4.9(9 Reviews)Full Day Or Two Day Fishing Trip On Potomac River
4.9(9 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Top Rated
Fullday Potomac River fishing targeting carp, bass, and walleyeAll gear, lunch, and drinks included with expert guideTwoday option available for extended fishing experience
The Potomac River has earned its reputation as one of the East Coast's premier smallmouth bass fisheries, and after spending countless hours on these waters, I can tell you it's something special. This isn't your typical guided fishing trip—we're talking about 8 solid hours on a river system that consistently produces trophy smallmouth bass, hefty carp, and walleye that'll make your drag scream. Whether you're a fly fishing purist or prefer conventional tackle, the Potomac delivers action that keeps even seasoned anglers coming back year after year.
We launch at 8:00 AM sharp, and trust me, you'll want to be ready for a full day of fishing. This top-rated 8-hour adventure accommodates just 2 guests, which means you get personalized attention and prime fishing spots without the crowd. I've included everything you need—all tackle, flies, leaders, and even a quality lunch with snacks and cold drinks. Just bring a hat and sunglasses, and we're set. The Potomac flows through some of the most scenic country you'll find, with rocky ledges, deep pools, and current breaks that hold fish. If conditions aren't ideal on our planned stretch, I'll pivot to another productive section—flexibility is key to putting you on fish. For those wanting to really dive deep into what the Potomac offers, the 2-day option gives us time to explore different techniques and water types, from shallow flats to deeper channels where the big fish cruise.
The Potomac demands versatility, and that's exactly how we approach each trip. We'll start with topwater action early in the morning when smallmouth bass are actively feeding on the surface—there's nothing quite like watching a 4-pound smallie crush a popper in clear water. As the day progresses, we'll switch to subsurface flies like woolly buggers, crayfish patterns, and minnow imitations that match what these fish see every day. The river's structure is perfect for nymph fishing too, especially around the boulder fields and drop-offs where walleye like to hang out. I keep multiple rod setups ready so we can quickly adapt to changing conditions or target different species. The current here varies from gentle riffles to faster runs, and I'll position the boat to give you the best drifts and presentations. For carp fishing, we'll sight-fish to cruising fish with specialized patterns—it's technical and rewarding when you hook into a 20-pound river carp that'll test your backing.
"Travis is an amazing guide with tons of knowledge and experience. I loved the trip and I am planning another trip as we speak." - Keith. "Had a great time with Captain Travis. It was a father/son trip and Travis was great with my 1-year-old boy. Talked him through strategy and guided him on the water. We caught about 30 fish total and had a great time. Highly recommend and will definitely come back. Thanks!" - Javier. "Fishing with Captain Travis was a great experience for my adult son and myself. Everything about our 8 hour fishing trip was first class. I highly recommend Captain Travis and King Fisher Guide Service for a fun day full of beautiful scenery, excellent fishing, great conversation, and making unforgettable family memories." - Charles Slack.
Smallmouth bass are the crown jewel of Potomac River fishing, and for good reason. These bronze-backed fighters average 12-16 inches, with plenty of fish pushing 18-20 inches that'll make you question your knot-tying skills. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 65-75 degrees. What makes Potomac smallmouth special is their attitude—they fight harder than lake fish, using the current to their advantage and making blistering runs toward cover. The river's abundant crayfish population keeps these bass healthy and aggressive, and they'll absolutely demolish a well-presented crayfish pattern drifted along rocky structure.
Walleye fishing on the Potomac offers a different kind of challenge that serious anglers appreciate. These marble-eyed predators typically range from 15-22 inches, with occasional trophies exceeding 25 inches lurking in the deeper pools. Fall and early winter provide the most consistent walleye action, when they're actively feeding before the cold sets in. They're structure-oriented fish, holding tight to rocky points, channel edges, and current breaks where they can ambush baitfish. What's exciting about Potomac walleye is their unpredictability—you might catch them on a drift rig in 15 feet of water, or watch one crush a streamer in 3 feet of current.
