Fish like to hang out near physical structures, whether it is underwater grasses, undercut streambanks, rocks or dock pilings.  So now think about a tidal embayment once filled with many, many huge wooden ships, long abandoned mostly only visible above the tidal waters during low tides. You have just described Mallows Bay.  

Once you launch your kayak, canoe, jon boat, or bass boat from the boat ramp at Mallows Bay Park in Charles County, you will soon find yourself in a ship graveyard—a true fly fishing paradise! Amongst all the ship planks, bows and sterns, you will be able to cast for and catch blue catfish, bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, white catfish, striped bass, white perch, yellow perch, carp and northern snakehead. And while you are fly fishing, others who have traveled with you can explore this National Marine Sanctuary.

Site Location

Located near Nanjemoy, Maryland, Mallows Bay an embayment on the tidal Potomac River

Address

Mallows Bay Park 1440 Wilson Landing Road, Nanjemoy, MD 20662

How to Get There

Heading south on Route 301 through LaPlata, Maryland, take a right turn onto Route 6 west. At the T-intersection, take a left turn onto Route 224/Riverside Road, and then a right turn onto Wilson Landing Road which takes you right to Mallows Bay Park.

Parking & Launching

Parking is located adjacent to the by on the gravel lot. Use the concrete boat launch or the floating soft access launch directly adjacent to the parking lot.

Where to Fish

For the best fly fishing, you will need a boat, canoe or kayak as there is very limited shoreline fishing. Cast towards the wooden boat structures as well as along the shorelines.

What to Catch

Blue catfish, bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, white catfish, striped bass, white perch, yellow perch, carp and northern snakehead

What to Fish & How

Recommend bringing 6-8 weight fly rods with floating, intermediate and sink tip fly lines. For largemouth bass, recommend medium sized poppers and floating frog patterns, Clouser minnows, and other minnow imitations. For striped bass and catfish, large Clouser minnows, Lefty's Deceivers and other minnow imitations.

Fly Fishing Organizations

Connect with local fly fishing organizations to learn about mentoring opportunities and to connect with others interested in fly fishing.