It’s the second week of May and I’m wearing a thermal and two fleeces. That’s weather, D.C. style. Not only that, but Noah made a stop at Fletcher’s last week to see if we wanted him to build us an Ark. And while the Potomac is not flooding quite at Biblical levels, it’s enough to bring rentals and fishing to a screeching halt. That’s fishing, D.C. style.

OK… we’ll get through it and in spite of the necessity and hassle of moving all those kayaks and canoes off the dock, and the stress of judging whether a full dock move was necessary, calm water and good fishing will return in due time. It is bad for the bottom line, but that’s life on the old Potomac. You take the good with the bad. It’s nature’s way and if you don’t get it, you don’t belong by the riverside.

April was mostly kind to area anglers. The runs of hickory and American shad produced bountiful catches on many days. Large striped bass were roaming the channel and hangin’ on the rocky humps in hopes of snatching a herring or perch. If a Binsted buck tail just happened to drop into the neighborhood, well that fish likely could not resist such a beautiful imposter. (Note to you striper seekers, those fish are catch and release only until May, 16th.) Blue catfish big enough to choke an alligator will be hungrier than ever when the water calms. The Potomac at Washington is fast becoming a Mecca for serious catfish anglers. Cat fishing is like dining at the all-you-can-eat buffet bar. It’s not gourmet, but sometimes simple, big and cheap is good. Fletcher’s has the bait, tackle and expert advice you need for all your DMV fishing. For current conditions (double entendre) call us at 202-244-0461.
Please also check the Boating in D.C./Fletcher’s Cove web site for all the other rental opportunities and information on your trip to our little institution on the Potomac and C&O Canal.

Thanks for reading, see you by the river.
Dan