Potomac River Reservoir Fishing near Williamsport, Maryland

• Overview

  Washington County in Maryland is where Potomac River Reservoir sits. Country round the bank runs to open valley. It runs to roughly 37 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. For supplies, Williamsport is 0.6 miles out. Wilson-Conococheague is 4 miles away, with Halfway at 4.2 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Potomac River Reservoir

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Records held for Washington County cover smallmouth bass, bluegill, largemouth bass and brown trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Take Potomac River Reservoir a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 75°F and January at 30°F. The freeze here is occasional rather than annual. Cover comes and goes, so treat it with suspicion rather than trust. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. On Potomac River Reservoir the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. A made slipway is half a mile from here, which settles the boat question. A car park lies half a mile away, so the walk in is short. Toilets show in mapping about half a mile away. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Big Pool, 9.9 miles away. Confirm before you fish Potomac River Reservoir.