When it comes to fishing for bass, the Potomac River is one of the best in the nation. The Potomac that separates Virginia from Maryland is especially inviting in the month of May, and really throughout the springtime. Tidal creeks are available throughout the area, and once you have found yourself prime bass locations, excellent fishing awaits.



Natural bait choices are gizzard shad, sunfish, killifish, white perch, crawfish, shiners, and goldfish. There are also large amounts of forage, which provides ample areas for feeding and breeding. Late in the wintertime, or even early in the springtime, you will have good success fishing in shallow mudded areas around the banks. Large, white spinners work well, especially in the late springtime when one of the major food sources for the largemouths is white perch. In the summertime, minnows are particularly effective as baits for largemouth bass in the Potomac River.

Years ago, this river was not a nice place to fish, but things have changed dramatically in the past several years, and the Potomac River really is an excellent fishing location known for its plentiful bass population that are fat and happy to bite for you.

In the earlier part of the spring, particularly in May, the bass fishing in the Potomac is really fine. Target the creeks and milfoil beds, around eddies in the main river coves when there is a lot of grassy areas. Forget about fishing deep, and concentrate your efforts from four feet deep upward. Many times you can find them as close to the surface as you can get.

Water clarity plays a big part in hooking your limit of largemouth in the Potomac River. The water is going to be clearer around the grass beds, and there is where you will have the most success looking for largemouth. If you find the area stained, you will need to wait until the mud has had a chance to settle before fishing the area. As far as the tides are concerned, you will generally have more luck during the latter part of the outgoing tides. The bass tend to move toward the outer edges of the grass beds, and will usually hit the bait you throw them. Whenever the main part of the Potomac gets muddy or stained, try keying in on the creeks' spatterdocks for good results.

Especially toward the last of May, if you present a flip bait or snag resistant frog in he holes, grassy areas, or submerged cover, you will likely hit on good areas from which to take home your limit of bass in the Potomac River. If you are fishing during the tidal flow, choose bait that moves well such as a 3/8 oz. Chatterbait. Just work the grass tops, and keep moving until you find a bass rich area. Then, slow down and flip that bait! Consider using a Zara Spook in high tide, when you will find the bass you seek out on the flats after their spawn.

When it comes to color selection for lures, just concentrate on the colors that bait has naturally in this habitat.