Kinetic Sculpture Race This Weekend in Baltimore

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the annual “American Visionary Art Museum Kinetic Sculpture Race” is scheduled to occur in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A water entry and exit is scheduled at the Boston Street Public Boat Ramp, in Northwest Harbor, from 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Participants will be accompanied and supported by kayaks and a motorized safety launch. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12281.
     Kinetic Sculptures are amphibious, human powered works of art custom built for the race. Each May, the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) hosts the East Coast Kinetic Sculpture Race Championship on the shore of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in central Maryland. The eight-hour race covers 15 miles—mostly on pavement, but also including a trip into the Chesapeake Bay and through mud and sand.
     Kinetic Sculpture Racing traces its roots to Ferndale, California in 1969 when artist Hobart Brown upgraded his son’s tricycle into a 5-wheeled pentacycle that was part of a race down Main Street. (Hobart did not win.) Over the decades since, the California race evolved into a 3-day all-terrain Kinetic Grand Championship including treacherous sand dunes, water crossings, and elaborate sculptures and costumes. You can learn more on Wikipedia.
     For more about the Baltimore race, visit http://www.kineticbaltimore.com.

Swim and Triathlon May 5 on the Nanticoke River

     Bivalve, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the annual “Nanticoke River Swim & Triathlon” will be held on the Nanticoke River on Sunday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The open water event includes approximately 500 participants swimming on a 3-mile and 1.8-mile triangular courses, and a triathlon sprint course along the north jetty at the Cedar Hill Marina in Bivalve, Maryland.

     As described in Title 33 CFR Section 100.501, special local regulations establish a regulated area for all waters of the Nanticoke River, including Bivalve Channel and Bivalve Harbor, bounded by a line drawn from a point on the shoreline at latitude 38°18′00″ N, longitude 075°54′00″ W, thence westerly to latitude 38°18′00″ N, longitude 075°55′00″ W, thence northerly to latitude 38°20′00″ N, longitude 075°53′48″ W, thence easterly to latitude 38°19′42″ N, longitude 075°52′54″ W.

     The regulated area will be enforced from 9 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. on May 5.. The effect will be to restrict vessel traffic on certain waters of the Nanticoke River, including Bivalve Channel and Bivalve Harbor. The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area. Coast Guard vessels enforcing this regulated area can be contacted on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16 or 22A.\

     When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel in the area shall immediately comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both. Mariners are urged to schedule their transits on this portion of the waterway beyond the enforcement times. 

     For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12230.

Keith Lockwood's Maryland Fishing Report

     Oxford, Md. -- As we approach the end of April cooler weather has sure put the seasonal calendar back in place; Garrett County even received snow over the weekend. Fishing opportunities abound this week in Maryland from walleye and trout fishing in western Maryland to striped bass and tautog fishing at the Ocean City area. The trophy striped bass season is now in full swing in the main stem of the Chesapeake south of Baltimore and fishermen had a crowded but successful opening day.

     Fishermen looking for catch and release opportunities on the Susquehanna Flats are finding good fishing for male striped bass and report a slow pick on large females. Cloudy water conditions from rain runoff on the eastern side of the flats area was a problem earlier this week and windy conditions did not help matters. Conditions are improving this week and good catch and release fishing should prevail. Spoons, crankbaits and soft plastic jigs have been favorite presentations. White perch are present in very good numbers in the lower Susquehanna and there are always plenty of channel catfish in the region.

     Fishermen were of course out in force on Saturday to work the steep edges of the shipping channel, lesser channels and prominent points. Boats trolling in the upper bay near the Bay Bridge picked at fish along Sandy Point Light south to Thomas Point and Bloody Point. Many of the boats that left the dock in the dark did well at first light and reported that by 7:00 it was pretty crowded out there. Striped bass swimming near the surface do not like engine noise so boat traffic will definitely have an adverse effect on the bite. Fishermen in the middle bay region focused on the steep edges on the western side of the shipping channel but the False Channel and the Gas Buoy area also produced good fishing on the eastern side. The fleet fishing in the southern waters of the bay did well near the mouth of the Potomac, Buoy 72A, Hooper's Island Light, Cove Point and out in front of the power plant. Not every boat caught their limit and even charter captains reported they had to work for their fish. Also worth noting is the fact that not every boat was out trolling; some fishermen had success chumming and others light tackle jigging. Traditionally the fishing will improve from this coming weekend through the first week or two of May. There are still a lot of striped bass in the spawning rivers so there will good fishing as they leave and travel out into the bay.

     More than a few fishermen reported not seeing much difference in white or chartreuse in regard to catching fish and most of the fish caught have been in the 32" to 37" size range. There were some whoppers caught though and we received a call from an award center on the lower Potomac that they were running out of Fishing Challenge entry tickets which are for striped bass over 40" in size.

     Shore based fishermen were not left out of the fun and many found exciting fishing from favorite points, docks and piers along the bay's shoreline. Fishermen were out at traditional locations such as Sandy Point State Park, Matapeake Pier, Point Lookout Pier and prominent points. Reports from Deal Island in Somerset County told of fishermen doing very well on the bayside shore there. Bloodworms, cut bait and soft crab were popular baits but more than a few fishermen reported hungry white perch and blue crabs being pesky on those expensive bloodworm baits. A few croakers have been caught recently and pound net fishermen have been finding them in their nets. The popular theory is that the vanguard is here but holding in deep water because of cool water temperatures in the shallows. Some speckled trout have also been showing up in the lower bay.

Freshwater

     Freshwater fishermen will find plenty of good opportunities this week in the western region for a wide variety of fish. The walleye bite is on in Deep Creek Lake and fishermen are finding something as simple as a minnow and a slip bobber are hard to beat for putting tasty walleye in the fish box. Smallmouth bass can be found off rocky points and largemouth bass are beginning to stage at the entrance of coves. The weekend's snow has done much to bring water flows in the region's creeks and streams back to a level for good trout fishing. John Mullican sent us this report from the upper Potomac. The upper Potomac River remains below normal for this time of year. Last weekend's cold front and rain have increased flows somewhat and levels are predicted to remain good for fishing. Like our crazy spring weather, fishing has been hot and cold - catch the river during a warming trend and the smallmouth have been cooperative. A variety of lures have been productive but I have done best with suspending jerkbaits and 1/8 oz tubes.

