Potomac River

Piney Run -- Fall fishing tournament Oct. 7 from 6 a.m. to noon, with $300 going to the largest legal tiger musky. Jim Gronaw reports of some largemouth bass caught by anglers using senkos. Some channel cats are being caught on chicken livers and cut baits. Prettyboy Reservoir -- According to Joe Butta, the window for bass is relatively small, with anglers needing to catch the fish as they move from deep structuring to the shallower water for feeding. This is usually in the early mornings or late evenings, using crankbaits, plastics or jigs.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is advising people to avoid swimming in sections of the Potomac River with blue-green algae blooms near the border of Prince George's and Charles counties. Accidental ingestion of the algae Microcystis can lead to fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Blooms of the algae have been reported along the Potomac from Piscataway Creek to Smith Point, the agency said yesterday. People are advised to wash their skin if they touch parts of the river colored by bright-green scum.