How to Fish Potomac River: Best Patterns & Techniques

Potomac River

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Potomac River

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-64	Fish transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, actively feeding but sensitive to cold fronts Holding tight to structure in 8-10 foot depth range, particularly around docks and pilings Feeding patterns heavily influenced by daily temperature fluctuations, most active during warmer periods	Marina pilings and dock posts in 8-10 feet of water Emerging grass flats with sparse vegetation starting to grow Protected creek areas with stable water temperatures	Shakey Heads worked slowly around dock posts and pilings Wacky Rigs skipped under docks and around structure Drop Shot with finesse presentations in deeper water	Shad schooling in pre-spawn areas Bluegill beginning to move shallow Minnows around dock structures	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, following warming trends and becoming increasingly active Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, taking advantage of current breaks and eddies for efficient feeding opportunities	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to deeper wintering areas Current seams and eddies near channel bends with rock structure Transitional areas between deep winter holes and shallow spawning flats	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions near current breaks Ned Rigs dragged through rocky areas and current seams Tubes bounced along boulder fields	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools concentrated in current breaks Small baitfish relating to rock structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	58-68	Northern Snakeheads are becoming more active as water temperatures rise, transitioning from winter lethargy to pre-spawn feeding. They are moving from deeper wintering areas into shallower vegetated zones. Fish are aggressively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, particularly targeting shad and alewife in vegetation edges.	Shallow grass flats and hydrilla beds in 2-4 feet of water, especially where vegetation is starting to emerge Tidal creek mouths with submerged vegetation Protected coves with early-growing milfoil patches	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Lipless Crankbaits Spinnerbaits Bladed Jigs	Alewife schools gathering in pre-spawn areas Shad moving into shallow flats Bluegill beginning to populate emerging vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-68	Panfish are transitioning from deeper winter areas to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively, especially during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Protected coves with emerging vegetation near deeper water access Rock piles and bridge pilings, especially near the 301 bridge area Shallow docks adjacent to deeper water channels	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms suspended 2-4 feet under a bobber Inline Spinners worked slowly through warming shallow areas Crappie Dock Shooting with small soft plastics around structure	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows Emerging aquatic insects near vegetation Young-of-year shad in protected areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-64	Fish transitioning between pre-spawn staging and spawning behavior, with water temperatures ranging from 48-64°F based on recent reports Actively feeding during tide movements, particularly around shallow cover and spawning areas Showing preference for structure-oriented presentations in stained water conditions	Lily pad fields, particularly during higher tide stages as evidenced by multiple recent catches Dock pilings, especially productive in stained water conditions Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to potential spawning flats	Shakey Heads - proven effective in recent reports, especially around hard cover in stained water Bladed Jigs - successful over submerged vegetation as noted in tournament reports Spinnerbaits - particularly effective through lily pads and in varying water clarity conditions	Perch - primary forage mentioned in multiple recent catch reports Bluegill - noted in successful tournament catches	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are in spawning mode, with fish transitioning between pre-spawn staging and active spawning. Fish are moving between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones, especially around boulder fields and current-protected areas Aggressive feeding patterns noted in current seams, with fish actively striking moving baits. The muddy water conditions (0-2 feet visibility) are pushing fish tighter to structure for orientation	Boulder fields and rock piles in spawning-depth zones, especially those protected from strong current Current seams along banks where fish can ambush prey while conserving energy Ledges adjacent to spawning flats, serving as staging areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with underspin jigs worked along current seams Spinnerbaits around boulders and rock structure Bladed Jigs worked slowly near staging areas	Minnows - primary forage based on recent reports Crawfish - becoming active in rocky areas as water warms	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	62-75	During spring spawn, snakeheads become highly territorial and aggressive, guarding nesting areas in shallow, heavily vegetated zones Fish are pairing up and moving into extremely shallow water (1-3 feet) with dense vegetation, particularly around lily pads and matted grass Feeding activity is increasing with warming water temperatures, with fish actively pursuing prey in and around vegetation	Shallow grass mats and lily pad fields in 1-3 feet of water Edges of hydrilla and milfoil beds adjacent to slightly deeper water Protected bays and coves with abundant vegetation	Frogs/Toads worked slowly across vegetation mats Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through vegetation edges Buzzbaits early morning and evening near spawning areas	Young of year shad and alewife beginning to emerge Bluegill moving into spawning areas Small baitfish congregating in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively spawning in shallow protected areas, with males guarding nests and females moving in and out of spawning zones Most active during warmer parts of day when water temperatures peak, especially around newly emerging vegetation	