I hear that the upper Potomac River is killer for smallies, but I don't know where to start.  Is it around the Algonkian park area?  In a kayak, how's that area for paddling around?  We're in SOT yaks so they're mostly set up for flatwater or slow currents, not good for rapids or rips at all.

What's the best lures? 

Thanks.

I fish around Harpers Ferry a bunch.  The current there is moving...not sure how a kayak would do.  Small mouth are everywhere in the river, as well as Walleye and pan fish.  Small spinner baits, in-line spinners, and tubes seem to be the best for me. 

i just picked up the GMCO's pro Upper Potomac River map from Urban Angler in Arlington.

There are a few rapids just down river of Harper's Ferry but it looks like Brunswick would be a good spot to put in....

i just picked up the GMCO's pro Upper Potomac River map from Urban Angler in Arlington.

There are a few rapids just down river of Harper's Ferry but it looks like Brunswick would be a good spot to put in....

Is that Brunswick, MD (across from the Route 17 bridge?)  Can the smallies be found anywhere farther south on the river, at all?  I'm trying to stay more local to the Northern VA area.

yes. just dont go past riverbend park unless you have a barrel to ride in.

check out point of rocks, algonkian park, riverbend.

there are some access points between point of rocks and algonkian. shoot me a pm if youre interested and ill check the map when i get home from work.

How does the Hagerstown stretch of the Potomac fish for smallies? What about upstream to Hancock?

http://www.switchfisher.com/navigation/smallmouth/UpperPotomac.html

the link above contains some decent info about smallmouth fishing the upper potomac. hope it helps