Gene Mueller's weekend fishing report

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Monsoon-like rains inundated the Washington area, and the fishing picture for those who enjoy freshwater rivers and lakes looks dim. It will take four days, at least, for the Shenandoah River, the upper parts of the Potomac, Rappahannock, James and Susquehanna to clear and run slower before decent fishing is again available.

However, in the Chesapeake Bay the fishing will return quickly. In fact, by the time you read this the striped bass catches should begin to return. Don't forget, Friday the Maryland rockfish season enters its second phase as two 18-inch-and-over stripers can be kept, but only one of the two may measure over 28 inches.

In the lowest portions of the Chesapeake, the black drum bite is going great guns, while red drum (aka redfish or channel bass) are taking baits and lures on the seaside of the Eastern Shore. The Peninsula Saltwater Sport Fisherman's Association's Ken Neill said, "Fisherman's Island Inlet is still the best location. More fish will be caught on the Inner Middle Ground Shoals over the next couple of weeks."
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Neill added that the black drum bite is just ridiculous, with huge fish being caught in the Buoy 13 and Buoy 16 area. Chowder and sea clams are the top baits. This bite is at its peak just in time for this week's Black Drum World Championship. Check out www.esvachamber.org/festivals/drumfish for details on the contest.

Locally, tidal water bass fans will probably be able to fish some of the Potomac's feeders, including the Mattawoman, Chicamuxen, Aquia and Potomac creeks. The bass are there and they're used to seeing stained water, so use loud or bright color lures along spatterdock, wood and marsh edges.

Here's this week's outlook:

(Ratings key: ★★★★=excellent fishing; ★★★=Good; ★★=Fair; ★=Poor.)

AREA 1: D.C. AND VICINITY

POTOMAC RIVER: 0-35 miles (★) At Fletcher's Cove (Georgetown, off Canal Road; call 202/244-0461), Ray Fletcher said it might take until late Sunday or Monday before the fishing resumes. Currently it's high, muddy and swift. Downstream, from the Piscataway to the Chicamuxen, weekenders might see good enough conditions inside the feeders to hook a few bass. Cut baits will find big catfish.

WICOMICO RIVER: 55 miles (★★) From the Bushwood area on out to the middle of the river and upstream there will be croakers caught by Saturday. The fish are definitely there.