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

Enjoy some fishing in one of D.C.’s largest recreational areas.

FLETCHER’S COVE

Fletcher’s offers rowboat, kayak, and bike rentals, and some of the best seasonal shad fishing on the east coast.

ANACOSTIA PARK

The Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. is a great place to indulge in some recreational fishing and boating activities.


GET A DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FISHING LICENSE




COMMON CATCHES IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA



LARGEMOUTH BASS

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

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

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

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

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

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

TYPES OF FISHING IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA



FLY FISHING

FLY FISHING

Fly fishing is fun, relaxing and easy to learn.



streams and rivers

STREAMS & RIVERS

River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.



lakes and ponds

LAKES & PONDS

Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.

Pre-loader