Common carp might surprise you with their strength and wariness on the Potomac. These river carp average 8-15 pounds, but don't let that fool you—they're incredibly strong and will test every component of your setup. Spring through early summer offers the best carp fishing when they're cruising the shallows and actively feeding. What makes carp fishing so engaging is the sight-fishing aspect—you're actually targeting individual fish, watching their behavior, and timing your presentation perfectly. When a 12-pound carp takes your fly in clear water, the fight is spectacular. They're surprisingly spooky too, which adds a technical element that keeps even experienced fly fishers on their toes.
The Potomac River consistently ranks among the region's best fishing destinations, and these guided trips fill up quickly during prime season. Whether you choose the full-day experience or commit to the 2-day adventure, you're getting access to water that many anglers never see, along with techniques and local knowledge that took years to develop. This customer favorite trip combines world-class fishing with the kind of
Our trusty 14-foot fishing boat has been working the Potomac River since 2000, and she's still going strong after two decades on the water. This reliable craft gives you the perfect platform for targeting smallmouth bass, carp, and walleye in the river's productive waters. With GPS navigation on board, your guide can navigate to the best fishing spots while keeping you positioned over structure and drop-offs where fish like to hold. The boat comfortably handles two anglers, giving you plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're working jigs along rocky banks for smallmouth or drifting bait for carp in deeper pools, this steady boat keeps you in control. She's built tough enough to handle river currents and has the stability you need when a big fish decides to make a run.
Cyprinus CarpioCommon carp might surprise you - these golden, heavy-bodied fish are serious game on the fly rod. In the Potomac, they average 10-20 pounds but can push 30-plus, making them the biggest fish you'll likely hook on our trips. They cruise shallow flats and backwaters, especially in spring when they're spawning and feeding aggressively. Summer finds them in deeper holes during the day, moving shallow morning and evening. What makes carp fishing addictive is the combination of sight fishing and raw power - watching a 20-pounder suck in your fly, then trying to stop it from spooling you. They're incredibly strong and smart, testing every knot and your patience. Spring through fall are best when water warms up. Pro tip: move slow and keep a low profile when sight fishing - they spook easy but once hooked, they fight harder than anything else in the river.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are the backbone of our Potomac trips, and there's good reason the river's famous for them. These bronze-backed fighters typically run 12-18 inches here, with plenty of 2-4 pounders that'll test your drag. They love rocky structure - boulders, ledges, and gravel bars where they ambush crayfish and minnows. Spring through fall are prime, but they're most active during cooler parts of the day in summer heat. What guests love about smallmouth is their fight - pound for pound, they're hard to beat, jumping and running like fish twice their size. They're also great eating with firm, white meat. On the fly rod, they're perfect targets with poppers, streamers, and crayfish patterns. Local trick: look for water 3-8 feet deep around rock piles during morning and evening - that's where they stage to feed.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of those fish that make you work for them, but they're worth it. These golden, olive-colored fish with their signature glassy eyes typically run 18-24 inches in the Potomac, with some pushing 30 inches and 8-10 pounds. They love rocky bottoms and drop-offs, staying deep during the day and moving shallow to feed at dawn and dusk. That's when their reflective eyes really give them an advantage hunting minnows and crayfish. Spring and fall are prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot around 70 degrees. What makes walleye special is they're genuine table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. On the fly, target structure with minnow patterns fished slow near bottom. Here's a local tip: when you find one walleye, there's usually more nearby since they school up.
4.9 out of 5.0Travis is an amazing guide with tons of knowledge and experience. I loved the trip and I am planning another trip as we speak.
Travis knows the river and works hard to make sure your trip is enjoyable and safe. Very impressed.
Caught lots of large small mouths
Had a great time with Captain Travis. It was a father/son trip and Travis was great with my 1-year-old boy. Talked him through s...
Had a great time with Travis. Having never river fished before this was a new experience. Travis guides the boat expertly and put ...
Captain Travis was a great mentor for the boys. They reported catching lots of fish, learning much, and having a great time.
Caught sooooo many fish! Great teacher, good personality, would recommend highly!! Jim the helper was great guys as well!
Outstanding!
Fishing with Captain Travis was a great experience for my adult son and myself. Everything about our 8 hour fishing trip was first...
Harpers Ferry, WV