Fishing the DMV

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, we’re heading to one of Virginia’s premier bass fisheries with Billy Kohls, owner and head guide of Smith Mountain Lake Guide Service, for an in-depth late winter bass fishing report you won’t want to miss. 🎣❄️

Billy breaks down Smith Mountain Lake winter bass fishing during the critical late-winter to early-spring transition, covering where bass are positioned, how their behavior changes as water temperatures slowly rise, and what anglers should be targeting to consistently catch fish. We dive deep into cold-water bass patterns, including winter largemouth and spotted bass locations, depth ranges, structure vs. cover, and how weather fronts, water clarity, and lake conditions impact the bite.

This episode is packed with winter bass fishing tips, including best winter bass lures, slow-presentation techniques, and how to adjust your approach as fish begin staging for the prespawn. Whether you’re fishing deep water structure, main lake points, channel swings, or transition areas, Billy shares proven strategies to help you catch more bass during the toughest time of the year.

If you’re looking to improve your winter bass fishing, learn how to fish Smith Mountain Lake in late winter, or prepare for the prespawn bass bite, this episode delivers high-level insight from one of the most knowledgeable guides on the lake.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow Fishing the DMV for more bass fishing reports, seasonal fishing patterns, and expert fishing advice from top anglers and guides across the Mid-Atlantic!

 Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!!
  Patreon: https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected]

Link to Billy Kohls bait shop: https://www.missilebaits.store?bg_ref=oUaVC7GDPV

Check out Billy Kohls website at: Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Guide https://www.smithmountainlakefishing.com/about

Check Billy out on Instagram down below: https://www.instagram.com/billy_kohlsfishing/

Check out Billy Kohls YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@billykohlsfishing3697

Fishing the DMV Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/fishingthedmv/?utm_medium=copy_link

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ 

Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ 

Click the link below to get 15% off any roll-on when you use the code BLUEFISH. BlueStuff.com/FishingtheDMV 

#fishing #bassfishing #smithmountainlake

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On this urgent and important episode of Fishing the DMV, I’m joined by Dean Naujoks of the Potomac Riverkeeper to discuss a major Potomac River environmental emergency that every angler, boater, and outdoor recreationist in the Mid-Atlantic needs to know about.

As of this week, an estimated 60 million gallons of raw, untreated sewage per day has been discharging into the Potomac River due to a catastrophic failure of a major sanitary sewer interceptor line in Montgomery County, Maryland. The break occurred near Lockhouse 10 within the C&O Canal National Historical Park, sending sewage directly into one of the most heavily fished rivers in the Mid-Atlantic.

In this episode, we cover:

·       The Potomac River sewage spill and what caused the interceptor line failure

·       How the raw sewage overflow is impacting water quality, fish populations, and aquatic habitat

·       Current water sampling results, E. coli concerns, and public health risks

·       How DC Water is responding and working to divert and contain the sewage spill

·       What this means for Potomac River bass fishing, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and recreational fishing

At the time of recording, D.C. Water is actively responding to the sanitary sewer overflow, but all untreated sewage is still flowing into the Potomac River near Lock 10. 

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast 

If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] 

Link to Potomac Riverkeepers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/potomacriverkeeper 

Email the Potomac Riverkeepers at: [email protected] 

Link to Potomac Riverkeepers website: potomacriverkeepernetwork.org 

Potomac Riverkeepers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potomac_riverkeeper_network/ 

If you have additional questions about the Potomac Interceptor and DC Water's response, contact DC Water’s Customer Care team (202) 354-3600 or the 24-Hour Command Center at 202-612-3400. 

thank you to my sponsors that help keep the show alive! 

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ 

Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ 

Click the link below to get 15% off any roll-on when you use  the code BLUEFISH. https://emutherapy.com/pages/fishing-the-dmv-with-thomas-arens 

#Potomacriver #fishingtheDMV #Conservation 

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On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, we’re bringing you live, on-the-floor coverage from the Richmond Bass Fishing Show—one of the premier bass fishing expos in the Mid-Atlantic! 🎣🔥 We go booth to booth talking with some incredible local and regional tackle companies, diving into new product releases, custom baits, and must-have gear for bass anglers heading into the season. You’ll hear directly from the makers behind Drop Zone Tackle, Deep Creek Lures, Shane Flint Outdoors, and Blue Rock Custom Tackle as they break down what makes their baits unique, how to fish them, and why they’re producing fish across the region. If you love bass fishing, fishing expos, custom tackle, and supporting small businesses in the fishing industry, this episode is packed with insight you don’t want to miss.