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom near submerged vegetation (hydrilla, milfoil) Areas around docks and pilings in 2-4 feet of water Rock piles near bridge structures in spawning depth	Bobbers with small live bait rigs or micro jigs suspended just above bottom Inline Spinners worked slowly through spawning areas Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to structure	Small insects and larvae around emerging vegetation Small crawfish in rocky areas Newly hatched shad fry	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-71	Post-spawn bass are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, often relating to submerged vegetation and structure Fish are showing mixed aggression levels - some actively chasing moving baits while others requiring slower finesse presentations Feeding activity is heavily influenced by tidal movements, with increased activity during tide changes	Submerged vegetation edges and grass flats, particularly healthy hydrilla beds Dock pilings and laydowns near deeper water access Matted grass and lily pad fields in protected bays	Swim Jigs worked through submerged vegetation Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits) along grass edges Wacky Rigs for pressured fish around docks and vegetation Structure Jigs pitched to laydowns and dock pilings	Shad moving along grass lines Bluegill in shallow vegetation Minnows around dock structures	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	69-75	Smallmouth bass actively chasing baitfish (fry) in current seams and eddies near islands, showing aggressive feeding behavior Fish positioning in current-based ambush points, primarily on the downriver side of structure	Downriver sides of main river islands, particularly in eddies Rocky points with current influence Current seams near transitional structure	Soft Jerkbaits worked with aggressive jerks in a weightless configuration Buzzbaits for active surface feeding periods Hard Topwater (Walking) to cover water and trigger reaction strikes	Young-of-year baitfish and fry Adult Minnows	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	65-75	Snakeheads are showing increased aggressive feeding behavior post-spawn, actively chasing lures in shallow vegetated areas Fish are primarily utilizing submerged vegetation as ambush points, particularly during morning hours	Submerged vegetation beds in shallow water (0-6 feet) Vegetation edges near tidal creeks and backwaters Matted grass and lily pad fields in protected bays	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked through tops of vegetation Frogs/Toads worked across vegetation mats Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved near vegetation edges	Shad gathering in shallow areas Young of year panfish in vegetated areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding and recovering, moving from shallow spawning areas to nearby feeding zones with cover Fish are establishing patterns around structure and vegetation, with feeding activity influenced by tidal movements	Submerged vegetation edges near spawning flats, particularly hydrilla and milfoil beds Dock pilings and rock piles, especially near the 301 bridge area Protected coves with a mix of vegetation and structure	Bobbers with small jigs suspended near vegetation edges Inline Spinners worked slowly through cover Live Bait Rigs near structure during tidal changes	Small insects and larvae around vegetation Juvenile shad and minnows Small crustaceans near rock piles	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	82-88	Fish are primarily relating to grass edges and submerged vegetation, with heightened activity during tide movements, especially outgoing tide Feeding windows are most active during early morning and late evening, with fish moving between deeper grass during midday heat Bass are exhibiting both aggressive feeding (reaction strikes on moving baits) and subtle feeding patterns depending on tide stage and time of day	Grass flats with mixed vegetation (hydrilla, milfoil, eel grass) in 3-5 foot depth range Lily pad fields and matted grass, especially during low tide periods Edges of submerged grass beds where they meet deeper water or channels	Bladed Jigs worked through and ripped out of grass Wacky Rigs worked slowly along grass edges Frogs/Toads worked over matted vegetation during low light periods Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in lily pads and dense cover	Bluegill in and around grass beds Alewife along grass edges Perch relating to structure and vegetation	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	72-83	Actively feeding in current seams around rock structure, particularly during evening hours Holding near deep structure with access to current, moving shallow to feed Post-frontal conditions push fish tighter to cover and can make them less aggressive	Boulder fields and rock piles in current Ledge systems near dams Shoals with good current flow	Hard Jerkbaits worked aggressively around rock structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along ledges Hard Topwater (Prop) during low light periods	Minnows concentrating around current breaks Shad schooling in deeper water Crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Northern Snakehead	75-88	Actively feeding near surface in heavily vegetated areas, especially during morning and evening hours Aggressive ambush behavior from thick cover, particularly targeting surface prey Increased activity and feeding during tidal movements	Submerged vegetation beds, particularly hydrilla and milfoil in 1-6 feet of water Matted grass and lily pad fields in shallow areas Tidal creek mouths with vegetation	Buzzbaits worked across vegetation mats Frogs/Toads worked through heavy cover Hard Topwater (Walking) along vegetation edges	Alewife Bluegill Shad	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	75-85	Actively feeding throughout the day around rock piles and bridge structures, showing aggressive behavior towards flashy baits Concentrating in large schools near structure, with reports indicating high catch rates suggesting concentrated feeding activity	Rock piles and boulder fields below bridge structures Submerged vegetation edges near structure Bridge pilings and dock areas with shade	Inline Spinners worked around rock piles and structure Bobbers with live bait near structure edges Small Soft Body Swimbaits near vegetation	Minnows Small perch Aquatic insects around vegetation	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Potomac River

