New to VA

[bassinloose]

All,
I am from Fl working in the area (Chantilly) bringing my Z20 up in two weeks for a couple months. I was told by a sub to fish out of Pohick. Is there any navigation issues? Should i work the bay or hit the main river? When i was little boy ( I am 64 now) I fished in front of the Lincoln memorial. That would be cool to see that again. Would that be a hard run. Fishing wise would it be worth the run?

I am also thinking about meeting an old friend from KY. Midpoint of his trip would be Claytor Lake. I cannot seem to find much info here. So, any info would be great help.

[motobuffy]

Suggest you forget about Claytor. Maybe Smith Mountain?

[PsuHntr]

If I was going to Claytor I would keep on going down the highway until I hit South Holsten

[bassdge]

The Potomac, Like most tidal rivers in VA , has a channel and lots of shallow flats. Until comfortable, run the channel markers and do some idling on the flats in less than 4 or 5 feet of water. I feel that north of Pohick bay has more hazards than going south of the bay. Take a day and trailer down to Aquia Creek. You could explore Aquia and Potomac creek from there. Candidly, you could fish all day in Aquia and not fish everywhere that looks good.
watch the weather forecast if making longer runs on the main river. It can go from calm to “loosening every bolt and screw” rough quickly. It’s especially bad when wind blows opposite direction of the tide.

[bassdge]

Oh, to answer your question, plenty of fish to be caught in the bays, creeks, and main river flats. Find the grass and then find the bass.
Don't be afraid to fish shallow. It can be 50 or 100 degrees outside and you will still catch fish in 1 foot of water

[518DMK]

All,
I am from Fl working in the area (Chantilly) bringing my Z20 up in two weeks for a couple months. I was told by a sub to fish out of Pohick. Is there any navigation issues? Should i work the bay or hit the main river? When i was little boy ( I am 64 now) I fished in front of the Lincoln memorial. That would be cool to see that again. Would that be a hard run. Fishing wise would it be worth the run?

I am also thinking about meeting an old friend from KY. Midpoint of his trip would be Claytor Lake. I cannot seem to find much info here. So, any info would be great help.

If you want to see the Lincoln Memorial again the ramp at the end of the Airport Gravelly Point is the closest. You can fish in the Blue Plans treatment plant docks, Pentigon lagoon, Washington channel, and the marina just inside Anicostia near the War college. Stay in the channels when running from place to place and pay attention to the hazard signs especially near treatment plant area.

Take care,
Dave

[xxstang90]

Just a heads up if you go above Woodrow Wilson Bridge (Lincoln Memorial Area) you need a DC fishing license. Below you need a VA or Maryland license.
https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/reg...ocal-licenses/

[Squire]

Just a heads up if you go above Woodrow Wilson Bridge (Lincoln Memorial Area) you need a DC fishing license. Below you need a VA or Maryland license.
https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/reg...ocal-licenses/

Mostly accurate. The spoils/Penrods is Va.

[XXXLTRP]

If I was going to Claytor I would keep on going down the highway until I hit South Holsten

Suggest you forget about Claytor. Maybe Smith Mountain?

Curious, I've never been on Claytor lake, but there's two of ya'll that said to pass on Claytor. Is there something particular that is undesirable about it?

[Bob282]

Yea, the fishing sucks!!!!!
Well I should say there are better places!

[PsuHntr]

Curious, I've never been on Claytor lake, but there's two of ya'll that said to pass on Claytor. Is there something particular that is undesirable about it?

it's very pretty and that's about all it's good for...it's one of those places that fishes good about one month out of the year...

they have a giant 100-200 boat tournament there in September and it usually takes less than 10 pounds to win....I have fished there 3 times I think and not sure I have ever caught a keeper sized bass there

[rngZ520]

Claytor can be very tough but can also be a very fun lake as well. After Helen they have cleared the lake of any cover they could get with the equipment, which does suck. Plenty of docks to fish. Finesse fishing will be your go to if you decide to fish Claytor (Drop shot, NED & Neko).

SML will for sure be your better option for sure.

South Holston can be fickle, as you will more than likely have to finesse fish to catch fish.

Whatever you decide, reach out and I can help you.

[BigFishSteve]

I'd consider having your friend meet you at Kerr (Buggs Island). Plenty of bass, great crappie fishing, giant catfish, stripers, drum, bream......

[Meadows]

I'd consider having your friend meet you at Kerr (Buggs Island). Plenty of bass, great crappie fishing, giant catfish, stripers, drum, bream......

He's coming from Kentucky. Why drive past SML to go to Buggs?

[BigFishSteve]

Good point.

[Finlander]

I am also from Florida and in Virginia working. Lake Anna has some studs. Been there and caught em just last week. The other hot spot is Chickahominy off the James river south east of Richmond. Buggs Island, also south of Richmond, is famous for bass.

[bassinloose]

Graduation got in the way of bringing my boat up until June 16th Going somewhere the 20th and the 21st. maybe the 21st and 22nd. if anyone wants to meet and greet.

Where are you from finlander. i live in Earleton fish the river some used to fish it a lot. only home every third weekend been staying local and fishing Orange. WOW the amount of oats that go there now.