford area around spatterdock, channel drops and dock structure. There’s a pretty good bite from Broad Creek spatterdock but don’t forget, you must have a Delaware license.”

Brian likes the Penrod Special spinnerbait, Brush Baby crankbaits, Case Magic Sticks and buzzbaits and a falling tide.

POCOMOKE RIVER : **** on a falling tide day; 70s; tanic.

The difference between a falling tide day and an incoming tide day—is dramatic. You want the outgoing tide, especially the last 4 hours, but the first few of incoming is almost as productive.

Spatterdock between Shad Landing and Dividing Creek, especially spatterdock with cypress knees, fallen trees or a tidal ditch, is where the bass live. Look for action on the inside edge during high water times. Look for bass on the outside edge during low water. Don’t overlook the steep dropoff in front of the vegetation.

          Best baits are: Luhr Jensen Hots :Lips for the dropoffs; Penrod Special spinnerbaits and Big Mouth buzzbaits for the pads; Mizmo tubes and Case Magic Sticks for vegetation edges and pockets.

DEEP CREEK LAKE : ****; lake drawdown in process; mid 60s; clear.

This is a great time for serious anglers as the water temperature is dropping and so is the lake. Crankbaits for walleye in stump fields; spinnerbaits and buzzbaits for largemouth in grass beds and crankbaits, tubes and jerk baits for smallmouth on rocky shore and underwater humps. Reach Captain Brent Nelson at bbnelson@comcast.net for bookings—and see our site at www.fishdeepcreek.com. 

WEEK ENDING September 14, 2008
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Webmaster Brent Nelson: bbnelson@comcast.net

Guiding on fresh & brackish waters of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania & DC  

Notes: There has been virtually no impact to our regional waters by recent rains and the drought continues. It seems I should be calling this page Ken’s Fishing Report and Environmental Alert. There are a lot of environmental issues that affect our fishing waters so I will “pass them along” and hope you get involved with me. As the few complaints I’ve had from readers about me “taking their time to wade through conservation issues best left to professionals,” I simply invite them to find another fishing report page.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER : ***; 1.2 @ Point of Rocks; stained; 72 @ dawn; much grass but it’s starting to break-up.

I fished Whites Ferry three day this week and our productivity plummeted as the week wore on.

At Whites Ferry, a massive trico hatch at dawn creates a feeding bonanza in a few hours, for a few hours and it’s impressive. The small bass that feed on this tiny bug may be the largest year class I’ve ever seen. The bass are between 6 and 8 inches long and there are thousands “slurping” at one time. Cast Mizmo tubes into the feeding areas and fish for larger bass that stage under the small fish (they will eat small bass). We are fishing upriver of the ferry, staying in the middle 2/3rds of the river, making several floats. The best tubes have been Mizmo Small Jaws in red craw, penrod special, Juniata Treat and green pumpkin. There’s a lot of floating surface grass that makes it difficult to use fast-moving baits.

I received another complaint from a concerned angler about the Shepardstown, West Virginia “Outfall #1” into the Potomac River —and “the water coming from the pipe is brown.” Some of our Maryland officials investigated the last complaints and concluded that the “skimmers and baffles” were faulty so sludge was getting into the outfall. That is not acceptable so I’m asking for an official investigation.

I caught Lenny blinking in this photo but the buzzbait bass he holds, from Whites Ferry, is a good one nevertheless.	75 years old this day, Mr. Gibson was "treated" to a day on the Potomac by his three sons and they want to make this an annual event.
LOU guide Dave Kerrigan and Ken spent Saturday with the four-Gibsons and between the two boats, landed about 80 smallmouth bass on Mizmo tubes from the White's Ferry Pond--above the ferry.	Charles journeyed from West Virginia to spend a day with his best fried aboard Ken's Xpress jet boat and he worked hard to catch thios fine specimin.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER : ***; full moon tides; some staining but rather algae colored; mid 70s.

Bass catching production increased this week, especially to the south, where grass beds in and around Mattawoman and Chickamuxen were very productive.

That small slug of dirty water is long gone except for a few of the headwaters. In Washington , D.C. the smallmouth activity has been solid especially on bridge foundations and steep dropoffs were Mizmo tubes and crawfish pattern Luhr Jensen crankbaits worked best. Some largemouth bass on those same foundations but the Washington Channel, old, submersed wharfs along the Air Station and Fox Ferry Point were “so-so.”

In the Woodrow Wilson Bridge vicinity, Penrod Cove, Barges between the bridge and the cove and the old submersed foundations are worth some time. Belle Haven Cove and Charlie’s Cove have been better where Case Magic Sticks and Frogs score on very healthy bass. 