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Actively following baitfish schools (primarily shad) as they migrate to creek arms and backs of coves Increased feeding activity during tide movements, especially outgoing tides, as cooling water temperatures trigger fall feeding patterns Moving between shallow grass edges and nearby deeper structure throughout the day based on light conditions and tide stage	Creek channel edges adjacent to grass flats where shad are migrating Dock pilings in 8-10' of water, especially those near deep water access Remaining patches of healthy vegetation, particularly where it meets deeper water	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to grass edges during baitfish activity Spinnerbaits around dock pilings and through scattered grass, especially during tide movement Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching the prevalent shad forage	Shad schools migrating to creek arms Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation Perch around dock structures	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-68	Actively feeding on baitfish in current seams and around structure, following shad schools as they migrate to creek arms and backs of coves Moving between mid-depth rocky structure and shallow feeding zones, especially during low-light periods	Current-swept points with boulder structure Deep ledge systems adjacent to shallow feeding flats Rock piles near channel swing areas	Spinnerbaits worked along current seams and rocky edges Tubes dragged through boulder fields Blade Baits worked vertically in deeper current areas	Shad schools migrating to creek arms Crawfish in rocky areas Small baitfish relating to current breaks	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Snakehead	55-75	Beginning to transition from shallow vegetation to slightly deeper edges as water cools, while still maintaining aggressive feeding patterns to build up pre-winter reserves Actively hunting during low-light periods and responding to tidal movements, with increased activity during moving water	Outer edges of hydrilla and milfoil beds where vegetation meets slightly deeper water Matted grass areas near deeper channels, especially where tidal flow creates ambush points Shallow grass flats adjacent to deeper water access points	Frogs/Toads worked slowly across matted vegetation during warmer periods Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along vegetation edges Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily through scattered vegetation	Shad schools congregating in creek mouths and channel edges Bluegill remaining in vegetation but less active Alewife moving with tidal influences	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	58-72	Panfish are schooling more tightly and moving to deeper structure as water temperatures cool, following baitfish movements Feeding activity increases during warm afternoon periods, especially around structure that retains heat Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, with feeding patterns influenced by tidal movements	Bridge pilings and rock piles near the 301 bridge, especially in 8-15 foot depths Deep edges of submerged vegetation (hydrilla and milfoil beds) Dock structures with deeper water access	Crappie Dock Shooting Drop Shot Micro Crankbaits	Small shad and minnows Young of year perch Remaining aquatic insects near vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	48-58	Largemouth bass are actively feeding near docks and wood cover, as evidenced by recent catch reports showing consistent success with 15 fish caught Fish are holding at moderate depths and responding well to slow-moving bottom presentations, typical of winter patterns	Docks with deep water access, particularly those with wood cover nearby Marina structures with protected areas from wind Deep creek channels adjacent to structure	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) - proven effective in recent reports with large soft plastics Football Jigs - effective for working deeper dock edges Blade Baits - good for actively feeding fish in cooler water	Shad - primary forage based on recent fishing reports Bluegill - commonly found around dock structure	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	38-45	Smallmouth bass are holding tight to deep boulder areas and exhibiting lethargic feeding patterns with long pauses between activity Fish are responding to slow-moving presentations targeting shad, with soft bites indicating conservative energy expenditure	Deep boulder fields adjacent to river channel edges Current breaks near rock piles where shad congregate Deep wintering holes with nearby vertical structure	Hard Jerkbaits with extremely long pauses between twitches Spybaits worked very slowly near bottom Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at a crawl	Shad schooling in deeper water Dormant crawfish in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Snakehead	40-55	During open water winter conditions, Northern Snakehead become less active but remain predatory, typically holding in deeper sections of vegetated areas where water temperatures are more stable Feeding periods become shorter and less frequent, with fish most active during warmer parts of the day, especially during stable weather patterns	Deep pockets within or adjacent to hydrilla and milfoil beds, particularly in areas 4-8 feet deep Channel edges near vegetated flats where deeper, warmer water is accessible Areas where tidal influence creates water movement through vegetation	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through vegetation Lipless Crankbaits retrieved with a slow, steady pace just above the vegetation Blade Baits worked with subtle lifts and drops in deeper holes	Alewife and shad congregating in deeper water Sluggish bluegill residing in vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Panfish are concentrating in deeper areas near structure, particularly around bridge pilings and rock piles, moving less but still actively feeding during warmer periods of the day Fish are showing tidal-influenced feeding patterns, becoming more active during moving water periods	Deep bridge pilings and adjacent rock piles near the 301 bridge, especially in 15-25 foot depths Deep dock areas with nearby drops to deeper water Deep edges of submerged vegetation where it meets channel edges	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') worked slowly with subtle movements Drop Shot with small soft plastics held stationary near structure Live Bait Rigs with small minnows suspended near structure	Small minnows Juvenile shad Small white perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Potomac River

