The Angler's Inn Guide Service is perfectly positioned to access two beautiful and truly wild river systems for Smallmouth Bass. We fish the majority of our Smallmouth Trips near Harpers Ferry on the main stem of the Potomac and the main stem of the Shenandoah Rivers. Both were ranked in the top ten in 2005 for taking smallmouth on surface flies by "Fly Fisherman Magazine". 2008 Fishing Guests consistently experienced some of the finest smallmouth fishing we have seen in 15 to 20 years. Each year class over the past 10 years has had excellent oppportunity to flourish. We look for 2009 to bring us more of the fun and excitement known only to the angler seeking 'pound for pound' the best fighting fish around, the Smallmouth Bass.
Our Guides... are local talent, hand selected for their familiarity with our waterways, skills as oarsmen, preparedness to handle any situation and knowledge of local fish habits and patterns. They will assist you with fly and lure selection and can offer tips on Fly outfits and casting as well as modifying Spinning Gear. These subtle but critical changes made on the water give you the advantage that only experience has to offer. Most importantly our guides know how to deliver fish and have fun doing it...Time and Time again!
...all you have to do is fish
Our Boats... are handmade labors of love. Owner and Head Guide, Bryan Kelly masterfully crafted our beautiful, western style wooden McKenzie Drift Boats. The McKenzie design was chosen for its comfort and shallow water maneuverablity to reach the nooks and crannies where Smallmouth love to hide.
Our NRS Whitewater Raft, outfitted with the dream package fishing frame is chosen for more technical sections of the rivers and provides outstanding daylong comfort.
Each of our vessels is set up to handle up to two anglers plus your guide and all the gear you would need for a day of fishing. Their custom design features have been chosen to serve the Fly Angler or Spin Caster alike for an exciting day on the river.
Our McKenzie Drift Boats...Click to Enlarge
Our NRS Whitewater Raft...Click to Enlarge
Our Fish...is primarily the Smallmouth Bass, known for fight and willingness to take flies and artificial lures. Pre-spawn Spincasting is available in April through the middle of May. This season will produce larger fish, and is best suited for the highly experienced angler prepared for luring the post-hibernating smallmouth out of their corners.
Post-spawn and Summer patterns run from late May to the end of June when the Smallmouth will be enjoying the warmer water temperatures of 65o and up. This is a great time to work on improving your angling skills, be it in Flyfishing or SpinCasting.
Late Summer patterns continue on thru the end of Augustwhen larger fish become more territorial and are feisty to land. Fly Anglers and Spin casters can really enjoy site fishing this time of year.
September starts the Fall Feed and is still an excellent season for site fishing. October presents some excellent opportunities for Pre-Hibernation Patterns of larger fish, embraced in the fabulous Autumn colors of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Our Rivers also have a healthy population of Tiger Muskie, Largemouth Bass and Walleye. Our Guides are experienced in targeting these species as well, when the opportunities present themselves.
