{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} July 12 Smallmouth on the Potomac

In the spirit of putting up a good old-fashioned fishing report, here goes.

I hit the Potomac from 5-6:30 last night near Riverbend.  Found the levels pretty much perfect and the water only slightly tinged--good visibility but certainly not trout-stream clear.

I threw a 7-weight with floating line.

Started in a waist-high run and decided to start with topwater.  Figured with the depth of the run and slight tinge of the water, I may need to get a little attention, so I started with a size 2 cup-faced yellow popper.  Picked up a decent smallmouth on my second cast and had an even nicer one on within another 10 casts, but lost it. 

Shortly thereafter, I switched to pocket water.  Couldn't get a sniff on the popper, but the water looked too good.  Switched to a size 2 brown klawdad and brought another smallie to hand with another few taking swipes and misses. 

I still thought the action should be better.  Went to a size 2 rabbit strip fly.  White magnum strip with a few strands of red flash and a chartreuse crosscut palmered up the shank.  That was my best.  Picked up my two nicest thick, deep bass of the night with a couple of small to medium smallies, to boot.  On one retrieve, I saw 3 smallies trying to chase it down and hammer it.  Not a one of them succeeded.

In 90 minutes, six smallmouth to hand. 

Damselflies everywhere!  I think the most I've ever seen.  Only saw small bass leaping for them, though.

Would have loved to be there right at dusk.  Next time.

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