Freshwater Fishing Reports

Freshwater Fishing Report, May 3 Update:

Snakehead fishing has picked up the pace with the recent warmup, and we had reader reports of success from both the east side and the west side. Some were caught on topwater frogs, but we also heard flukes and spinnerbaits were effective. Many tidal tributaries around the Chesapeake Bay region are seeing the emergence of aquatic grasses and the snakes are moving into these areas. The tributaries of the Potomac River have been a hotspot in April with a lot of snakeheads caught on topwater frogs during this latest warm stretch. Other productive zones have been the lower Susquehanna, tributaries in D.C., and the Blackwater region. If you are fishing areas with hard structure or open water, moving baits and live minnows are a great option. When fishing in thick cover, weedless soft plastics and topwater frogs will be the best option. The snakehead bite is finally becoming more consistent with warmer weather and spawning activity has already been seen. Fry balls will start showing up soon which will offer an exciting way to target these fish.

Contributor Eric Packard reports that the reservoir bite remains in fine spring form, with excellent numbers of largemouth bass hitting on wacky worms. Jerk baits and jigs also picked up plenty of fish including pickerel and crappie. FishTalk intern Adam Greenberg opted to hit the Potomac above DC instead of reservoirs this week and said the water is getting low and slow, so wading the rivers in our region will be a good option soon. He also said that smallmouth hit jigs with crawfish trailers and white chatterbaits. Up on the Susquehanna River, Captain Kayla Haile of River Queen Guide Service reports that the smallmouth fishing has been great. Lots of fish are in pre-spawn mode and will soon be spawning as the warm temperatures are heating the water quickly. Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and Ned rigs have been producing best. Get out and fish this hot bite now because Captain Haile says that there is usually a lull period while the fish have their minds on spawning.