Featured vendors & links:
• Deep Creek Lures – https://www.deepcreeklures.com/

• Drop Zone Tackle – https://rattleshot.com/

• Shane Flint Outdoors – https://www.facebook.com/p/Shane-Flint-Outdoors-100067824541655/

• Blue Rock Custom Tackle – https://bluerocktackle.com/

Be sure to like, subscribe, and share for more Fishing the DMV live coverage, bass fishing gear breakdowns, and fishing show content from across the Mid-Atlantic!

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast 

If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] 

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ 

Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ 

Click the link below to get 15% off any roll-on when you use 
the code BLUEFISH. BlueStuff.com/FishingtheDMV 

#bassfishing #fishingtheDMV #fishingtips

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To celebrate the incredible working relationship between Fishing the DMV and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, this special long-form compilation episode brings together multiple in-depth biologist reports covering Virginia’s most iconic and productive river systems. This episode is packed with science-backed insight, fish population trends, and actionable information every serious angler should know heading into 2025.

·      (Tidal) Potomac River with biologist John Odenkirk

·      Shenandoah River System with biologist Jason Hallacher

·      North Fork of the Holston River with Justin Helflin

·      New River System biologist Kristen Chestnut-Faull.

·      Upper James River system (Non-Tidal) withbiologist Hunter Hatcher

·      York River, Chickahominy, Appomattox and Tidal James River with Biologist Margaret Whitmore

This special compilation episode kicks off on the Potomac River with veteran biologist John Odenkirk, breaking down the 2025 fisheries report and the current health of bass and invasive snakehead populations in Virginia’s tidal waters. From there, we dive into the Shenandoah River system with biologist Jason Hallacher, covering new sampling data across the North Fork, South Fork, and Main Stem, highlighting improving smallmouth numbers, strong sunfish action, successful stocking efforts, and ongoing habitat recovery.

The episode then travels across Virginia’s most iconic river systems, including the North Fork of the Holston River with Justin Helflin, the legendary New River with Kristen Chestnut-Faull, and the Upper James River with Hunter Hatcher. These segments explore trophy smallmouth potential, population trends, and survey results that reveal why these rivers continue to thrive. The compilation wraps up with a comprehensive tidal breakdown from Margaret Whitmore, covering the Tidal James, Appomattox, Chickahominy, and the often-overlooked Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers—spotlighting some of Virginia’s most productive and underrated fisheries heading into the upcoming season.

Biologist Reports & Forecasts:
https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/forecasts-and-reports/non-tidal-river-fishing-forecast/

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] 

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ 

Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ 

Click the link below to get 15% off any roll-on when you use the code BLUEFISH.

BlueStuff.com/FishingtheDMV  

 #bassfishing #fishingtheDMV #fishingtips 

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On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I’m joined by Alex Thigpen and Shockley Hiatt — two rising hammers representing the next generation of competitive bass fishing. 🎣🔥

These young anglers aren’t just great on the water — they’re competing at the highest levels of high school bass fishing. Both have fished in major B.A.S.S. Strike King Bassmaster High School Series events, including regional qualifiers and the Bassmaster High School National Championship, where the toughest youth teams in the country battle for top honors. 

We dive deep into just how advanced elite high school and college bass fishing has become, and how young competitors are rapidly separating themselves by mastering cutting-edge technology like Forward Facing Sonar (FFS). From adapting faster than ever before to reading live sonar, to developing a high-level tournament mindset at a young age, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to compete in today’s bass fishing world.

This episode is packed with insider knowledge on youth bass fishing, competitive angling, and the evolving mental game behind tournament success. We also discuss adversity, discipline, and the lessons seasoned anglers of all levels can learn from these young competitors who are redefining the sport.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, tournament angler, or just passionate about the future of bass fishing, this is a must-listen episode that highlights where the sport is headed — and how fast it’s changing.

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

Alex Thigpen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thigpen_alex?igsh=eGg3eWhvYzkxNHA4 

Shockley Hiatt on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shockleyh_fishing?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 

If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] 
 
Click the link below to get 15% off any roll-on when you use the code BLUEFISH.

BlueStuff.com/FishingtheDMV  

 Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ 

Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ 

 #bassfishing #fishingtheDMV #fishingtips 

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On this in-depth episode of Fishing the DMV, we’re joined by Captain Doug Goodman, a highly respected Mid-Atlantic saltwater fishing guide with decades of experience fishing the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Southwest Florida.