The National Park Service is considering/planning to reclaim once-dredged land under Belle Haven Cove, near Cresent Island and Charlie’s Cove—and return it to “wetlands.” This water is of major importance to fishermen because of the nursery-like conditions—so we must stand up, and shut down this plan. See some of Keith Barkers comments after the report.

To the south a few of our guys are “busting” bass in Mattawoman and Chickamuxen on frogs, buzzbaits, Case Sticks and Penrod Special spinnerbaits.  

Charles County wants to construct another intercounty connector leg that will run through the headwaters of Mattawoman Creek. The Army Corps of Engineers must issue wetland permits and we are asking them to reject the plan. See the alert and opportunity to respond following this report.  

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: ***; 3.3 feet @ Harrisburg; clear; mid 60s.

Bass fishing remains very good in spite of a prolonged drought—but 3.3 feet isn’t all that bad for this time of year. Lots of smallmouth bass for those that can reach them--between Fort Hunter and Clemson Island. The morning topwater bite is impressive but Case Salty Shads, Magic Sticks and Craws are very consistent producers. The river level will not change much this upcoming week. Reach John Cunningham at Riverfront Campground for small boat rentals and shuttled day trips (717-834-5252).

POCOMOKE RIVER: ***; full moon tides (very high highs, and very low lows); tanic; mid 70s.

You need: a day with outgoing water; Penrod Special spinnerbaits (Big Mouth Lures); Case Magic Sticks; Luhr Jensen Speed Traps and Hot Lips crankbaits and Mizmo tubes. The water depth along the outside edge of the spatterdock is the deepest of any tidal river in the Bay’s system, so a typical scenario is: during high water, cast to the inside edge of the spatterdock (between the bank and vegetation) or crankbaits the dropoff; during low water conditions, concentrate on the outside edge or holes inside the field.

The full moon created very high and low tides so the fishing at the end of outgoing water was awesome between Shad Landing and Dividing Creek. Once again Nassawoango Creek may have been the better option.

DEEP CREEK LAKE: 
The pleasure boats are gone and the lake is once again a fishing place so if you want to see her in her best form, reach us for guided outings. LOU guides Brent Nelson (bbnelson@home.com) and Bret Winegardner report very good fishing in grass beds, gravel banks and dropoffs. Click on www.fishdeepcreek.com for more information. 

The National Park Service is entertaining and or proceeding with plans to recapture land under tidal waters in the Dyke Marks vicinity and turn it into wetlands. That “water” they wish to make-wetlands includes much of Belle Havne Cove, the alley out the back door, all the water around Crescent Island and all of Charlie’s Cove—out to those small white makers. This is being done as a result of pressure from a group called Friends of Dyke Marsh (a bird-watching group) that would love to rid themselves of the angling/boating public. The NPS has already claimed that outboard motors may not be used within that parameter—and I have, and will continue to challenge that right. The tidal water that covers the bottom is navigable thus how may anyone, including the Federal Government, claim it. In any event—if you have any concerns aout protecting the boater’s rights—contact NPS and voice your displeasure. Please copy me if you do {kenpenrod@comcast.net) 

Please review my mail (below) to NPS, and the reply by Sean McCabe of National Park Service.

-----Original Message-----

From: Sean_McCabe@nps.gov [mailto:Sean_McCabe@nps.gov]

Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2008 6:53 PM

To: kenpenrod@comcast.net

Cc: Jon_James@nps.gov; Vincent_Santucci@nps.gov; Brent_Steury@nps.gov; Erik_Oberg@nps.gov; Ernest_Jutte@nps.gov; Jesse_Reynolds@nps.gov; Miguel_Roberson@nps.gov

Subject: Re: Dyke Marsh

Mr. Penrod,

I first must apologize for the time it has taken me to reply to your emails to Chief Ranger Vince Santucci and Park Ranger Miguel Roberson.

The listing of rules that apply to National Parks can be found in a number of places. There are numerous federal laws, regulations and policies which apply to National Parks. Many of the laws can be found in Title 16 and 18 of the U.S. Code. Many of the regulations are found in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Also there is concurrent law enforcement jurisdiction at the George Washington Memorial Parkway, which basically means the United States Park Police (who provide the primary law enforcement function in this park) can assimilate Virginia Commonwealth Law.

I went through the string of emails and I pulled out what I think were your questions and I am going to do my best to attempt to answer them. Please let me know if I need to further elaborate on an issue or if you don't understand my explanation.

1. "...list of NPS persons in charge of Dyke Marsh."

That person would be Acting Superintendent Jon G. James. He can be reached by email at Jon_James@nps.gov and telephone on 703-289-2500. Mr. James is in turn supervised by Acting Regional Director Lisa Mendelson-Ielmini. Ms.

Mendelson-Ielmini can be reached by phone on 202-619-7000.

2. "I'm also concerned about the rumors that hunting privileges in Dyke Marsh have been challenged by some. Do you or NPS have any information about this?"

