Aldo

What is a decent flow range for that stretch?

My error...the Knoxville where I'm staying is actually on the other bank of the river in MD - 6 miles east/downstream of Harper's Ferry.

I live and fish in Maine, but haven't been on China Lake. Generally speaking, by the end of July, waters have warmed to the point where the fish are mostly hanging out in deeper water. Being a fly flinger, I'm 100% focused on river fishing by July 1 for that reason. However, stillwater fish can be caught in shallow water / near shore at night and before dawn; focus on areas where there is some structure near deep water and especially reefs and points that drop off quickly. If you want to talk river smallmouths, which I find more active and easier to access than lake fish throughout the warmer summer months, let me know.

Hi all, new here, so forgive me if I unintentionally step on any toes. I'm going to be in Knoxville, WV (a few minutes from Harper's Ferry) for a couple of days between the 15th and 20th of April. Hailing from Maine, I will be at the tail end of a (very) long off-season and itching to get some river time. I'm a two handed (aka "Spey") fly rod junkie with three decades' worth of experience wading and swinging flies at moving-water smallmouths and other fishies in Maine. Wondering if the upper Potomac would be wade-able / worthwhile to fish at that time of year. If so, should I be prepared to fish deep, or will there be an opportunity for surface action? Bigger (3" + / sz. 1-0) flies, or smaller? Any particular colors that I should be sure to have? Lastly, I hope nobody minds if I ask about good public access spots for wading. All fishing will be done with single, barbless hook flies, and all fish will be played quickly, handled gently and as little as possible, and then released to fight another day. If I can ever return the favor with intel on Maine smallmouths, stripers, salmon, or trout, feel free to drop a line. Many thanks for reading and any advice you can offer.