Trout Fishermen Lured by Freshly Stocked Lakes

Cast your line and catch your limit at local lakefront parks as the Fairfax County Park Authority kicks off the spring trout fishing program this February. Come out and join other fishing fanatics for some catch and keep fishin' fun along the banks of Lake Accotink and Lake Fairfax.

Weekly stocking will alternate between the two parks, with the first stocking of 1,000 pounds of farm-raised, safe-to-eat rainbow and golden trout taking place on Friday, February 8, 2008 in the creek below the dam at Lake Accotink Park. The first trout stocking at Lake Fairfax Park takes place one week later on Friday, February 15, 2008. Trout fishing begins on Friday, February 8 at Lake Accotink and at Lake Fairfax on Saturday, February 16. The last stocking of the season is scheduled for April 11 at Lake Fairfax Park; however, fishing will continue at both parks until April 20, from 7 a.m. until dusk.

This unique recreational program is supported entirely through fees paid by trout fishing pass holders. Adult season passes are available for $35. Reduced fees for seasonal passes are $30 for children ages 11 to 15 and residents 60 years of age or older. A daily pass can be purchased for $10 per person ($9 for children ages 11 to 15 and for residents 60 years of age and older). One child aged 10 or under may fish for free with a paid adult. Passes may be purchased at either park and used at both locations.

Under this program, all Virginia game and fishing laws apply, including a six fish daily limit and the requirement for those 16 years and older to carry a current Virginia fishing license. In addition, all persons fishing in the park's stocked waters must comply with the rules of the trout fishing program. This includes the requirement to purchase a park fishing pass prior to fishing, a one pole per person rule, and other rules outlined on the pass. A state-issued trout stamp is not required because the Park Authority's trout stocking program is not funded by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Lake Accotink Park is located at 7500 Accotink Park Road in Springfield. For more information, call 703-569-3464.

Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. For more information, call 703-471-5415.