There currently is no hunting in Dyke Marsh, and there has not been for many years. Hunting on National Park Service lands is prohibited by federal law and regulation.

What you may be referring to is hunting off of federal park lands, adjacent to Dyke Marsh. On the portions of the Potomac River owned and administered by the State of Maryland and the Commonwealth of Virginia, depending where you are located, the two governments do permit hunting. There has been some local concern about this and this is what you may have heard about.

3. "How can NPS claim public tidal water and restrict boating?

First ownership - The lands that make up the portion of the George Washington Memorial Parkway known as Dyke Marsh are both submerged, partially submerged and upland marsh areas. Normally in this area property owners own to the edge of the river and do not own out into open water.

This is not the case at Dyke Marsh. Because of the unusual circumstance where the marsh was dredged in a mining operation to obtain sand and gravel, ownership of the former dry land areas did not disappear when the mining made them wet all the time. The property owners retained title to these areas. That is how the United States still owns what appears to be open water areas of a tidal portion of the river. And I might point out it is very much still "public".

Secondly to restricting boating - The National Park Service as I mentioned has numerous laws and regulations that it operates the National Park System under. Some parks have park specific regulations. Since all regulations can not spell out every minor issue that may arise, parks issue what is called a Superintendent's Compendium. This is basically a fine brush explanation of the application of the existing regulations. The Superintendent's Compendium for the George Washington Memorial Parkway can be found on-line at:

http://www.nps.gov/gwmp/parkmgmt/documents.htm

On page 3 of 12 you will find under section 1.5 (which expands upon the federal regulations as found in 36 CFR 1, subsection 1.5) the following statement:

"Vessels with internal combustion engines are prohibited in the waters of Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve without an official permit. Permits are issued only for research, maintenance, or other official government purposes."

4. "Then, explain how NPS can expect boaters to know that operating a motor is illegal."

A very good point. The management and staff of the park have made several attempts over the years to better mark the open water boundary of the park in this area. The efforts have been only somewhat successful, with the current signs, I think we are down to less than five or so, are found well within the park and in no way mark the actual boundary.

We have several ideas on how to better mark the boundary and we hope to within the short term place buoys out in the open water at the boundary of the park. We also are investigating the benefits and drawbacks of more substantial markers, such as driven piles or dolphins.

I hope this helps. Please let me know what else I can do to help you. I am currently across the country on a temporary assignment, but feel free to email or phone me should want to discuss any of this.

Thanks,
Sean

Sean A. McCabe
Acting Realty Officer and Lands Program Manager
National Park Service
Yosemite National Park
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, California 95389
209-372-0513 office
209-372-0386 fax
www.nps.gov/yose

Vincent Santucci
To:
kenpenrod@comcast.net
06/12/2008 05:48 cc: Ernest
Jutte/WASO/NPS@NPS, Jon James/GWMP/NPS@NPS, Brent
PM EDT Steury/GWMP/NPS@NPS, Erik
Oberg/GWMP/NPS@NPS, Sean McCabe/GWMP/NPS@NPS, Dana
Dierkes/GWMP/NPS@NPS, Miguel
Roberson/GWMP/NPS@NPS
Subject: Dyke Marsh(Document
link: Sean McCabe)

Mr. Penrod,

Dyke Marsh is administered by the National Park Service as part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. I am the Chief Ranger for the Parkway and will have Park Ranger Sean McCabe contact you next week regarding your questions and comments. Ranger McCabe is extremely familiar with the laws, regulations, and policies in place for Dyke Marsh and he would be the appropriate staff member to address the issues you raise. We are currently beginning a planning process that involves the restoration of Dyke Marsh. Past dredging activities in the marsh have impacted the natural conditions. Through the planning process we are working with specialists, other agencies and organizations, along with the public to determine any future action at Dyke Marsh. Although the discussion of hunting in Dyke Marsh is not really tied directly to the restoration project - there seems to be some misunderstandings by the public regarding hunting in and around Dyke Marsh.

Since the Dyke Marsh Planning effort, referred to as an EIS, is designed to involve the public - the National Park Service welcomes your perspectives and questions. Ranger McCabe should be able to provide you the background information regarding both the restoration project and the laws / regulations related specifically to Dyke Marsh.

Thank you for your interest.

Vince
Vincent L. Santucci
Chief Ranger
George Washington Memorial Parkway
Turkey Run Park
McLean, VA 22101
(703) 289-2531
vincent_santucci@nps.gov

"Ken Penrod"
<kenpenrod@comcas To:
<Miguel_Roberson@nps.gov>
t.net> cc: "Ken Penrod"
<kenpenrod@comcast.net>

Subject: FW: George
Washington Memorial Parkway Compendium
06/11/2008 08:49 AM AST

Hello again Miguel:

You did not answer the following mail and I still await the list of NPS persons in charge of Dyke Marsh. I also find interest in a law suit that challenges any law that prohibits fishing and boating in navigable tidal water.