Captain Doug has been fishing inshore and offshore waters since the late 1970s, earning his U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License in 2015 with the mission of sharing his passion for fishing with anglers of all ages and skill levels. He is an active member of the National Association of Charter Boat Captains, the Coastal Conservation Association, and Captains for Clean Water, and is a strong advocate for conservation-minded fishing throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

In this episode, we dive deep into Captain Doug’s fishing journey, the rich history of the Chesapeake Bay, and the current challenges facing one of the most important estuaries in the world. We discuss saltwater fishing trends, inshore species, striped bass, redfish, speckled trout, and how kayak fishing continues to grow across the Mid-Atlantic. We also take an honest look at the Chesapeake Bay menhaden population collapse, fisheries management, conservation efforts, and what anglers—both boat and kayak fishermen—can do to protect the future of Chesapeake Bay fishing.

🎣 Topics Covered:
• Chesapeake Bay saltwater fishing
• Kayak fishing in Maryland & Virginia
• Inshore vs offshore fishing
• Menhaden population decline
• Fisheries conservation & clean water
• Mid-Atlantic fishing history
• Charter fishing insights from a Coast Guard-licensed captain

Click the link below to get 15% off any roll-on when you use the code BLUEFISH.

BlueStuff.com/FishingtheDMV  

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] 

Website: Www.Divergentfishingcharters.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Capt. Doug on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divergentfishingcharters?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Divergentfishingcharters/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CbitotNNUmJ/?utm_medium=share_sheet 

Facebook: facebook.com/sbfishingtv

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Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ 

Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ 

 #bassfishing #fishingtheDMV #fishingtips 

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Welcome back to the 2nd Annual Merry Bassmas Bash Fishing Tournament!
In this episode, we bring you a full tournament standings an award ceremony!! We are giving away a ton of cool prizes and guided fishing trips!!!  

We’ll break down the division winers for the Largemouth/Mixed Bag Division and Smallmouth Division and a ton of side pot challenge from walleye to yellow perch !

We also highlight cash payouts, plaques, big-fish awards in PA/MD/VA waters, and the crowd-favorite “Beat the Champion” rule, inspired by competitive bass fishing legends. Whether you're into December bass fishing tips, cold water fishing, winter river bass tactics, off-season tournament fishing, or just love watching anglers hunt giant winter fish, this episode brings the full Merry Bassmas energy.

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] 

Click the link below to get 15% off any roll-on when you use the code BLUEFISH.

BlueStuff.com/FishingtheDMV  

New River Outdoor Company phone number: 540-921-7438

New River Outdoor Company social media handles:

 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NewRiverOutdoorCompany?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Instagram: https://instagram.com/newriveroutdoorco_?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Follow SB Fishing on his social media accounts below:
 YouTube:
 https://youtube.com/@SBFishing

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https://instagram.com/sbfishingtv?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Facebook: facebook.com/sbfishingtv

Please checkout our Patreon Sponsors

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ 

Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ 

Click the link below to get 15% off any roll-on when you use the code BLUEFISH.

BlueStuff.com/FishingtheDMV 

 #bassfishing #fishingtheDMV #fishingtips

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On this action-packed episode of Fishing the DMV, we sit down with Justin Largen, fresh off his big win at Battle on the Border VII on Buggs Island / Kerr Lake—one of the premier bass fishing destinations in Virginia and North Carolina. Justin breaks down exactly how he cracked the code in tough, low-water conditions, targeting stumps, stick-ups, and shallow structure in 3–6 feet of water along wind-blown banks to bring home the win.

We dive deep into kayak bass fishing strategy, tournament-winning patterns, and how changing water levels and shallow cover played a major role on Kerr Lake bass fishing. If you’re looking to improve your shallow water bass fishing, structure fishing, or tournament bass fishing decision-making, this episode is loaded with insight you can apply immediately.

We also break down everything anglers need to know about Battle on the Border VII, one of the most exciting kayak fishing tournaments of the year:

• Open to all kayak anglers
• Fish one day or both
• $1,500 added to payouts
• Hosted with support from local clubs, Kerr Lake communities, and Vance County

Whether you’re into kayak bass fishing, Kerr Lake fishing reports, bass tournament breakdowns, or following the best Fishing the DMV tournament coverage, this episode is a must-listen.

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] 

Click the link below to get 15% off any roll-on when you use the code BLUEFISH.

BlueStuff.com/FishingtheDMV  

Justin Largen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin__largen?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 

Justin Largen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.largen.3 

Missile Baits: https://www.missilebaits.store/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGniacGIi9z6n4qtEmPSG9K5vEL0G13QSSIaWeDz5oz0UJJmRTzHsAVBxfKw50_aem_XMGiP6C6IMx1v5d4AUORVA 

 Please checkout our Patreon Sponsors

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ 

Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ 

Click the link below to get 15% off any roll-on when you use the code BLUEFISH.