     Largemouth bass in many of the waters in the central, southern and eastern regions of the state are beginning to sit on nests now in the shallows or staging near the spawning areas. Fishermen are reporting good success with chatterbaits over or near grass or spatterdock and spinnerbaits worked slowly near the grass or spatterdock edges. Soft plastics and crankbaits have been a good choice near sunken wood and rocks or near docks.

At the Ocean

     Ocean City area fishermen are starting to see the fishing action there pick up as water temperatures at the beaches hovers around 54-degrees. Surf fishermen are catching large striped bass on cut menhaden baits and black drum on crab, Fishbites and squid. Skates and dogfish are chewing up baits and a few bluefish and blowfish are being caught now and then. At the inlet fishermen have been catching a few striped bass at night on bucktails and swim shads and bluefish on Got-Cha plugs. Tautog are entertaining fishermen in and around the Inlet/Route 50 Bridge area and are being caught on frozen sand fleas and pieces of green crab. Flounder fishing has been improving when the water clarity is good and large Gulp baits with a strip of squid have been catching the largest flounder. Minnows and squid have been working well for fishermen drifting around the Thorofare area down to the bridge going out to Assateague. Offshore tautog fishing remains good and boat captains have been reporting limits of large tautog are common around the rails.

Coast Guard Recovers Boater near Pasadena, Maryland

     Baltimore, Md. -- The Coast Guard recovered the body of an overdue boater in Rock Creek near Pasadena, Maryland on Wednesday.

     Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Baltimore command center received a call at approximately 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, from a source reporting the boater overdue aboard a 14-foot sailing vessel.

     The reporting source stated that the boater usually makes local sailing trips returning prior to sunset. The boater departed at 3 p.m. and was expected to return at 5 p.m.

      A 25-foot Response Boat - Small crew from Coast Guard Station Curtis Bay, Md., along with an MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, N.J., and assets from Anne Arundel County, Baltimore Fire and Rescue, Annapolis Fire Department and Maryland State Police responded.

     The crew aboard the helicopter located the overturned sailing vessel and did not locate the boater.

     At approximately 7:30 a.m., the crew from Station Curtis Bay located the male, about a half mile from where the sailing vessel was found.

     He was transported to Stoney Creek Marina to local EMS.

Maryland DNR Certifies Burr Yacht Sales as Clean Marina

     Edgewater, Md. -- The distinguished Burr Yacht Sales, operating on Selby Bay for nearly 50 years, has been certified as the latest Maryland Clean Marina.

     “Earning the Clean Marina Award was a goal I knew we could achieve, as we always work very hard to keep everything in order,” said Jon Bullock, salesman and marina representative. “Everyone works together and does their part to ensure Burr Yacht Sales runs efficiently as a clean marina.” 

     To meet the award criteria, Burr Yacht Sales’ improvements focused on preparing a good emergency response plan, assembling a fuel spill response kit and sharing information about the location of public recycling tanks for oil and antifreeze. The staff also takes precautions to collect any debris when they work on a boat in the water.

     The marina serves as a “floating showroom” for new and pre-owned Fleming Yachts and customers also bring their boats in for service. Certain repairs or upgrades are performed in the enclosed workshops on site or directly on the boats but the marina does not haul boats for repairs on land. More information on Burr Yacht Sales is available at burryachtsales.com.

     Burr is the 121st certified Maryland Clean Marina. There are a total of 146 certified facilities in Maryland, including 25 other smaller Clean Marina Partners. 

     DNR oversees the Clean Marina Initiative, a voluntary program that promotes and celebrates efforts of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs to reduce their pollution. Each of the 146 certified facilities has adopted a significant portion of recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and passed a rigorous site inspection. Certifications are good for three years, at which time DNR staff re-inspects the marinas. Marinas and boatyards of any size can participate. 

     More information and free program materials are available by calling 410-260-8773 or visiting dnr.maryland.gov/boating/cleanmarina .

ISARA 50 to Debut at Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

     Annapolis, Md. -- The ISARA 50 catamaran has arrived and will be floating at City Dock during the Spring Sailboat Show this weekend.

     The catamaran is being offered by the Bay Yacht Agency, which specializes in new boats designed for both offshore sailing and coastal cruising. Find out more at www.bayacht.com.

Maryland DNR to Help Fund Boatyard Wash-Water System Upgrades

From the Maryland Department of Resources

Application Deadline May 18

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative is providing a select number of boatyards and marinas with funds to develop wash-water treatment and disposal solutions that will comply with new State mandates to help protect water quality and underwater life.

     “Our goal is to help facility owners get a jump start on upcoming environmental standards and ensure that we continue to safeguard our waters,” said Donna Morrow, coordinator of the Clean Marina Program.

     Most pressure wash-water contains dissolved copper, zinc and lead from the antifouling paints used on most boats. The Maryland Department of the Environment’s General Permit for Discharges from Marinas 10-MA greatly restricts the amount of dissolved metals boatyards may discharge into State waters beginning March 2015. Although boatyards have long been required to filter wash-water for visible solids ─ such as paint chips and debris ─ this is the first time such restrictions have been put into the permit. 

     The Clean Marina Program will be able to fund engineering services to approximately 15 boatyards. Once applications are received, an engineer will visit selected sites this summer, discuss wash-water treatment and disposal options and provide written reports to the marinas. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will then choose the facilities that will benefit most from the funding.

     This assistance program aims to help boatyard operators make informed decisions with guidance from an unbiased, professional engineer. These engineers can help design concrete wash pads for facilities without one and discuss discharge to sewer or recycling systems. They will also create guidance documents that the Clean Marina Program can use to help boatyards that are not selected for a site visit and individual report. 

