Photo by Rod Cochran.

Spring has arrived across the Old Line State. Water temperatures are rising, and as each day passes, the bass are becoming hungrier and more aggressive. At this time of the year Maryland anglers are wise to tap into some excellent bass fishing.

In the densely populated Capital Beltway area, fishing opportunities include a number of well-known lakes, reservoirs and large rivers. But instead, try one of these smaller waterways that are easily accessed and receive less fishing pressure, yet are loaded with big smallies and lunker largemouths.

Here are three top picks to consider for this spring.

MONOCACY RIVER
The wild and scenic Monocacy River offers some of the best riverine bass angling that Maryland has to offer. The Monocacy originates near the Pennsylvania border in northwest Carroll County, and flows 58 miles to the Potomac River near Dickerson.

Its winding journey, east of the Catoctin Mountains, cuts through the center of Maryland's fertile farmlands, open fields and beautiful forested areas.

Stream biologist John Mullican of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that smallmouth reproduction on the Monocacy was good in 2005, especially in its upper reaches north of Frederick. He believes that catch rates will continue to improve into 2008. Although smallies in the range of 10 to 16 inches are the norm, bigger-sized bass in excess of 18 inches are caught as well.

The uppermost reaches of the Monocacy can be reached from the Baltimore Beltway. Then travel north along I-795 until you pick up state Route (SR) 140 west. Several miles west of Taneytown, turn right onto Bullfrog Road and follow to the bridge, or continue on SR 140 to the river. Both access points provide excellent bank-fishing opportunities within a short walk of the bridge.

Also consider the several-mile stretch between SR 140 and Keysville-Frederick County Road.

From Taneytown, follow SR 194 west to pick up SR 77 north to the river. The lower 42-mile stretch from the SR 77 bridge east of Thurmont to the Potomac River is recognized as the Monocacy Water Trail by the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network.

A detailed water-trail map and guide is available at no cost through the Community Commons conservation group. Call (301) 662-3000, or visit www.communitycommons.org.

This stretch of the river is commonly fished by canoe or kayak. But before planning a boating trip, check online the water levels at Jug Bridge with the U.S. Geological Survey gauge, which you can find online at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/md/nwis/rt/.