does anyone here pass over the Tidal Occoquan on a daily basis? regarding ice

[Turtle135]

Does anyone here pass over the Tidal Occoquan on a daily basis? Was looking for an ice free spot to fish this weekend. My local reservoir (Clopper Lake in Seneca Creek State Park) is locked up in ice at the moment.

Thanks in advance!

[Kidnikarus]

This morning there was a bit near the marina to the east of nb I 95. It didn't look too bad. I can check tomorrow morning again for you.

[Turtle135]

This morning there was a bit near the marina to the east of nb I 95. It didn't look too bad. I can check tomorrow morning again for you.

Thanks Kidnikarus! Just looking to get the kayak into some open water (which from your observation sounds like it should be doable by the weekend).

[camelbird]

Anybody have a chance to catch a look at the ice on the occoquan?

[Kidnikarus]

It is almost totally clear. A little towards belmont bay. I was planning to take a photo this morning from 95 but for some strange reason traffic was lite. Not sure how the back of the river is. Are you planning on going for perch?

[Turtle135]

Thanks for the update Kidnikarus!

p.s. - I'm going to be targeting largemouth bass.

[camelbird]

I just need out of the house..bad, real bad hah

Thinking crappie, deep jigging bass and maybe some perch, maybe some flathead live linin... this sunday most likely, weather pending

If you guys are there, we should definitely cruise around

[Turtle135]

If you guys are there, we should definitely cruise around

I'm headed over there tomorrow. It is supposed to rain all day but I have not been in the kayak since New Years Day. If I can find the bass will probably head back over on Sunday. At any rate, will report back on what the conditions are like.

[camelbird]

Thanks, Dave! Wondering also what the river will look like after all of this rain

[Turtle135]

Thanks, Dave! Wondering also what the river will look like after all of this rain

I'm hoping not too off color. Muddy and cold can be a tough prescription for largemouth bass. I'm guessing since the water is pulling from the reservoir that it should not be too bad.

[Turtle135]

update on the water conditions from today

water was 39 to 40 degrees, the water color was not what I was hoping for, I was bass fishing with a black & blue bass jig and I could not see that lure more than 10 to 12 inches down, the additional rain from today will not help that situation

did not catch any bass today, vertically jigged a blade bait under the I-95 bridge for a few minutes and caught a sunfish, saw good numbers of fish on the fish finder near the deeper docks (mostly suspended 7-10 feet down over 20 feet of water or deeper)

[DanMarino]

I wondered if you made it out today Dave. As I drove around Columbia today in a downpour, I told my son that I'm sure you were out there. Nice job avoiding zthe skunk.

[Turtle135]

I wondered if you made it out today Dave. As I drove around Columbia today in a downpour, I told my son that I'm sure you were out there. Nice job avoiding zthe skunk.

Mother Nature at her finest today! I thought the lightning and the thunder was a nice touch!

[camelbird]

That is complete determination right there. Glad you dodged a skunk. Thanks for the report, Dave

I've been watching the NOAA river water levels...doesn't look too promising...probably going to take the family to the aquarium instead tomorrow