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Expert-Guided Potomac River Fishing Adventure

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Harpers Ferry, WV
  • $200 - $1,100 price range
  • Updated Date: October 16, 2025

Summary

Ready for some great fishing on the Potomac? We've got an 8-hour day trip or a 2-day option if you want to really dive in. The river's known for smallmouth bass, but you might hook sunfish or catfish too. We'll meet at 8 AM, and we've got all the gear covered, plus lunch and snacks. Just bring a hat and shades. It's a small group - just you and one other guest with our guide, so you'll get plenty of attention. If the Potomac's not fishing well, we'll hit another good spot nearby. The scenery's beautiful, and whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, we'll make sure you have a good time on the water. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, but we're confident you'll be glad you came out with us.
Expert-Guided Potomac River Fishing Adventure

River Fishing Action

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Fishing at Brunswick Boat Ramp with jigging and fly fishing techniques

Storms brewing, but the fishing's just heating up at Brunswick Boat Ramp!

Fishing at Harpers Ferry WV with various techniques including jigging and fly fishing

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for epic fishing adventures in Harpers Ferry!

Fishing in Harpers Ferry WV with jigging and fly fishing techniques

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for a diverse fishing adventure!

Fishing in Harpers Ferry WV with jigging and fly fishing techniques

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for a perfect day of diverse fishing techniques!

Person fishing from boat on lake with trees and blue sky at Brunswick Boat Ramp using jigging and fly fishing techniques

Great day on the water at Brunswick Boat Ramp! Clear conditions perfect for jigging and fly fishing.

Fishing at Brunswick Boat Ramp with various techniques under partly cloudy skies

Jigging, fly fishing, and more at Brunswick Boat Ramp - the perfect storm of fishing fun!

Fishing at Brunswick Boat Ramp with jigging and fly fishing techniques

Storms brewing, but the fishing's just heating up at Brunswick Boat Ramp!

Fishing at Harpers Ferry WV with various techniques including jigging and fly fishing

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for epic fishing adventures in Harpers Ferry!

Fishing in Harpers Ferry WV with jigging and fly fishing techniques

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for a diverse fishing adventure!

Fishing in Harpers Ferry WV with jigging and fly fishing techniques

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for a perfect day of diverse fishing techniques!

Person fishing from boat on lake with trees and blue sky at Brunswick Boat Ramp using jigging and fly fishing techniques

Great day on the water at Brunswick Boat Ramp! Clear conditions perfect for jigging and fly fishing.

Fishing at Brunswick Boat Ramp with various techniques under partly cloudy skies

Jigging, fly fishing, and more at Brunswick Boat Ramp - the perfect storm of fishing fun!

Fishing at Brunswick Boat Ramp with jigging and fly fishing techniques

Storms brewing, but the fishing's just heating up at Brunswick Boat Ramp!

Fishing at Harpers Ferry WV with various techniques including jigging and fly fishing

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for epic fishing adventures in Harpers Ferry!

Fishing in Harpers Ferry WV with jigging and fly fishing techniques

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for a diverse fishing adventure!

Fishing in Harpers Ferry WV with jigging and fly fishing techniques

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for a perfect day of diverse fishing techniques!

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Full Day Potomac River Fishing: Carp, Bass & Walleye

Ready to wet a line on one of the East Coast's most iconic rivers? Our full-day Potomac River trip is a can't-miss experience for any angler looking to tangle with some hard-fighting fish in a stunning setting. Whether you're chasing smallmouth bass, targeting hefty carp, or hoping to land a toothy walleye, we've got you covered. Our seasoned guides know every bend and eddy of this legendary waterway, and they're itching to put you on the fish.