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Marina pilings and dock posts in 8-10 feet of water	Emerging grass flats with sparse vegetation starting to grow
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to deeper wintering areas	Current seams and eddies near channel bends with rock structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Shallow grass flats and hydrilla beds in 2-4 feet of water, especially where vegetation is starting to emerge	Tidal creek mouths with submerged vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected coves with emerging vegetation near deeper water access	Rock piles and bridge pilings, especially near the 301 bridge area
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Lily pad fields, particularly during higher tide stages as evidenced by multiple recent catches	Dock pilings, especially productive in stained water conditions
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rock piles in spawning-depth zones, especially those protected from strong current	Current seams along banks where fish can ambush prey while conserving energy
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Shallow grass mats and lily pad fields in 1-3 feet of water	Edges of hydrilla and milfoil beds adjacent to slightly deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom near submerged vegetation (hydrilla, milfoil)	Areas around docks and pilings in 2-4 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges and grass flats, particularly healthy hydrilla beds	Dock pilings and laydowns near deeper water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Downriver sides of main river islands, particularly in eddies	Rocky points with current influence
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Submerged vegetation beds in shallow water (0-6 feet)	Vegetation edges near tidal creeks and backwaters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation edges near spawning flats, particularly hydrilla and milfoil beds	Dock pilings and rock piles, especially near the 301 bridge area
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Grass flats with mixed vegetation (hydrilla, milfoil, eel grass) in 3-5 foot depth range	Lily pad fields and matted grass, especially during low tide periods
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rock piles in current	Ledge systems near dams
Summer	Northern Snakehead	Submerged vegetation beds, particularly hydrilla and milfoil in 1-6 feet of water	Matted grass and lily pad fields in shallow areas
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Rock piles and boulder fields below bridge structures	Submerged vegetation edges near structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Creek channel edges adjacent to grass flats where shad are migrating	Dock pilings in 8-10' of water, especially those near deep water access
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Current-swept points with boulder structure	Deep ledge systems adjacent to shallow feeding flats
Fall	Northern Snakehead	Outer edges of hydrilla and milfoil beds where vegetation meets slightly deeper water	Matted grass areas near deeper channels, especially where tidal flow creates ambush points
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Bridge pilings and rock piles near the 301 bridge, especially in 8-15 foot depths	Deep edges of submerged vegetation (hydrilla and milfoil beds)
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Docks with deep water access, particularly those with wood cover nearby	Marina structures with protected areas from wind
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep boulder fields adjacent to river channel edges	Current breaks near rock piles where shad congregate
Winter	Northern Snakehead	Deep pockets within or adjacent to hydrilla and milfoil beds, particularly in areas 4-8 feet deep	Channel edges near vegetated flats where deeper, warmer water is accessible
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep bridge pilings and adjacent rock piles near the 301 bridge, especially in 15-25 foot depths	Deep dock areas with nearby drops to deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in pre-spawn areas	Bluegill beginning to move shallow
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools concentrated in current breaks
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Alewife schools gathering in pre-spawn areas	Shad moving into shallow flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Emerging aquatic insects near vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch - primary forage mentioned in multiple recent catch reports	Bluegill - noted in successful tournament catches
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows - primary forage based on recent reports	Crawfish - becoming active in rocky areas as water warms
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Young of year shad and alewife beginning to emerge	Bluegill moving into spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around emerging vegetation	Small crawfish in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad moving along grass lines	Bluegill in shallow vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Young-of-year baitfish and fry	Adult Minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Shad gathering in shallow areas	Young of year panfish in vegetated areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around vegetation	Juvenile shad and minnows
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around grass beds	Alewife along grass edges
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows concentrating around current breaks	Shad schooling in deeper water
Summer	Northern Snakehead	Alewife	Bluegill
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Minnows	Small perch
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools migrating to creek arms	Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools migrating to creek arms	Crawfish in rocky areas
Fall	Northern Snakehead	Shad schools congregating in creek mouths and channel edges	Bluegill remaining in vegetation but less active
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small shad and minnows	Young of year perch
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent fishing reports	Bluegill - commonly found around dock structure
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schooling in deeper water	Dormant crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Northern Snakehead	Alewife and shad congregating in deeper water	Sluggish bluegill residing in vegetation
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows	Juvenile shad

Bait Colors by Season for Potomac River

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Northern Snakehead	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Snakehead	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Snakehead	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors