Full-Day Guided Tour and Instruction by Mark Kovach and John Hayes

For over four decades, we have been floating eight miles down the Potomac River from Dam No. 3 above Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to Brunswick, Maryland. Unlike a typical guided bass-boat fishing trip, the stretch of river we run varies from Class III whitewater to deep pools and is loaded with ledges and islands. In many places, the river is over a quarter-mile across. This is prime smallmouth bass water.

Float trips include:

• A full day of instruction and fishing. The starting time is 8:00 a.m. We're usually off the water by dusk.
• A selection of flies and lures along with outfitted rods are available for the fly or spin angler's use.
• Information on reading water and locating fish.
• Coverage of casting techniques and methods of fishing a variety of streamers fly patterns or lures while floating or wading.
• History, geology, and river lore.
• Lunch, snacks, and beverages - Most clients say we put on the best "river feast" they've ever had

In order to run a one-of-a-kind trip, we designed some one-of-a-kind boats: 14 to 16-foot inflatable whitewater rafts equipped with custom-made aluminum frames. Swivel bucket seats, chain drag and anchoring systems, fishing rod storage racks, coolers stocked with food and drinks, and other special features increase comfort and ease of fishing.

We launch slightly north of Dam 3. Largemouth bass and walleye often lurk in the calmer water. Below the dam lies the Upper Needles, a long section of small rapids, riffles, and grass. Fish like to hide in the still water behind rocks in this area, grabbing food (and lures!). Downstream from the rapids is the Catfish Hole, a deep section of the river where the locals like to fish for our whiskered friend. Lefty's Hole harbors good-sized smallmouth, especially in the spring. Butch minnows and other meal-sized streamers produce the best results. The river continues into the Lower Needles, the second stretch of rapids providing more opportunities for structure fishing.

Below the Needles lies an area of flat water as the river flows under two railroad bridges and passes Harpers Ferry at the confluence with the Shenandoah. Take time to look up at Maryland Heights as it towers over Harpers Ferry. Below the confluence, the river passes through two sets of rapids that provide the kicks on the trip. Mad Dog's bark is worse than its bite, but when you get to Whitehorse it's time to put the fishing rods down and hold on to your seat through this Class III whitewater area. When George Washington first came upon Whitehorse, he feared it was enough to halt commerce to the West.

Most other river enthusiasts exit at Potomac Wayside just above the U.S. 340 bridge, leaving MKFS rafts to run the second half of the trip undisturbed. At the foot of Short Hill and South Mountains lie the Weverton, Old Mill, and Knoxville Falls rapids. About the only thing to accompany us through this stretch is a pair of nesting bald eagles that swoop down for a quick meal.

Dropping through Knoxville Falls, the river passes a few small islands before opening up and becoming lake-like. The "Brunswick Lake" portion of the river is dotted with a grouping of ledges and very small islands about halfway to the Maryland Route 17 boat ramp. The casting targets in this area are more subtle, but the fishing can hold up well. This is an excellent time to pick the fly rod back up as any wind usually dissipates late in the afternoon making hair poppers particularly effective.

Prize Donated By Mark Kovach Fishing Services
Expiration Date: 10/31/2021

All prizes are 100% donated which means all proceeds go directly to support PRKN Projects!