An Intro from a new NOVA guy

[Sam]

KWM85, thanks for your service. At this time in our nation's history we need a strong armed forces and I thank you, on behalf of all of us on the Forum, for your service.

Second, how do you like DC traffic? It sucks on a good day.

Third, how about considering joining a local bass club to see where and how they fish. You can go as a nonboater.

The Potomac is an excellent fishery but you need a bass boat to navigate around it.

There are two organizations you may want to consider: B.A.S.S. and FLW. Check out their Virginia web sites and look for the Maryland clubs, too, so you can contact them to find out where they fish, etc.:

http://www.vafederationnation.com/

http://www.vabass.com/

Check out "Regions" and "Federation" respectfully to note the clubs in your Northern Virginia region.

Good luck. 

[Addicted to Smallies]

I live in Reston (moved here about 5 years ago), and the local lakes are a pretty decent place to scratch your fishing itch when you can't make out out to a larger body of water.

No one really helped me much, so I had to figure out the area by trial-and-error over the last few years... here's what I've learned:

Lake Audubon probably has the best variety, IMHO, if you have a canoe or small plastic boat.  The boat docks usually produce some decent largemouth, and there are some good sized catfish and carp in there as well.  Bank fishing is tough, except for the area near the dam (which can be pretty decent in the pre-spawn when the sun warms up the shallows.)  Lake Anne also has some decent fish, but they're pretty wary given the pressure they've seen... again, shore options are limited.  Your best bet is to spend $200 on a cheap eBay canoe if you want to fish either of those (or most of the places I'm about to mention below, as well.)  My little boy and I love going to either one, and when it slows down he can pull out palm-sized bluegill all day on pieces of nightcrawlers in either lake.

Best fishing -- bar none -- within 5 miles of Reston is the Upper Potomac for Smallies, though.  For shore fishing, the area about 1-1.5 miles up-river from Riverbend Park (hike along the trail until you get to the good riffles about 1.5 miles from the main park parking.)  I've pulled out 3 and 4 lb smallies from the pools there from spring until fall -- but you DO have to wade.  The shore doesn't really work.  The other side (the pools near the islands, not all the way to the Maryland bank) is actually a lot more productive, and if you have a canoe, in addition to smallies, you can get some good largemouth action in a couple of the backwater areas and along bank cutbacks as well.

Burke and Occoquan are a bit of a haul, and neither can really be fished without a boat -- but again, a canoe is all you need.  Both are tough, but probably have the largest largemouth around NOVA, other than in the lower Potomac.

Bank fishing is also decent at the ponds at Claude Moore park in Sterling.  Both have decent numbers, but small size, as both are stocked with largemouth, bluegill and catfish every year.  Just don't go on a weekend, since it's a zoo of kids with their SpongeBob rods learning to fish.  I've caught as many as 15 largemouth in 2 hours there one spring afternoon during the week, but none were over 2 lbs.  I've also been skunked if it's right after a heavy weekend.

For ALL of these spots, I've found the best baits are 5" Senkos in green or pumpkin, and floating Rapala's.  I've tried everything in my box over the last couple of years, but these 2 lures are constant producers for me.  You can also use twist tail grubs when in the Upper Potomac for Smallies, but I actually prefer the Senko's there, too, since they tend to catch fewer, but larger, fish.  If you've never hooked into a 4 lb river smallmouth, you just haven't fished!  NOTHING fights like good sized river smallie -- they are pure muscle from fighting the current all day.  Even the dinks are a good time, especially on a medium-light spinning rig.

Beaverdam is TOUGH to fish... and bank fishing is tick-central.  Do NOT even try to bank fish there unless you are covered in DEET and wearing permethrin-treated pants.  The place is crawling with ticks.  If you have the above-mentioned canoe, then you can get to some good spots on Beaverdam, but I've never been able to figure out a pattern there... it's hit or miss.  I guess traditional spinnerbaits (white or chartreause) are probably what I've caught the most fish with on Beaverdam, and that's usually trolling behind the canoe when moving from spot-to-spot, or on long casts off of the points.

There... that's the last 3 years of Reston-area fishing summed up in one post.

[KWM]

I do have chest waiters from fishing in AK, like how far out do I need to be?  I will be heading out for Goose Creek, sometime soon. 

[Bigbarge50]

Smallies this is not my stream or my question and I will say thanks for such an awesome answer. 

Even though I have heard and experienced a lot of what you said myself, was still one heck of an answer and a great effort put out there. 

While never been one to pursue the bronze cousins of the beloved largemouths, your post is enough to make me try out the upper Potomac some point this season with some spinning gear and senkos and see what I could stir up. 

[Addicted to Smallies]

KWM - there isn't any stock answer to "how far to wade" in either the Potomac or in Goose Creek.  Pick a spot that has good looking water and wade to it.  This time of year, with water cold and high, you won't be more than 10 yards from shore at best most places on the Potomac -- but that's enough to be away from the brush on shore.  Let the water tell you where to go and how far you need to be. (Not trying to be Zen or anything, but you need to be where you need to be and no place else... you'll learn exactly what I mean once you've spent some time in the River.)

As for Goose Creek, it's a decent body of water and this time of year is sometimes OK, but it's HIGHLY dependent on the water level.  The current can be tough.  For Goose Creek I have always found that hiking north on the path from Kepheart Landing and then wading the east bank side of where Goose Creek dumps into the Potomac is the best spot for big smallies.  Anything further up the creek is going to be small.

Big Barge -- glad you found my post valuable. I hope you catch the smallmouth bug like I did.  I spent 30 years fishing for largemouth as a Southern Boy, but now I'm totally addicted to the smallies.  I would suggest you go with a medium-light or medium spinning rod for your first few efforts, but once you get used to fighting these bad boys, switch down to light gear for an incredible adrenaline rush!

[fishinNOVArob]

Hey kwm85

Welcome to the area, I am active duty Navy and got stationed here last march. I live in oakton which is right by reston and have spent a large chunk of my free time fishing in the area for LMB and SMB. I prefer Audubon and Lake Mercer, but I fish from my kayak so shoreline is not a factor for me. I have an extra kayak if you want to fish. Also the local rivers all have outfitters for canoes and that is in my opinion the most fun you can have fishing around here. I will be doing several trips with my girlfriend and dog this year so if you and the wife want to go just shoot me a message.

Good luck and thanks for your service.

P.S there is a group called Potomac river smallmouth club that is meeting in Vienna at the firehouse on center street next wednesday at 645, I just joined but they are a nice group and its local for us.

[Goblin]

I fish Audobon in Reston, hit me up and I'll join ya. I have canoe I hit the water with. Not sure about the kayaking. I also hit up all the local ponds I can find. I try to go in the evening during the week but with light becoming so scarce its making it harder. Anyhow, if your still looking for a partner, I live 2 minutes from Audobon on Soapstone. Hope to see ya there.