     The deadline to apply for assistance is May 18. Decisions will be announced by mail the week of June 4. Criteria include financial need and participation in the Clean Marina Initiative. More information and applications for the free design assistance are located at dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina. 

     DNR oversees the Clean Marina Initiative, a voluntary program that promotes and celebrates efforts of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs to reduce their pollution. More information and free program materials are available by calling 410-260-8773 or visiting dnr.maryland.gov/boating/cleanmarina.

Chesapeake Bay Grady White Club Announces Upcoming Events

     Annapolis, Md. -- Members of the Chesapeake Bay Grady White Club have scheduled a meeting April 24 at the West End Grille in Annapolis. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and will offer a presentation about signaling with flares. The club will hold their "Take Cruising Members Fishing" event on May 12. On May 22, a picnic is scheduled at a member's community beach. May ends with a Memorial Day weekend cruise and rendezvous in Solomons. For more information, email to cbgradyclub@yahoo.com.

Sailboat Show Next Weekend in Annapolis

     Annapolis, Md. -- The event which has become the gold standard for sailboat shows, the
United States Sailboat Show, is coming to downtown Annapolis April 27-29. Forty two years ago the concept of producing a boat show in the water was invented in Annapolis by Jerry Wood. All these years later it remains the largest in-water show of new sailboats in the world and will now be copied in a springtime version. Annapolis City Dock, Ego Alley and surrounding areas including Susan Campbell Park will be the site for this exciting new event.

     The show will feature Cruisers University, a four-day educational event designed to introduce and train students for life aboard a cruising boat. Classes will be held in the Annapolis Waterfront Marriott and the
Annapolis Rec Center.

     The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show will include over 2,000 feet of floating docks accommodating over 60 new and brokerage sailboats, both mono and multihull. In addition there will be equipment and accessory vendors on land surrounding Ego Alley.

Bay Bridge Boat Show Under Way

     Stevensville, Md. -- Recognized as the largest spring recreational boating extravaganza in the Mid-Atlantic, the annual Bay Bridge Boat Show will be held in Stevensville, Maryland, April 19-22.

    More than two hundred new and brokerage boats of every size and style will be on display in the water and on land, including a wide range of water craft from PWC's, inflatables and kayaks, to fishing boats and trailerable sport boats. A large selection of  express cruisers, trawlers, and cruising boats will also be in the water to tour and enjoy.

     Throughout the grounds, an equally impressive assortment of marine-related exhibitors will display and share their products to provide one-stop shopping for spring commissioning. 

     Tickets are $12 for adults and $4 for youth ages 7-12. Children 6 and under may attend for free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at http://www.usboat.com. 

     For a complete description of events and activities surrounding the show, call 410-268-8828 or visit  http://www.usboat.com.

Keith Lockwood's Maryland Fishing Report

     Oxford, Md. -- More than a few fishermen will have a hard time sleeping soundly Friday night as they periodically peek at their alarm clocks waiting to get up and head off with family and friends for the opening day of the trophy striped bass season. Whether it is opening day of a favorite hunting season or fishing season; few things stir the souls of outdoorsmen more than the traditions of opening day.

     Fishermen looking for catch and release action with large pre-spawn striped bass were finally rewarded for their patience last week and the action has hit high gear this week. Casting spoons such as the Tony Accetta's and soft plastic jigs has been two of the best lures to use this week. Wind can be an issue on some days and fishermen are also reporting an "on and off" situation on some days in regards to action and they are also reporting sighting some spawning activity. 

     The run of hickory shad in the lower Susquehanna River continues this week and fishermen report the run at Deer Creek is peaking and fishing in the lower river is being affected by water releases from the Conowingo Dam. "Plenty of water released- good fishing, no water released- not so good for fishing". Fishing for a mix of channel catfish and flathead catfish near the dam remains very good this week and white perch are also entertaining fishermen. 

     This coming Saturday is of course a big day for striped bass fishermen out to mix it up with trophy sized fish. Captains will be doing their best to jockey into trolling position along the shipping channel edges and couple that with planner boards that seem to be venturing farther and farther on port and starboard each year; it might be difficult to maneuver out there. There is a substantial spawn going on in the Choptank and Nanticoke Rivers and even up on the Elk River this week; spawning will continue to occur into early May. Post-spawn striped bass will be heading south out of the tidal rivers this week so Choptank fish will most likely follow the False Channel out into the shipping channel and Nanticoke River fish are going to slip out through Hooper's Island or Kedges Straits or follow the channel down Tangier Sound. Most fishermen know that the steep sides of the shipping channel on the west side tend to be a super highway for large migrating striped bass due to strong currents there. Steep channel drop-offs such as Bloody Point, the Gas Buoy, Breezy Point, Cove Point and Hooper's Island Light also tend to gain the attention of large striped bass moving north or south in the bay. 

     If you are lucky enough to catch a striped bass larger that 40" don't forget to visit an award center near where you make port to get an award certificate and to be entered in the Maryland Fishing Challenge. On September 8, 2012 someone is going to be drawn to win the grand prize of a boat, motor and trailer and others for thousands of dollars worth of prizes. All fishermen should check out the freshwater and saltwater divisions and be familiar with minimum sizes so when you catch that whopper (and you will) you can enter your fish.

     Perhaps some of the best fishing opportunities will be close to the surface where water temperatures are around 61-degrees this week; so if you don't have planner boards let those flat lines out way back there. Striped bass do not like engine noise and will shy away from boats on the move. Every year there has to be a new hot lure or color and it seems John Deere green is the new color in town for sassy shads and parachutes this year.

     Shore based anglers should not feel left out; there are plenty of good fishing opportunities from fishing piers such as Matapeake and prominent points such as Sandy Point State Park. Fresh cut menhaden and bloodworms will be baits of choice; although white perch can chew up a big gob of bloodworms fairly quickly. Fishermen hopefully understand that the tidal rivers are still off limits to targeting striped bass.