What to Expect on the Water

We kick things off bright and early at 8 AM, giving us a full 8 hours to explore the Potomac's diverse fishing grounds. Our trips are limited to just two guests, ensuring you get plenty of one-on-one time with your guide. We provide all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to flies and lures. Don't sweat the small stuff - we've got lunch, snacks, and drinks covered too. Just remember to bring a hat and polarized shades to cut the glare off the water. If you're really looking to dive deep into the Potomac's fishing scene, consider our two-day option. It's perfect for anglers who want to refine their techniques and explore even more of the river's hotspots.

Techniques & Terrain

The Potomac offers a mixed bag of fishing opportunities, and we'll tailor our approach to what's biting. For smallmouth bass, we might drift soft plastics along rocky shorelines or work topwater lures over submerged structure. When targeting carp, sight-fishing with flies or corn can be incredibly effective - there's nothing quite like watching a big golden ghost suck down your offering. Walleye fishing often involves vertical jigging or trolling with crankbaits, especially in deeper pools. Throughout the day, we'll switch up tactics to keep the action hot. And if the Potomac's not playing nice? No worries. Our guides always have a backup plan, with alternate rivers in their back pocket to ensure you still have a top-notch day on the water.

Customer Stories

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what some of our recent guests had to say about their trips:

"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

"Caught sooooo many fish! Great teacher, good personality, would recommend highly!! Jim the helper was great guys as well!" - Bob

"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

Species You'll Want to Hook

Walleye: These toothy predators are prized for both their fight and their flavor. Potomac walleye typically range from 15 to 25 inches, with the occasional trophy pushing 30 inches or more. They're most active in low light conditions, so early mornings and evenings can be prime time. Walleye love to hang out near drop-offs and current seams, and when you hook into one, you'll feel why anglers get so excited about these fish.

Smallmouth Bass: The Potomac is renowned for its smallmouth fishing, and for good reason. These bronze bombers punch well above their weight class, offering acrobatic fights that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. We typically catch smallies in the 1 to 3 pound range, but 4 and 5 pounders aren't uncommon. They're aggressive feeders and will hit everything from topwater poppers to deep-running crankbaits, making them a blast to target all day long.

Common Carp: Don't let anyone tell you carp are just "trash fish." These golden giants can grow to massive sizes in the Potomac, with 20 to 30 pounders being fairly common. Carp fishing is a game of stealth and precision, often involving sight-fishing to individual fish. When hooked, their powerful runs and dogged fights will test both your tackle and your patience. Landing a big Potomac carp is a true accomplishment that'll have you coming back for more.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The Potomac River isn't just another fishing spot - it's a living piece of American history that happens to be packed with fish. One day you might be casting in the shadow of the Washington Monument, the next you could be drifting through serene wilderness areas. The diversity of the fishery means there's always something biting, no matter the season. Our guides are deeply connected to this river, and their passion is contagious. They're not just there to put you on fish (though they'll definitely do that), but to share the stories, ecology, and hidden gems that make the Potomac such a special place to wet a line.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're a seasoned angler or a complete newbie, our Potomac River trips offer something for everyone. With all gear provided and lunches that'll keep you fueled up, all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Remember, we cap our trips at just two guests, so you're guaranteed a personalized experience that caters to your skill level and interests. And while we can't control the weather or the fish's moods, our guides' local knowledge and flexibility mean you're in for a great day on the water, come rain or shine. So what are you waiting for? The Potomac's legendary fishing is calling, and trust us - you don't want to miss out on this world-class fishery right in DC's backyard. Book your trip today and get ready to create some fish stories of your own on the mighty Potomac!

Customer Reviews

Travis Wows Again

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Travis is an amazing guide with tons of knowledge and experience. I loved the trip and I am planning another trip as we speak.

KL
Keith Lucas

October 28, 2024

River Pro Travis

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Travis knows the river and works hard to make sure your trip is enjoyable and safe. Very impressed.

FM
Fred Michaud

March 28, 2025

Fish Galore

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Caught sooooo many fish! Great teacher, good personality, would recommend highly!! Jim the helper was great guys as well!