BlueStuff.com/FishingtheDMV 

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On this action-packed episode of Fishing the DMV, we officially kick off our 2025 Fisheries Tier Rankings, breaking down the best bass fishing lakes, rivers, and reservoirs in Maryland and Virginia as part of our larger multi-state series covering Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.

This episode is loaded with hot takes, strong opinions, and real-world bass fishing experience as we debate which Maryland and Virginia fisheries deserve top-tier status in 2025—and which waters may be overrated or falling behind. From legendary bass fisheries to hidden gem sleeper lakes, nothing is off limits as we build the most epic, community-driven bass fishing tier list of the year.

We dive deep into some of the most talked-about bass fishing destinations in the Mid-Atlantic, including:
• Upper Chesapeake Bay bass fishing
• Potomac River largemouth & smallmouth bass
• Deep Creek Lake bass fishing
• Lake Anna bass fishing
• Prettyboy Reservoir bass fishing
• Western Branch Reservoir
• Buggs Island / Kerr Lake
• Smith Mountain Lake bass fishing
• James River smallmouth & largemouth bass
• Plus many more Maryland and Virginia fishing lakes, rivers, and tidal waters

Your voice matters! This ranking isn’t just ours—it’s shaped by the Fishing the DMV community. Drop your opinions in the comments, let us know what we got right (or wrong), and help influence how these Maryland and Virginia bass fisheries stack up as the 2025 rankings continue.

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast 

If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected]

Bass and Beer Radio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bassandbeerradio69

Bass and Beer Radio on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bassandbeerradio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.williamsfishing?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jwilliamsfishing

 YouTube - j.williamsfishing

TikTok - j.williamsfishing

Chaz Carrington on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CTCFishing
Or @CTCFishing

Chaz Carrington Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chazzington18

Chaz Carrington on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctc_fishing/  or @CTCFishing 

Please checkout our Patreon Sponsors

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ 

Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ 

Click the link below to get 15% off any roll-on when you use the code BLUEFISH.

BlueStuff.com/FishingtheDMV 

 #bassfishing #fishingtheDMV #fishingtips

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Click the link below to get 15% off any roll-on when you use the code BLUEFISH.

BlueStuff.com/FishingtheDMV 

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, we sit down for an in-depth tournament bass fishing breakdown with James Murtha and Chris More, the newly crowned Anglers of the Year from the Lew’s Golf & Fish Club. This episode dives deep into bass fishing strategy, bass fishing patterns, and how to adapt bass fishing techniques across rivers, reservoirs, and tidal water throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

James and Chris share their bass fishing journeys—from early pond fishing, fly fishing roots, and light saltwater fishing, to becoming consistent winners in kayak bass fishing tournaments and grassroots bass fishing clubs. Their shared passion for river smallmouth bass fishing shines through, as they explain why river smallmouth remains their favorite style of fishing above largemouth bass fishing, tidal bass fishing, or reservoir bass fishing.

We recap their dominant tournament bass fishing season, highlighting wins and podium finishes across some of the most diverse bass fisheries in Virginia and the DMV:

·       Lake Mooney bass fishing – 1st place (March & October)

·       Occoquan Reservoir (Rez)– 1st place (April), 3rd place (June)

·       Aquia Creek bass fishing – 1st place (May)

·       Shenandoah River smallmouth bass fishing – 1st place (July)

·       Occoquan River tidal bass fishing – 2nd place (November)

The conversation focuses heavily on how to catch bass in changing conditions, emphasizing pre-tournament homework, breaking down a fishery, and building reliable Plan A and Plan B bass fishing patterns. James and Chris explain how cold water bass fishing, tidal current bass fishing, and reservoir structure fishing all require different mindsets and lure selections.

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] 

James Murtha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_goes_fishing?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 

 Link to Lew’s Golf & Fish Club Website: https://linktr.ee/lewsgolf_fishclub  

Lew’s Golf & Fish Club Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lewsgolf.fishclub 

Lew’s Golf & Fish Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewsgolf_fishclub

Please checkout our Patreon Sponsors

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ 

Tiger Crankbaits on Facebook!! https://www.facebook.com/tigercrankbaits 

 Fishing the DMV Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Arensbassin/?ref=pages_you_manage 

 #bassfishing #fishingtheDMV #fishingtips

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