     White perch have moved into the lower sections of the tidal rivers and are offering good fishing this week. Channel catfish are also plentiful and can be caught most anywhere. Reports of croakers showing up in the lower Potomac continue to circulate but so far only a few have been reported; this should change very shortly and Point Lookout and the mouth of the Wicomico River are traditionally the first places to catch them. 

      There are a lot of wonderful freshwater fishing opportunities out there this week in all regions of the state. The lakes, ponds and tidal waters of the state are offering all kinds of fishing fun. Starting out in the western region there are walleye and smallmouth bass in the upper Potomac River and Deep Creek Lake, excellent trout fishing in all of the trout management waters and largemouth bass, crappie and bluegills in most bodies of water. 

      Fishermen in the other regions of the state are enjoying the bounty of generous trout stockings in the put and take trout management areas. Hatchery staff continue to have a few tricks up their sleeves with the continued stocking of large trout that can exceed 8lbs in size in a trout stream near you. 

     Largemouth bass are a favorite with freshwater fishermen and for good reason since they fight so well, entertain us with explosive strikes and are distributed widely in waters all over the state. Largemouth bass are in a pre-spawn mode this week and are aggressively feeding. Fishing grass beds either with topwater lures over the grass or other presentations such as spinnerbaits around the edges continues to be very productive. Soft plastic jigs and crankbaits near transition zones such as channel edges and sunken wood and docks are another good bet. 

     Water temperatures in the Ocean City area continue to rise and surf temperatures are now in the low 50's. Surf fishermen are picking away at large striped bass and medium sized bluefish. Fresh cut menhaden baits have been the bait of choice with fishermen and also with skates and dogfish. Flounder season opened and area fishermen were able to get into some action right off the bat from the Thorofare south to the airport. A couple of real nice doormat sized flounder were checked in at local shops. A few striped bass are also being caught in and around the inlet and back bay areas. 

     Tautog fishing continues to be good inside the inlet from bulkheads, the Route 50 Bridge and for those fishermen with access to a boat; the south jetty remains the best place to catch some nice tog. Offshore the Ocean City fleet has been finding good fishing for tautog on the wrecks with limits catches being common.

NOAA Issues Special Navigation ‘Booklet Charts’ to Commemorate the War of 1812

     Baltimore, Md. -- As the nation kicks off maritime celebrations to commemorate the War of 1812, NOAA is releasing special navigation products that will help recreational boaters enjoy the festivities safely.

     Beginning this month, the public will have free online access to special Booklet Charts that include nautical charts, OPSail® tall ship parade routes, and historical background for activities planned in five ports holding official bicentennial events. 

     NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey is working closely with the U.S. Navy and port officials to make the commemorative events come alive with historical information for War of 1812 activities in New Orleans (April 17-23), New York (May 23-30), Norfolk (June 2-12), Baltimore (June 13-19) and Boston (June 29-July 6). 

     Coast Survey has also produced commemorative chart posters for the five ports. The PDF posters, available free from the web, depict naval stories from the War of 1812, illustrated with historical charts and artwork. 

     The commemorative editions of the Booklet Charts and posters can be downloaded from NOAA’s War of 1812 website and are developed from the current experimental Booklet Charts, which can be downloaded and printed at home. As people use the site to help make their plans for War of 1812 activities, they will also find links to timely navigation information, ocean observations, and up-to-date marine weather. 

     In 1807, it was common to lose ships to accidents in U.S. coastal waters. The nation needed nautical charts, so President Thomas Jefferson signed a law authorizing the Survey of the Coast. The survey would measure water depths, establish a spatial reference system to determine location, and produce the nation’s navigational charts. 

     As relations among the United States, England, and France grew contentious, Jefferson instituted an economic embargo against both nations. With the U.S. recalling American seamen and effectively terminating the American merchant marine and international trade, the result was a stalled Survey of the Coast for the rest of the Jefferson Administration. 

     Jefferson's successor, James Madison, reinstituted the survey and during a thaw in relations between the two countries sent Ferdinand Hassler, the first head of the Survey of the Coast, to England in late 1811 to buy survey instruments. President Madison declared war on England eight months after Hassler's arrival in London, and he was unable to return to the U.S. until 1817. 

     Years of debate and struggles over control of the new agency ensued, however, and the actual Survey of the Coast didn’t begin until 1832. When U.S. Coast Survey Superintendent Alexander Bache took over in 1843, the U.S. Coast Survey picked up steam and, by 1860, had deployed survey teams to all parts of the growing nation’s coastline. 

     Today, America’s coastal waters remain as central to the nation’s prosperity as they were 200 years ago. Mariners and others still rely on NOAA’s Coast Survey charts, constantly updated with the accuracy and precision needed to protect life and property. 

     NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and our other social media channels. 

On the Web:
Office of Coast Survey: http://www.nauticalcharts.gov/
NOAA War of 1812 web site: http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/WarOf1812
NOAA Booklet Charts: http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/staff/BookletChart.html
NOAA on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/usnoaagov
NOAA on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/usnoaagov
NOAA on Social Media: http://www.noaa.gov/socialmedia

Naval Academy Crew Races This Saturday on the Severn

     Annapolis, Md. -- Mariners are advised that U.S. Naval Academy Crew Races are scheduled to occur on the Severn River on Saturday, April 21, at 5:45 a.m. The 2,000-meter rowing course is located from the entrance to College Creek, upriver to Severn River Light 2 (LLN-19945); an alternate course is located from Severn River Light 2 (LLN-19945), upriver to the entrance to Chase Creek.
     Coast Guard special local regulations establish a regulated area for all waters of the Severn River (from shoreline to shoreline), bounded to the northwest by a line drawn from the south shoreline at 39°00'38.9" N, 076°31'05.2" W, thence to the north shoreline at 39°00'54.7" N, 076°30'44.8" W, this line is approximately 1300 yards northwest of the U.S. 50 fixed highway bridge.
     The regulated area is bounded to the southeast by a line drawn from the Naval Academy Light at 38°58'39.5" N, 076°28'49" W, thence southeast to a point 700 yards east of Chinks Point, at 38°58'1.9" N, 076°28'1.7" W, thence northeast to Greenbury Point at 38°58'29" N, 076°27'16" W.
     The regulated area will be enforced from 5 a.m. through 10:30 a.m. on April 21. The effect will be to restrict vessel traffic on certain waters of the Severn River. The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area. Coast Guard vessels enforcing this regulated area can be contacted on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16 or 22A.
     When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel in the area shall immediately comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both. Mariners are urged to schedule their transits on this waterway beyond the enforcement times. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil . Charts 12282, 12283

