When George Washington chose to build Mount Vernon on the banks of the Potomac, he ensured that the waterway would forever be known as the “Nation’s River.” Ever since, this beautiful stretch of water has occupied a special place in our imaginations. The Potomac River originates in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia and carries nutrients into the Chesapeake Bay. It is one of the bay’s largest tributaries—second only to the Susquehanna River. Interestingly, a[...]
Maryland is home to the nation’s first state-wide Fly Fishing Trail. I’ve had experiences at many of its 48 sites. In fact last spring in late May I was hiking near a trail site along the Upper Savage River at Big Run State Park. I had been hiking for just under an hour - about two miles upstream from the road - in search of the elusive Green Drake mayfly and brook trout, Salvelinus Fontinalis[...]
One of the premier East Coast destinations for icing jumbo 12- to 15-inch yellow perch for adventuresome ice-anglers is Maryland’s Deep Creek Lake. At 3,900-acres in Garrett County, the lake also offers a shot at walleyes, northern pike, chain pickerel and huge bluegills once the ice forms. With a 10-fish limit on yellow perch (per angler, per day) the regulation helps to limit the potential for over harvest of these massive, top-end panfish that can[...]
Hunt & Hike Family Road Trips, Part 1: Western Maryland Maryland has one of the most varied outdoors in the country. From freshwater rivers, thousands of miles of Chesapeake Bay coastline and the Piedmont Plateau, to thick forests, dozens of hills, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachia, the state’s geography is full of beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife. For Maryland hunters and out-of-state visitors, that means there’re plenty of unique outdoor activities and experiences[...]
1) Duck and Goose Hunting on the Eastern Shore There’s a reason the state dog is the Chesapeake Bay retriever. Located right in the middle of the Atlantic Flyway, Maryland is steeped in duck and goose hunting tradition, and the Eastern Shore is home to some of the best waterfowl hunting anywhere. 2) Surf Fishing at Assateague Island National Seashore The barrier island of the Maryland coast is home to amazing surf fishing, so pitch[...]
The promise of freezing temperatures may be just the inspiration you need to plan a trip to try your hand at ice fishing. This winter sport offers not only an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the season, but could yield fresh table fare for those willing to brave the cold. In Western Maryland, anglers can typically expect a few weeks of “hardwater” angling. Here are a few choice spots and safety[...]
I’ll never forget the very first chain pickerel I ever caught. I was fishing during late fall on the Patuxent River and it came as a surprise catch. Long, sleek, with chain-link markings and a mouthful of teeth, I knew what it was even at the age of 15. That was several decades ago. But I had enough of a taste to know that I wanted more of this leaping, slashing “mini-pike” in my angling[...]