Let me hear from you.

Ken Penrod
Life Outdoors Unlimited
Cell: 240-447-2206
Office: 301-937-0010
www.penrodsguides.com
kenpenrod@comcast.net

-----Original Message-----

From: Ken Penrod [mailto:kenpenrod@comcast.net]

Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 3:24 PM

To: Miguel_Roberson@nps.gov

Cc: Ken Penrod; Dr Dave; Alan Mullis; bbarnestd@comcast.net; bigsmallmouth@earthlink.com; Bob Mullis; Brent Nelson; Bret Winegardner; 'Dave Grulke'; Dave Kerrigan; jon drever; Keith Barker

Subject: RE: George Washington Memorial Parkway Compendium

Thank you Miguel.

I would like to have names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of top officials for NPS as it pertains to Belle Haven region.

I received and have read your attachments but an unposted law is unenforceable at best. If the NPS really has the authority to make law on public, tidal water, then they bear the responsibility to make that law clear. How would you expect anyone to know that you can't operate an engine in the areas you claim?

I'm also concerned about the rumors that hunting privileges in Dyke Marsh have been challenged by some. Do you or NPS have any information about this?

As for rainbow trout, there are many tactics, especially since the trout you seek are not native--but rather stocked and rather stupid. In the hatchery, they eat cheese based foods, so yellow cheese is a good bait. I also like Berkley Power Bait, Salmon eggs and garden worms.

Keep me posted on your success.

Ken Penrod

Life Outdoors Unlimited
Cell: 240-447-2206
Office: 301-937-0010
www.penrodsguides.com
kenpenrod@comcast.net

-----Original Message-----

From: Miguel_Roberson@nps.gov [mailto:Miguel_Roberson@nps.gov]

Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 2:48 PM

To: kenpenrod@comcast.net

Subject: George Washington Memorial Parkway Compendium

Mr. Penrod,

Please check the attachment below, specifically the bottom of page #3, for rules and regulations (Boats):

(See attached file: FINAL Compendium.2007-11-06.pdf)

I truly apologize if I seemed rude in my approach, however, I wanted to make sure you were aware of the rules. I was louder than normal because your engine was running, the distance from each other, and the wind blowing. Honestly, I would prefer to tell you things that you can do in the park, as opposed to things you can't do in the park. I hope there were no hard feelings! Do you have any tips on catching Rainbow Trout in lakes? Maybe I'll see you fishing at Lake Artemisia, Greenbelt Lake, Allen's Pond, or School House Pond. I live in Laurel, Md and stop by these places after work to relax and try to catch dinner.

Sincerely,
Miguel Roberson
Park Ranger
George Washington Memorial Parkway
703-289-2556

I, Captain Keith Barker, see the following problems;

          ·        Elimination of Belle Haven Marina .

·        Destruction of a large area of prime spawning & fishing habitat.

·        Another attempt to restore marsh that will be highly likely to fail.  Note the failure of a similar attempt in the Anacostia River mentioned in the Display Boards.

·        Devastating degradation of water quality in the area dredged to produce the silt needed to restore the marsh.

·        Potential of disturbing hazardous material covered by the area to be dredged.

·        Devastating degradation of water quality in the WW Bridge area upon failure of the restoration attempt.  

A strong argument can be made that the down side of this project far outweighs the benefits.  Especially when you consider the loss of an important recreational access point to the river, Belle haven Marina .  And the loss of spawning habitat.  And the almost guaranteed ultimate failure of the restoration during a 100 year flood or a hurricane.  (What year was it we had three "hundred year floods" in one spring season?)  And the damage the failure of the restoration will do to water quality and habitat in the areas nearby.

They can re-build the marsh by filling the area with dredge spoils.  They can plant the proper vegetation on the surface of the filled area.  What they cannot do is re-create the hundreds of years of roots and other organic material that holds the marsh together.  Without this network of roots and other material, the restored marsh will be washed away by the first major flood or hurricane after it is completed. 

I feel the smarter approach would be to stabilize the remaining marsh to prevent further erosion and leave the rest to Mother Nature. 

WEEK ENDING September 7, 2008
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office: 301-937-0010. Fax: 301-931-2040. Cell: 240-447-2206
E-mail: ken kenpenrod@comcast.net
Websites: www.penrodsguides.com
www.fishdeepcreek.  

Webmaster Brent Nelson: bbnelson@comcast.net

Guiding on fresh & brackish waters of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania & DC  

NOTES: Tropical Storm Hanna will dump substantial rain upon our 
region but it’s to soon to predict the impact. We surely do need it.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER