The river was gorgeous today

[J.A. Veil]

The Severn River gave an excellent appearance this afternoon as I kayaked for 2 hours. I launched at the Weems Creek ramp and could not believe how clear the water was. At one point I dropped a line straight down to measure depth -- I could see it 5 ft down. The wind was light, and this early in the season, there were almost no boat wakes to bounce around a small craft.

I wish I could say equally good things about the catching. I tossed live minnows in many fishy-looking spots in Weems and another nearby creek. In over an hour of casting plus trolling for another 20 minutes, I did not get one touch, nor did I see any bait or wakes made by fleeing fish. I sure hope it is my lack of fishing skill and not a widespread population decline of our winter gamefish.

I ran into Dave Cordry flyfishing -- his first time out since a shoulder surgery. His form looked fine to me, but he reported no bites either when I saw him.

This is my first kayak run since last fall. I expect some stiff muscles in two days.

[Chumlee]

I agree it was beautiful and tried for about 3 hours and had the same results. Water was extremely clear and two of us fishing did not get a single strike in areas we normally can catch something. Water temps were between 39 and 41 and no follows or splashes of any kind. I would be curious to know from the river veterans their theories on a relationship between the abnormally harsh winter and the lack of fishing success.

[attml]

John,

Same results with me in just about an hour worth of fishing. I threw everything in the tacklebox at them today but no luck at all. I saw Chris "Deadlow" on the water and he had similar results over the weekend. He said he had caught one fish that was 20.5 inches but he may have been messing with me? :-) We were both commenting the amazing lack of Mr. Millenburg in this year's tourney. Come on buddy get out there and show us how it is done!!!

Mark

[goose70]

I was out yesterday afternoon with two of the most accomplished anglers around, and we got skunked. It was not for lack of effort, as we tossed a variety of stand-by lures and new ones, went to the best spots from lower Round Bay to the far upper reaches of the Severn. Other than the upper-most part, the water was really clear, like you said, but like you, we saw zero signs of life (at least under the water -- read my "Golden Eagle" post on the main board).

Absolutely gorgeous day, nevertheless.

[27 sailfish]

Find the Herons wading - they are after minnows - fish should be close by. Sometimes in only 1 foot of water.
FWIW: Look for the side of the creek with no snow. This side gets more sun - water will warm faster. Areas with black mud warm quicker as well.
This time of year - afternoon often is better then morning - again water warms up.

Sometimes the fish will be in a hole - 5-10 feet deep where seepage comes up. That oddball spot you catch fish in August - likely a seepage area. That water is often around 55* or so.

March has always been my toughest month to catch fish. Some days I do well - other day draw a blank. Fishing slow would make sense yet I've been hit reeling in super fast after a bad cast.

At least you got out - having that much viz. -bet you found all kind of new fishy places.

[get the net]

I hit the magothy for a few hours yesturday with only one hammer handle to show for it.

[Virgil Poe]

Hey John, I don't think I'd panic just yet. Your slow day had nothing to do with fishing ability. The water was awfully high this past weekend and what should have been low tide on Sunday still looked like a normal high tide to me when traveling down Rt2 to Severna Park yesterday evening. I think maybe the combination of a lack of flow, along with the extra high tides had something to do with our rivers shutting down. :yes:

[rem1224]

Welcome back Spring!!! I need to get out soon myself and smell a little salt water. Catching a fish or two would be nice, too - but after the last month's weather, I'm just happy to see the grass again.

I think the fish are still sleeping, John - - we'll wake them up soon!!!