Annapolis Community Boating Day Thursday at West Marine

     Annapolis, Md. -- Thursday, April 19, at the West Marine on Hillsmere Drive will be Community Day. West Marine has graciously picked Annapolis Community Boating to be the beneficiary of this event and will donate 5 percent of all sales from the store that day. 

 The store hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The store is located at 113 Hillsmere Drive. Phone: 410-268-0129.

Rutherford Welcome Home Slated for Saturday, April 21

     Annapolis, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the “Matt Rutherford, Solo the Americas, Welcome Home Landfall” is scheduled to occur on the Severn River, Spa Creek and Annapolis Harbor on or about Saturday, April 21, at approximately noon. A parade of recreational boats and media vessels are expected to accompany the solo sailor as he transits from the mouth of the Severn River to the Annapolis City Dock, where a welcoming ceremony is planned on shore. The person-in-charge during the event can be hailed on marine band radio. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Charts 12283, 12282.

Maryland DNR Clarifies Snakehead Contest Rules and Prizes

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources would like to clarify the rules and prizes for the Second Annual Snakehead Contest. There are no cash rewards for catching and killing a snakehead. DNR will draw three names at random from the list of anglers who submit a photo of their snakehead catch to the DNR Anglers Log.

     The three prizes are: one $200 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shops, one 2013 Maryland State Parks Pass and one 2013 Potomac River Fishing license provided by the Potomac River Fisheries Commission. The contest is open to recreational anglers only.

     To enter, anglers must submit a photo of the snakehead they caught and killed on the Anglers Log at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/fishingreport/log.asp. Anglers do not need to bring their catch to a citation award center to win.

     DNR will randomly draw from the submissions on November 30, 2012.

     For the original press release visit: dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2012/032812.asp

Pride of Baltimore II and Farewell to Battle April 21 at Fell's Point

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the annual “Fell’s Point Privateer Day” mock sea battle is scheduled to occur in the Northwest Harbor on Saturday, April 21. The event consists of two traditional-rigged schooners, PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II and FAREWELL, operating on waters near the Broadway Pier at Fells Point in Baltimore from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mock canon and gun fire will occur between the schooners and designated shore batteries during the event. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at telephone (410) 576-2674 or e-mail Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12281.

Maryland Fishing Report by DNR Biologist Keith Lockwood

     Oxford, Md. -- It truly is a wonderful time of the year for fishermen to head down to one's favorite fishing hole and whether your bank fishing or in a boat to enjoy spring at it's best. Many species of freshwater fish are eager to jump on your hook and there are so many choices it can be hard to choose what type of fishing to pursue. Fishermen on the tidal Potomac are sending in a lot of pictures and entries on the angler's log site of snakeheads they've caught. The snakehead contest has turned out to be a lot of fun as anglers share their experiences of catching one of these frightful looking beasts and then finding out how excellent they are to eat. One of our lucky entered anglers is going to win a $200 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shops in a random drawing at the end of the contest. Contest Details

     Recently an Internet news story got the whole deal wrong and reported that there was a $200 bounty for each fish. As one can imagine there were calls to fisheries by fishermen from as far away as Texas, ready to quit their jobs and come to Maryland to fish snakeheads for a living.

     Fishermen at the Susquehanna Flats area are finding the waters stirred up by persistent winds lately but those winds are predicted to subside by the end of the week. Mike Benjamin reports that the best fishing is on the eastern side of the flats area and of course this has been the windward side lately so fishing has been rough. Water temperatures on the flats are holding right around 50-degrees and less than that in the river. Fishermen are catching mostly school-sized male striped bass on swimming plugs and to a lesser degree on soft plastic jigs and spoons. Power generation at the dam has mostly been in the afternoon. White perch are becoming more prevalent in the upper bay and are a welcomed bonus to fishermen looking to take some fish home; channel catfish are also very plentiful.

     Fishermen looking for hickory shad at Deer Creek are finding a slow pick at the mouth of the creek and in the river; catching and releasing mostly males. The larger female hickory shad are in the river and the fishing there is expected to gain momentum this week as warmer weather moves in.

     Water temperatures in the middle bay region are around 54-degrees in most areas and large pre-spawn striped bass are making their way towards the upper bay spawning areas. A few fishermen have been practicing some catch and release along the shipping channel edges and out in front of the Calvert Cliffs Power Plant Discharge. One of the reactors is reported to be down for maintenance so there is not much of a warm water plume to attract striped bass. Shoreline fishermen along the bay have also been trying their luck with circle hooks and bloodworms or cut bait at prominent point and fishing piers.

     White perch are moving into the traditional locations at the lower sections of the bay's tidal rivers and are providing some fun action for fishermen fishing with bottom rigs and small jigs. Channel catfish continue to be plentiful in most tidal rivers and fishermen hoping to catch the first croakers at the Bushwood area on the Wicomico River are not finding any croakers yet but plenty of medium-sized blue catfish. Fishermen have been standing vigil at Point Lookout and the Wicomico waiting for the first croakers of the season to arrive.

