There are several bays, lakes, and streams intertwined with regional parks in northern Virginia, and some of these recreation areas have convenient perks like food stands, bait shops, and marinas. Many fish have been caught at the handy anglers’ haunts around Alexandria, and you can launch your own fishing boat or choose a rental craft for a day of fishing there.
Some local waters are dedicated to fishing and boating only. If you enjoy a wilderness environment, the 1,814-acre Mason Neck State Park is only minutes from downtown Alexandria. There are also plenty of parks that have something for everyone, including the kids. So grab your gear and your fishing license, and head to these local fishing spots.
Fountainhead Regional Park
The fishing is fine at Fountainhead Park, and you can even stock up on provisions at the snack bar and bait shop before you head out. Bring your boat, or rent a powerboat, canoe, or kayak for the day. There’s a ramp that can accommodate boat trailers, along with a fishing pier and floating dock perfect for family fun. This part of the Occoquan Reservoir is a no-wake zone with calm waters that make it fishing-friendly.
Burke Lake Park
Burke Lake is well-stocked with largemouth bass, and the volume of fish is rated at a high density for a lake this size. You can catch bluegill, sunfish, and catfish in the 218-acre waterway, and only canoes, kayaks, and electric-powered craft are allowed. The bait and tackle shop at the marina has fishing gear available along with several kinds of bait. There’s no swimming or paddle boarding, just watercraft on this section of the lake, with over five miles of shoreline for fishing.
Mason Neck State Park
Fishing and boating are the only activities allowed here as well, and boat rentals are available. The park doesn’t have a ramp for boat trailers, but you can easily launch a lightweight kayak or canoe from the access site. Belmont Bay has fresh to brackish water, and Kane’s Creek is nearby for freshwater fishing. You’re likely to spot a lot of local wildlife during your fishing trip, including white-tailed deer and American bald eagles. The park is popular for bird-watching, and picnic tables are available for before and after fishing.
Pohick Bay Regional Park
On the other side of the Mason Neck peninsula, Pohick Bay Park offers a fishing experience that’s great for a family fishing day or weekend. Here, you’ll find camping facilities, picnic shelters, a playground, and a pool. You can fish from the shore or the pier, or head out into the bay. The waters here are also open for paddleboarding and swimming, so you might have to get farther from shore to catch some of the crappie, catfish, and bass that populate the bay.
The Fish Are Biting
Whether you’re looking for a quiet day of fishing in the creeks and marshes of Alexandria or a family excursion at the lake, your ideal fishing experience is just minutes from the city. From the calm waters of the Occoquan Reservoir to the shores of Pohick Bay, just choose your adventure.
Image via Flickr by Virginia State Parks. Used with permission via CC by 2.0 / cropped from original
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