Power Plant Prowess
By Tim Sherman

At right: Bass like this, caught by Brian Johnston of Forrest Hill, Maryland, are active in the warm water discharge at the Carroll Island BGE Power Plant in winter.

If you are like me, this extremely mild winter weather is driving you nuts. At the time this article is being written, we’ve seen a stretch of days where daytime high temperatures have been in the 50s and 60s. Holiday activities, fishing shows, and the winter honey-do list are curtailing any inkling I have of casting a line. I am looking forward to spring when I will have a chance to fish. Only a moderate portion of winter has passed and Mother Nature may pull the plug on these high temperatures; but rest assured that there are others taking advantage of this abnormally warm winter weather. Many anglers around the upper Chesapeake will be heading to power plants because they know that fish migrate to warm water.

The warm water discharges of power plants in the upper Chesapeake are places where anglers can expect high percentage catches. The BGE power plant at Carroll Island is a favorite amongst boating, shore-bound, and wading anglers. The discharge is cabled off at as it dumps into Saltpeter Creek, but anglers fishing from boats can still catch fish at the confluence.

Several species can be caught here at Carroll Island. Largemouth bass, white perch, yellow perch, bream, catfish, and stripers are all active in the warm water. This area is open to catch and release striper fishing in the winter months. All of these species have an opportunity to feed well around power plants before their reproduction rituals occur in spring. In as much as these fish seek the comfort of warm water, so to do the baitfish on which they prey. Panfish species themselves often fall victim to bass and rockfish. I once witnessed an angler reach down to land a bass, only to have it open its mouth and swim away, leaving behind a bluegill that was initial hooked.

Anglers should use tackle for the species they intend to catch. For panfish fun, ultralight and light spinning tackle will do fine. I have found that the best lures are inline spinners, small twister tail grubs and tiny crankbaits. The number 2 Mepps Black Fury spinner, along with the Cordell Big O and Rattle Spot Minnow are my favorite lures. Anglers who like a more laid back approach to fishing can use a bobber and minnow rig. With mild winter weather, minnows and shiners should be readily available at area tackle shops.

Fishermen targeting largemouth bass and stripers should use medium class tackle. Largemouth bass are highly susceptible to the chattering sound and tight wiggle of rattle traps. The best I have seen has been the Rattlin Rapala. The old tan crayfish, chrome, and shad patterns work best. I will cast 2 1/2-inch Cr me Lit l Fishies in blue back/white and chartreuse to catch bass. You can also expect stripers to strike rattling baits and Lit l Fishies in the discharge. As with fall fishing, stripers will attack plastic jerkbaits. A Bass Assassin or super plastic Z-Too rigged on a shad shaped jig head will draw a striper s attention. You shouldn’t need anymore than a -ounce jig head to fish the lure effectively.

One of the best kept secret locations in the upper bay for winter fishing used to be Brandon Shores power plant on the Patapsco River. I say used to be because in years past, there would only be a few anglers fishing the discharge. In recent winters, anglers have forgotten what the word secret means and now you will find dozens of boats per day fishing there.

Stripers are the draw at Brandon Shores. Because stripers are catch and release only at this location and time of year, lures with single hooks are suggested. Pinching the barbs down on the hook is also recommended to aid in getting the fish back into the water quickly. Soft plastic jerkbaits and bucktails rank high on the scale of single-hook lures that catch stripers.

Safety and warmth are concerns in winter fishing. With boating, I suggest donning the personal floatation device before your feet hit the pier. Damp mornings can make pier planks slick and icy should air temperatures dip below 32 degrees. Dress in layers for warmth and comfort. While you may be warm in a flannel shirt at the dock or while casting, the ride to your fishing hot spot is sure to be a cold one.

Wading and shoreline fishermen should also dress in layers. Keeping your legs and feet warm is a must if you prefer wading. I wear two pair of thick socks, and fleece pants over sweat pants for my lower layer. Carrying an extra set of clothes in your vehicle is a good idea should that unexpected mishap of slipping into the water occur. Fishing with a partner is highly recommended. The so called warm water associated with power plants is still cold enough for hypothermia should you be exposed to it. Rubber gloves will help keep your hands dry and warm when handling fish.

If we are blessed the rest of this winter with unseasonably mild weather, the fishing season will start early for many anglers. Area power plants will become even more popular under pleasant conditions, so play nice. Keep it safe, dress appropriately, and set the hook into the best that winter fishing has to offer.