White Bass

Kensington, Maryland, offers limited but unique opportunities to target White Bass in the freshwater reaches of the metropolitan area. While not a renowned White Bass destination, the upper stretches of the Anacostia River and the impoundments within the Northwest Branch offer a chance to encounter these schooling fish, especially during their spring spawning runs. The best time to target White Bass is from late March through May, as they migrate upstream to spawn. Focus your efforts around creek mouths and rocky areas that provide suitable spawning habitat. A practical tip is to access the Northwest Branch from the various parks along its course; these often provide bank fishing access and small boat launching points. Be aware that water levels can fluctuate rapidly after rainfall, impacting water clarity and fishing conditions. The White Bass here tend to be smaller compared to populations in larger reservoirs, but their aggressive strikes make them a fun target for light tackle enthusiasts.