FISHING IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Portions of the bustling DC metro area offer places to enjoy the quietude and serenity of the water, the rhythmic sway of a fishing boat and the exhilarating feeling of getting a fresh catch.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
ANACOSTIA RIVER
FLETCHER’S COVE
ANACOSTIA PARK
GET A DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
LARGEMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Largemouth bass is the official State Freshwater Fish of Alabama. It is also their most popular gamefish.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits |
WALLEYE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Walleye have needle-like teeth, bite well when the waters are cold, and make excellent table fare.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 and 7 feet long medium-action graphite rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8 or 10 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jigs, Plastic Baits, Crankbaits, Bottom Bouncers |
STRIPED BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
To most freshwater anglers, the striped bass is a very important game fish is relatively new.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 7 or 7.5-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod |
| Reel | 4000 Spinning reel |
| Line | 15-20 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Topwater, Shallow Running Crankbaits,Medium Running Crankbaits, Deep Running Crankbaits, Bottom Bouncers |
SMALLMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best) |
AMERICAN SHAD
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The American shad is highly regarded as a game fish and its white, flaky flesh supports a considerable commercial fishery.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | Long, lightweight spinning or fly rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 5-8 pound braided line works really well, run about 10 feet of clear monofilament or fluorocarbon for a leader. |
| Lure | Barbless Hooks, Flyes (white or yellow with red heads), Spinners, Spoons |
WHITE PERCH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Despite its common name, the white perch is actually a bass and a close relative of the white bass and the striped bass.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 9 foot surf spinning rod |
| Reel | 5000 Spinning reel |
| Line | 10 pound braided fishing line or 8 pound monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Natural Baits are best (Shrimp, Crabs, Small Fish), Artificial baits such as minnows or worms |
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
