Blackwater, anyone?

[WVKayakFisher]

We made one run to Blackwater last year, right when it flooded...and didn't even get the boats in the water. I'm seeing lots of reports that action is blowing up over there and even though it's ~6 hours we might make the run friday-sunday. Anyone familiar with it over there? It seems to be far less visitor friendly than the Potomac tribs we usually visit. In particular looking for places to stay that are kayak friendly and nearby, and maybe reports of whether it's kayak-safe this time of year.

[CHOC]

Blackwater is a good snakehead spot in July/August.

Mixed reviews on other species.

Taylor Island Campground is good location wise. It's got access to the main Bay and is a 5 min drive to Blackwater.

It's really pretty there.

[WVKayakFisher]

Thanks! Blackwater is totally filthy with snakeheads, I'm watching posts in groups right now with insane numbers as they come out of dormancy, that's why I'm asking. I've seen Taylor's Island, thanks for that referral too, I had totally forgotten it. It was beautiful last year when we went too, driving the truck through 12" of flowing floodwater was...interesting.

[CHOC]

They're seeing sneks in large numbers already over there? Can you post a link of the group?

I might need to make an early trip over there.

[RavensDfense]

Thanks! Blackwater is totally filthy with snakeheads, I'm watching posts in groups right now with insane numbers as they come out of dormancy, that's why I'm asking. I've seen Taylor's Island, thanks for that referral too, I had totally forgotten it. It was beautiful last year when we went too, driving the truck through 12" of flowing floodwater was...interesting.

Blackwater and the surrounding marshes flood monthly to the level you're referring to. 12" of water on the road at high tide, during a full or new moon is common year around in some places. If you want to minimize you flooding risk, try and plan your trip around the waxing and waning moons; about a week to two weeks after/before the full/new moon.

And you're correct about the SH's being caught there. We've had a few warmer days on the shore and that dark, shallow water warms quickly. Lures and/or minnows will work for you. Good luck.

[YakMan1731]

We made one run to Blackwater last year, right when it flooded...and didn't even get the boats in the water. I'm seeing lots of reports that action is blowing up over there and even though it's ~6 hours we might make the run friday-sunday. Anyone familiar with it over there? It seems to be far less visitor friendly than the Potomac tribs we usually visit. In particular looking for places to stay that are kayak friendly and nearby, and maybe reports of whether it's kayak-safe this time of year.

I made the pilgrimmage to Blackwater yesterday and launched from the Golden Hill Road launch. I've made probably 15 trips there over the last year. The summer is where it's at. I fished yesterday from 7:30am to 2:15pm using live minnows under a bobber (two rigs out at once) and got nothing. Not even one bite except for an 18" rockfish near the bridge. Definitely disappointing given the recent reports, but my hunch is that while some of the snakes in certain areas are coming out of dormancy, there may also be some that might still be sluggish from the winter. Just my theory, clearly not backed up by anything other than experience. The areas I fished yesterday I can routinely get over 20 topwater strikes in the summer. As far as kayak-safe, particularly that area, the water is still chilly but it's Blackwater so you actually need to work hard to find anything deeper than 4 feet. It's deceptive because the water is tannic so it looks deep but there are only a couple spots I know of that are deeper than 5 feet. Definitely kayak safe. For other species of fish, I've caught 5 pound largemouth out of there, seen Pat pull a keeper rockfish, and also caught white perch. It's a gorgeous location. Bald eagles flying around like it's nothing. One of my favorite summer kayaking spots, not to mention fishing. As far as cold weather, those guys pulling hundreds a day have got the magic locations. I give them all the credit in the world. My two cents is if it's that long of a drive I'd wait until the regular warm water snakehead pattern starts. It's way more fun to catch them on topwater frogs and whatnot rather than sit there and watch a bobber. I'd check Cambridge for places to stay, as it's within a half hour of the launch. Good luck if you do go! I hope you crush them!

[J.A. Veil]

I think yesterday was just a tough bite day on the Eastern Shore. I fished in four different Eastern Shore locations yesterday and had no bites at the first three of them: a) shoreline fishing in the upper reaches of the Choptank; b) kayak fishing in a tidal creek (casting) and the main Choptank (trolling) out of Martinak State Park; and c) kayak fishing at Smithville Lake).

I avoided the skunk on my fourth stop in Tuckahoe Creek. I managed 3 yellow perch, 1 white perch, and 1 pickerel in 20 minutes from the same spot -- all on minnows fished on a 1/16-oz jighead and retrieved slowly. After that -- nothing. The shoreline fishermen and other kayakers at the Tuckahoe location were having a tough day too.

It was a 9-hour door-to-door day with three separate launches, retrievals, and loading up in my van. As Matt said above, the scenery and habitats were pretty and looked fishy, but the fish did not cooperate. I was exhausted and slept well last night.

[icanoe]

If you are looking for a place to stay near Blackwater, check out AirBnB.
https://abnb.me/rBXskF8ruV