     Freshwater fishermen have a lot of good choices this week in regard to what type of fishing they would like to do. Smallmouth bass are beginning to move into transition areas nearing spawning coves at Deep Creek Lake and fishermen are finding plenty of action by working crankbaits and jigs along drop-offs and secondary points. The lake was stocked with plenty of trout; which has made for good trout fishing and walleye, largemouth bass and large yellow perch are active. Fishing in the upper Potomac for smallmouth bass, walleye and muskie continues to be very good this week. Trout fishing in the many trout management waters in the western region could hardly be better; it is just a wonderful time of the year to be out fishing in the region.

     Fishermen in the central/southern regions to the eastern shore are finding excellent fishing for largemouth bass in tidal rivers, small farm ponds and larger lakes. The largemouth bass are in a pre-spawn feeding mode and are presenting good fishing in a wide variety of situations. Chatterbaits and other topwater lures over grass, spinnerbaits and crankbaits near grass or spatterdock edges and soft plastics and grubs near sunken wood and docks are all catching fish. The crappie bite is on in lakes such as Deep Creek Lake, Piney Run, Liberty, Loch Raven, small ponds and tidal rivers. It has been a very good trout season so far for put and take trout fishermen.

     Fishermen at the Ocean City area are seeing surf conditions improve this week as the strong winds of last week taper off. Surf fishermen are picking at striped bass, lot's of dogfish and skates and a few bluefish and black drum. Our neighbors to the south tell us a swarm of northern puffers, blow toads or blowfish are headed our way; they can be real bait stealers but a smaller long shanked hook and a piece of squid will never fail to put the some fine eating in your cooler.

     In and around the Ocean City Inlet fishermen are finding good fishing for tautog and fishermen are reminded that the new minimum size is now 16". Traditional haunts such as the South Jetty, the Route 50 Bridge, and the bulkheads near the inlet are where fishermen are catching them on frozen sand fleas and pieces of green crab. Offshore the head boats headed out to the wreck sites are catching big tautog and most fishermen are catching their limits.

NRP Officer and Ridge Firefighters Rescue Wind-Beaten Boaters from Sandbar

     Point Lookout, Md. -- Maryland Natural Resources Police and Ridge Volunteer Fire Department personnel rescued two people from a sailboat at the mouth of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay after being battered around by strong winds and high seas.

     On Tuesday at approximately 10:30 pm, Robert G. Weber, 59, and Adam J. Marshall, 33, both from Boston, Virginia were sailing south in the Chesapeake Bay in a 1962 28-foot Pierson sailboat. The vessel went a ground on a sandbar after they mistook a lighted hazard buoy for a channel marker.

     The strong wind conditions and incoming tide produced 2 to 4 seas in the area of the shoal which prevented them from freeing themselves. At 1:20 am, fearing for their own safety, the occupants called 911 and rescue units from the Natural Resources Police, Maryland State Police Aviation, Coast Guard, and Ridge Volunteer Fire Department responded to the area.

     High winds prevented both Coast Guard and MSP helicopter units from reaching the boaters after multiple attempts. A 41-foot Coast Guard cutter from Station St. Indigoes was unable to reach the vessel due to sea conditions and shallow water depths. After three attempts, a NRP officer and two Ridge Fire Department personnel aboard an 18-foot NRP patrol boat were able to reach the vessel and retrieve the stranded mariners.

     NRP stood by the vessel until 7 am, when the sea and weather conditions had subsided enough to allow NRP to safely retrieve the vessel and tow it to Point Lookout State Park.

West Marine Community Day Coming to Annapolis

     Annapolis, Md. -- West Marine Community Day to support Annapolis Community Boating is scheduled for April 19. Do you need new foul weather gear, glasses or boating shoes? Maybe safety equipment for your boat (remember flares expire!). If so, save your shopping til April 19 at West Marine in Hillsmere. ACB will receive 5 percent of all purchases that day. There will also be a cookout that day so you won't go hungry.

Submersible Garbage Machine Coming to City Dock in Annapolis

     Annapolis, Md. -- Rozalia Project and Pride of Baltimore will be at the National Sailing Hall of Fame Docks in Annapolis on Saturday, April 14.

     The Rozalia Project is a submersible that picks up trash from the bottom of the sea. They will be picking up trash from the bottom of the Annapolis Harbor. If you want to join there are two time frames, use the following link for more information. Along with the Rozalia Project the Pride of Baltimore will be at the dock offering tours. More Info

Virginia Launches Android Version of Hunt Fish VA App

     Richmond, Va. -- Continuing its commitment to mobile technology users and serving as a benchmark for innovation for outdoor regulatory and enforcement agencies throughout the nation, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) is once again partnering with Virginia Interactive (VI) to offer the Android version of its popular, award winning Hunt Fish VA mobile app.

     Officially released in February, the new Hunt Fish VA mobile app for Android is available free from the Android Market (https://market.android.com/). The online tool allows Virginia sportsmen and sportswomen to search a wide variety of Virginia hunting and fishing related information on their smart phones. Some of the app's numerous capabilities include:

• buying a license through the secure mobile online licensing system;
• calculating Geolocation based sunrise and sunset times;
• looking up hunting regulations, seasons, and bag limits while in the field;
• viewing freshwater fishing regulations;
• identifying the fish you just caught and comparing them to state record fish;
• recording your harvests in your own personal "Trophy Case";
• finding nearby boat ramps, Wildlife Management Areas, and lakes with the "Near Me" mapping tool;
• getting the latest news and information from DGIF;
• and more.

     DGIF had previously launched the Hunt Fish VA mobile app for Apple's iOS devices in July 2011 and was later recognized at the 2011 Governor's Technology Awards, held annually at the Commonwealth of Virginia's Innovative Technology Symposium. Since its release, the iOS version has been downloaded over 7,000 times and remains a five-star rated app in the Apple's iTunes store.

     "With the success of the original iOS version and because so many sportsmen have been asking for an Android version, we are very excited about launching the new Hunt Fish VA app for Android. We love the idea that we can reach the thousands of hunters, anglers, boaters, and wildlife enthusiasts while afield or afloat!" said Bob Duncan, DGIF Executive Director.

