Joe Nielsen

Sun rise on the Upper Potomac River with shades of red in the sky and water

Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes

Heraclitus: 'No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.'

Mist rising off the C&O canal in late fall

One of the many joys of fishing for me is seeing how places change under different conditions and seasons. On most days this is a pretty ordinary looking spot along the C&O canal, but on this particular day it was mysteriously beautiful.

Potomac river riffle area at sunrise

Smallie water

Thanks, it’s one of my favorites. It’s time for another visit.

Mountain stream with a promising looking pool for brook trout

Brookie water

Not from this year, but this brookie caught from a mountain stream remains a favorite of mine.

Trout being held in awkward pose

Worst trout pic ever, I have more

Sunrise on upper Potomac River

My last trip on the upper Potomac River this year before winterizing boat and switching to other pursuits. I will miss sunrises on the river but not enough to suit up and face the cold. Spring will be here soon enough.

Potomac river smallmouth bass caught and released

Fishing was slow this morning on the upper Potomac river. Water level is low and very clear. Managed to catch two small fish on a tube before the wind came up and drove us off the water.

Catfish being held up for photo prior to release.

Smallmouths wanted tubes, but tubes were working equally well on catfish on the upper Potomac this morning. Personal best catfish caught and released.

Upper Potomac river smallmouth bass, caught and released

Upper Potomac river smallmouth bass, caught and released

Fished the upper Potomac this morning. Water is fairly muddy from all the rain. Managed to catch a few smallmouths on a spinner bait.

Two railway bridges over the Potomac River, connecting Harper’s Ferry WV to Maryland

Railway bridges over the Potomac River connecting Harper’s Ferry WV to Maryland

Beautiful fish!

Pink hibiscus flower and pollen laden bubble bee

Pink is irresistible!

My empty hand and a fish that has just flipped away

I post uncooperative fish

I once owned a similar tool kit but mine has gone to wherever missing tools go.

Crappie with yellow eye and black strip, caught from pond and released

I post fish with mysterious eyes

Bluegill fish resting in my palm before being released

The mighty bluegill

Red mushroom of unknown species (to me)

I too like mushrooms, look a mushroom

Crappie caught from local pond

Bluegill caught from local pond

Largemouth bass caught from local pond

The pond creatures were hungry this evening

Sometimes you just need to fish

Crappie caught and released

This is one of my favorite crappie pictures. Nice looking crappie and my shadow taking the picture. This shot was completely accidental and I’ve learned since that it’s pretty hard to do well when actually trying to get this shot.

Largemouth bass caught and released

When I catch a largemouth bass, it usually reminds me of the first time I ever caught one when I was a kid. I can still remember excitedly saying, look how big its mouth is!

Sounds like quite an adventure. A 23 inch fish in current would definitely test your 5x and knots!

I didn’t get a measurement on that fish and I’m terrible at trying estimate fish size. The excitement of the moment always seems to make them look bigger. My 23 is waiting for me. 🤞

Nice looking water, any activity?

Beautiful fish, both!

That catfish was caught on spinning rod. I fish the Potomac mostly with spinning rods. I’ve tried throwing big streamers on an 8 wt for smallie fishing, but didn’t enjoy it all that much-too much work. Occasionally I bring my 6 wt for wet wading for smallies in the summer, but no cats on the 6 wt

Your post got me thinking about brookie fishing in mountain streams. I’ve settled on a 7 foot rod for the small mountain streams I fish with lots of overhanging trees and bushes. Do you prefer longer or shorter rods for tight fishing?