Our speaker this month is Michael Kashiwagi, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Western II Regional Fisheries Manager. He will be presenting information on the current conditions in the upper Potomac River, focusing on the primary gamefish species (smallmouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, muskellunge) as well as threats and impacts to the system.

• • Where: Vienna Fire Station, 400 Center St South, Vienna, VA 22180
  • When: May 30, 2018 at 7:30 pm (doors open at 7:00 for socializing)

About Michael Kashiwagi

Originally from Montgomery County, MD, Michael grew up fishing and canoeing the Potomac in the Seneca area. He received a Master’s Degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Mississippi State University. He has been with the Maryland DNR for the past 10 years working with both the Resources Assessment Service and Freshwater Fisheries Program. He is responsible for freshwater fisheries activities in Frederick and Washington counties as well as the upper Potomac River. Projects that he has worked on include statewide stream surveys, baseline Marcellus shale water quality monitoring, cold water resources mapping, and large river sampling.

William Heresniak, owner and guide for Eastern Trophies Fly Fishing in Alexandria, VA, will speak to us about the history of topwater bugs in relation to fly fishing, techniques, fly patterns, and other tips and tricks to catch trophy smallmouth bass. He will also talk about spin fishing techniques and tactics in relation to topwater fishing for smallmouth.

• Where: Vienna Fire Station, 400 Center St South, Vienna, VA 22180
• When: April 25, 2018 at 7:30 pm (doors open at 7:00 for socializing)

William Heresniak

About William Heresniak

William has over 30 years of fishing experience, and has been guiding professionally since 2003. Among other rivers and streams, he guides on the Potomac River, upper Potomac River, and the north branch of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.

William has a professional background in education, athletics, and coaching. Guiding and instructing come naturally to him. He has helped numerous clients catch large trout, smallmouth bass and musky. His efficient techniques and focused presentation will help you to not only bring more fish to your net, but a fish of a lifetime to your hands.

You can find more information about William and his guiding service on his website.

Scott Johnson will speak to us about about seasonal patterns and fishing tactics on the Susquehanna River.

• Where: Vienna Fire Station, 400 Center St South, Vienna, VA 22180
• When: March 28, 2018 at 7:30 pm (doors open at 7:00 for socializing)

Scott Johnson, owner of SJ Fishing Adventures

About Scott Johnson

Scott was born and raised outside Myersville, MD., where as a kid he would spend many days riding his bike to local farm ponds and creeks to fish and catch other wildlife. As Scott entered his teens his thirst to learn more about fishing really took off and he spent many hours following and reading In-Fisherman, Bill Dance, and other professionals. His fishing experiences broadened with his older brother, fishing local reservoirs and lakes from a canoe, bank fishing, Canadian fishing trips, and of course wading local rivers as much as possible. From here Scott’s love of fishing for river smallmouth began.

Scott continued to fish as much as possible through his twenties, from canoes, kayaks and of course wading the local rivers and streams. Canadian fishing trips were an annual event, from canoe trips in Algonquin Provincial Park to fly in trips in remote sections of Northwest Ontario. Traveling to fish was not limited to Canada, as Scott made trips to Lake Erie, North Carolina to surf fish, and many other locations. As happens in life, family and a career take priority over fishing so Scott channeled his energy into a newly found interest in teaching and coaching. He spent many years coaching girl’s lacrosse and acting as den leader for his son’s pack.

Today, with older children Scott is able to again pursue his passion of fishing and has combined that with his interest in teaching others by guiding. Scott guides on the upper Potomac, Susquehanna, and Juniata rivers, fishing year round when possible. With the support of his family and loving wife he now spends as many days as possible guiding others to experience the thrill of fishing for river smallmouth, or fishing for fun. After guiding for Ken Penrod, Scott has opened his own business, SJ Fishing Adventures, and is licensed in Maryland and Pennsylvania, fully insured, and certified in First Aid. Scott proudly promotes the following great companies; Under Armor, St. Croix Rods, Seaguar, Snagler Tackle, and Anglers Express.