Rutherford Welcome Home On or About April 14 at Noon

     Annapolis, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the “Matt Rutherford, Solo the Americas, Welcome Home Landfall” is scheduled to occur on the Severn River, Spa Creek and Annapolis Harbor on or about Saturday, April 14, at approximately 12 Noon. A parade of recreational boats and media vessels are expected to accompany the solo sailor as he transits from the mouth of the Severn River to the Annapolis City Dock, where a welcoming ceremony is planned on shore. The person-in-charge during the event can be hailed on marine band radio. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Charts 12283, 12282.

Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks on the Potomac this Saturday

     Washington, D.C. -- Mariners are reminded that the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival fireworks display is scheduled to occur in Washington Channel on Saturday, April 7,  (rain date April 8), at 8:30 p.m. A safety zone will be established upon the waters of the Upper Potomac River, within a 150-yard radius of the fireworks barge located in approximate position latitude 38° 52’ 09” N, longitude 077° 01’ 13” W, located within the Washington Channel in Washington, DC. The fireworks barge within the regulated area will have a diamond-shaped, 4 feet by 4 feet sign with orange retro-reflective border affixed to the port and starboard sides of the barge labeled ‘‘FIREWORKS—DANGER—STAY AWAY’’ with black block letters on a white background to provide on scene notice that the safety zone will be enforced. The zone will be enforced from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Museum Sets Date for Antique Boat Festival in St. Michaels

     St. Michaels, Md. -- A collection of antique Silver Arrow Chris-Craft boats headlines the 25th anniversary celebration of the Antique & Classic Boat Festival, to be held at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) in St. Michaels, Maryland over Father’s Day weekend. The event takes place June 15-17 and is hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society (ACBS).

     Made in limited production in the late ‘50s, the 19′ Silver Arrow runabout is considered a collectable treasure today. Powered by a big V-8 Detroit engine, its unique design combines a wood hull with a sleek and sophisticated fiberglass exterior, distinguished by the Silver Arrow’s ‘50s-style tail fins.

     The festival also features more than 100 antique and classic boats, as well as building demonstrations, maritime artists and craftsmen, craft vendors, and a nautical flea market featuring classic old boats, motors, and more. A selection of regional and grilled foods, beer and music will be provided throughout the festival.

     As an ACBS-judged boat show, the festival brings visitors the opportunity to enjoy some of the finest antique and classic boats from across the country, which will be displayed in the water and on land at CBMM. Wood and early fiberglass-classics are featured— from runabouts to yachts, including race boats, work boats, launches, hydroplanes, and utilities.

     Several boat models depicting unique, Chesapeake watercraft will also be on display, including Sea Skiffs, Owens cabin cruisers, and Whirlwind sport boats. The competition culminates in a Father’s Day award ceremony, where boat owners will be recognized for their commitment to antique and classic boat preservation and restoration.

     The festival also features “The Arts at Navy Point,” where national artists and craftsmen offer maritime-themed items for boat and home. Children’s activities include boat-building craft projects, and a youth judging event that educates young girls and boys about the award-winning qualities of preserved and restored classic boats. Along the Fogg’s Landing side of CBMM’s campus, the festival’s “Field of Dreams” features an array of restorable classic boats and motors, along with other items for sale in a nautical flea market.

     Festival hours are Friday, June 15, from 11am to 5pm; Saturday, June 16, from 10am to 5pm; and Father’s Day, Sunday, June 17, from 10am to 2pm. The festival includes admission to the museum’s twelve exhibit buildings, where authentic Chesapeake boats and traditions are highlighted. The event is free for CBMM members and children under six, or $13 for adults; $10 for seniors; and $6 for children 6-17. For more information, call 410-745-2916 or visit www.cbmm.org.