BR
Bob Reimann

August 13, 2025

Big Smallmouth Haul

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Caught lots of large small mouths

KJ
Kevin Jardine

May 5, 2024

Father Son Fish Fun

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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!

Read More
JA
Javier Aguirre

June 16, 2024

Expert River Guide

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Had a great time with Travis. Having never river fished before this was a new experience. Travis guides the boat expertly and put us where the fish were. It was a windy day and Travis worked hard to keep us fishing. Lunch was great and there was plenty of cold water. Scenery was beautiful. Highly recommend.

Read More
MM
Mathew Matta

June 30, 2024

Boys Learn Fishing

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Captain Travis was a great mentor for the boys. They reported catching lots of fish, learning much, and having a great time.

JD
Jeffry Derr

July 29, 2024

Learn more about the species

Common Carp

Common carp in the Potomac are hefty customers, often 15-30 pounds with some topping 40. These golden-brown bottom feeders prefer slow-moving, warmer water near vegetation. Spring and fall are prime times as they move shallow to feed, but summer evenings can be good too. Carp fishing's not for everyone, but those who get hooked love the challenge. These fish are strong, smart, and spooky - landing one's a real accomplishment. They're also selective feeders, so presentation is key. Try pack bait or boilies on a hair rig, fishing on the bottom. Here's a local secret: sweet corn is like candy to Potomac carp. Chum your spot lightly, then fish a single kernel on a size 6 hook. Be patient - carp often investigate bait before taking it. When that line starts moving, let them run a bit before setting the hook. You're in for a fight!

Common Carp

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are the bread and butter of Potomac fishing, usually 12-20 inches long. These bronze battlers love clear, cool water with rocky or gravel bottoms. You'll find them around submerged logs, boulders, and deep eddies. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but they'll bite year-round. Smallies are famous for their acrobatic fights - pound for pound, they're some of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish out there. They're not too picky, hitting everything from topwater to deep-running crankbaits. For a real thrill, try fly fishing with poppers or streamers. A local tip: when the water's low and clear, downsize your lures and use lighter line. These fish can get spooky in those conditions. And don't overlook those small pockets of water - some of the biggest smallies hide in spots you'd least expect.

Smallmouth Bass

Walleye

Walleye are a prized catch in the Potomac, typically ranging from 15-30 inches. These golden-olive fish with distinctive glowing eyes are night hunters, often found near rocky bottoms or drop-offs. During the day, they'll hang in deeper water, moving shallow to feed at dusk. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but summer nights can be productive too. Anglers love walleye for their tasty, flaky meat and the challenge they present. They're wary fish, so stealth is key. Try slow-trolling with live minnows or nightcrawlers along bottom structure. A local trick: use a slip-bobber rig to keep your bait in the strike zone longer. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, wait a beat before setting the hook. Walleye have a soft mouth, so a steady, firm pressure works better than a hard hookset.

Walleye

About the Water Raft

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: -

Maximum Cruising Speed: 1

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 1

Picture yourself gliding along the Potomac River in our trusty fishing vessel, ready for a full day of angling action. Our sturdy boat comfortably fits you and a friend, plus your expert guide, as you cast your lines for carp, bass, and walleye. With all the gear provided, you can focus on perfecting your technique and reeling in the big ones. The boat's stable design lets you navigate both calm stretches and livelier currents with ease. There's plenty of room to move around, switch fishing spots, and even enjoy the packed lunch and refreshments we've brought along. As the day unfolds, you'll appreciate the boat's shade cover when the sun gets high, and the ample storage for your catches. Whether you're here for a single day or opting for the two-day adventure, our reliable craft will be your floating home base for an awesome fishing experience on the historic Potomac.
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Book your unforgettable fishing adventure with King Fisher Guide Services and Captain Travis Edens today and experience the thrill of reeling in the biggest catch of your life at Harpers Ferry, WV. Act now and embark on an adrenaline-pumping journey that you'll reminisce about for years to come - spaces are filling up fast!

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