Keith Lockwood's Maryland Fishing Report

     Oxford, Md. -- The month of April is upon us and it would seem that temperatures are more within the norm now. Late February and last months warmer than normal temperatures had a profound effect on the traditional white and yellow perch spawns causing them to be earlier than normal. Fishermen have been expressing concerns that the same might also stand true for our spawning striped bass and a big question has been looming out there, like the elephant in the room sort of thing. Will there still be post-spawn striped bass around for the trophy season opener on April 21st?
     Although there was some spawning activity in late March; it was relatively minor and not at all out of the norm. There is usually a small spawn in late March according to striped bass experts. The water temperatures are certainly warm enough in most spawning reaches for spawning activity to take place but many of the striped bass have not arrived yet or if the females are there the eggs they are carrying are not mature enough to be released
     This past week the Susquehanna catch-release-area received an influx of male striped bass so the females will be arriving soon. In other spawning rivers such as the Choptank and Nanticoke Rivers which traditionally have an earlier spawn than the upper bay; the big female striped bass are spawning but only sparingly. Most of the spawning population of females are hunkered down waiting for the eggs they carry to mature enough to commence spawning. That traditionally should occur anywhere from this coming weekend to the end of the second week of April.
     Maryland DNR's Eyes on the Bay water quality website now has a mobile browser application. View the latest water temperature, salinity, and water quality measurements on your phone, from over 15 real-time tidal stations.
     Fishermen at the Susquehanna Flats area who have been putting in their time got a pleasant surprise this week as male striped bass moved into the region in force to provide nonstop action for those armed with soft plastic jigs and spoons. The males of most spawning species are the vanguards of the spawning run so larger female striped bass are anticipated to arrive soon. A few large fish are being reported by fishermen but most fish caught and released are falling in the 16" to 28" size range and are being caught tight to the bottom in water depths less than 15'.
     The hickory shad catch and release fishery in the Deer Creek area has kicked into gear with fishermen catching mostly male fish this week at the mouth of the creek and out in the Susquehanna River. Fisheries biologists were out on the Susquehanna recently electro-fishing for hickory shad brood stock and reported they found more American shad than hickories which is a very pleasant surprise. The adult American shad will be lifted over the dam in a mechanized fish lift so they may continue up the Susquehanna to spawn.
     Fishermen are practicing catch and release fishing for striped bass from prominent points and fishing piers all along the main stem of the bay; chunks of fresh menhaden or bloodworms have been the baits of choice on bottom rigs and circle hooks. A few fishermen have also been out on the bay trolling along the shipping channel edges practicing catch and release also. Water temperatures in the bay are holding around 53-degrees. All fishermen should remember that the spawning tidal rivers are off limits to any kind of catch and release fishing for striped bass until June 1.
     Freshwater fishermen who love their put and take trout fishermen were out in force on the traditional opening day and despite crowds most had a good time and caught trout. More than a few trout fishermen were surprised by a large bonus trout that were as large as 8 lbs on the end of their lines. The hatchery crews took the initiative to hold these trout and grow them up to exceptional sizes and give a thrill of a lifetime to lucky fishermen. Fishermen at Deep Creek Lake were happy to see the floating docks go in at the DNR boat ramps last week and many fishermen are enjoying the fishing action out on the lake for a mix of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye and a northern pike now and then. The fishing in the upper Potomac for smallmouth bass and walleye and muskies continues to be very good this week; water levels in the river are fine and of course the weather is gorgeous on most days.
     Largemouth bass fishermen are experiencing the best of the best this week as hungry pre-spawn largemouth bass are roaming the edges of emerging grass beds, sunken wood, rocky points and drop-offs for something to eat. Fishermen are finding excellent fishing opportunities in small farm ponds, lakes and tidal waters. A wide variety of lures from topwater lures to spinnerbaits, crankbaits, soft plastics and grub jigs are all working well; each in its own particular niche. Bluegills are offering plenty of sport this week and crappie fishing is always popular this time of the year.
     Ocean City fishermen continue to see tautog fishing inside the inlet improve as water temperatures hover at the 50-degree mark. All the traditional areas such as the south jetty, the 2nd to 4th street bulkhead, the ends of 5th and 6th streets and the Route 50 Bridge are all offering good fishing this week. Frozen sand fleas and pieces of green crabs are the preferred baits and the very beginning of an ebb tide seems to hold favor for many fishermen. Fishermen inside the inlet are also reporting catching and releasing a few flounder. Flounder season opens April 14th with a three flounder per day limit with a minimum of 17" each.
     Surf fishermen are catching some big striped bass, a few bluefish and plenty of dogfish and skates in the surf on menhaden baits. Offshore the boats taking fishermen out to the wreck sites are catching tautog and boats headed out to the canyon edges are finding tilefish and assorted deep water species.

Floating Metal Art in the Washington Channel

      Washington, D.C. -- Mariners are advised that a floating platform will be installed in the Washington Channel until April 21. The metal art sculpture is part of a public art project sponsored by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities to broadcast messages during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
     The object, 18 inches in height and 30 feet in diameter, will be anchored in 15 feet of water along the Southwest Waterfront area of Washington, D.C., between the Gangplank Marina “S” and “T” Docks, at approximate position 38°52'35- N, 077°01'19- W, and will display a white light.
     Mariners are urged to use caution in this area and may contact the General Manager, Gangplank Marina, at telephone (202) 554-5000 or on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16. Chart : 12289.

Coast Guard Announced Proposed Rule for Chesapeake Bay Workboat Race

     Poquoson, Va. -- The Coast Guard proposes to establish a special local regulation during the Chesapeake Bay Workboat Race, a series of boat races to be held on the waters of Back River, Poquoson, Virginia on June 24. This event will consist of approximately 75 powerboats conducting high-speed competitive races on the waters of the Back River. This regulation is necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the event. This action is intended to restrict vessel traffic in portions of the Back River, Messick Point, Poquoson, Virginia during the event.

     Find our more about the proposed rule here.

Sediment Temporarily Impacts Fishing Below Bloede Dam

     Ellicott City, Md. -- Since the removal of Simkins Dam, sediment has made its way down the Patapsco River and is now filling deeper holes and pools below Bloede Dam. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds recreational anglers that this is only temporary. The occurrence is an expected and natural process that was accounted for during initial planning.

     “Although disappointing to some anglers, the loss of these prime fishing spots is only temporary and was an expected outcome of the dam removal,” said Don Cosden, Assistant Director for Inland Fisheries. “The movement of coarse material and changes to the river landscape are part of the natural process.”

     The results of DNR Biological Stream Surveys confirm there are still fish to catch below Bloede Dam and as the material dissipates, the aquatic habitat will become cleaner and healthier throughout the Patapsco, creating a better fishing experience.

     The removal of Simkins Dam in December 2010 released large amounts of coarse sand and gravel that had collected behind the dam. Federal and State scientists mapped out the effects of the Simkins Dam project before it was removed using a sediment transport model. The model predicted that over time the sand and gravel would travel downstream temporarily filling pools, with the areas eventually returning to their natural state.

     “Storm events, not regular flow, have generally been the main force driving materials downstream,” said Mary Andrews, an engineer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “As the sediment moves, the depth of the river changes and the pools fill-in temporarily and later clear out. The area below Simkins Dam is recovering, no longer full of sand and gravel. We expect the same results for Bloede Dam as the sediment continues to move.”

     The timeline for when the area will to return to a more natural state depends on future high-flow events such as the occurrence, frequency and intensity of storms. In the mean time, hydrogeologists with McCormick Taylor, an engineering firm hired by the project partners continue to monitor movement both at regular intervals and in response to storms.

     Removal of the Simkins Dam is the culmination of more than two years of scientific study and engineering design that was vetted through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as Maryland Department of the Environment, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a number of local and national experts. This restoration project will allow fish access to new habitat and additional spawning ground, which has been shown to lead to healthier, more abundant fish stocks. Recreational users will also benefit from the elimination of this dangerous obstacle in the stream.

     The Patapsco River Restoration and project partners are planning to hold a public information meeting in May. More details will follow. For more information on the Simkins Dam removal project, visit http://tinyurl.com/ca9go3x. For current fishing conditions go to dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/.