Park Authority

By Chase Brown

The cold fall weather is finally starting to move in, and you know what that means. The Striped Bass are here. Striped Bass, or Stripers as most people call them, are a migratory fish that move up and down the East Coast of the United States. During the fall, massive schools of these fish travel up the Potomac River and into the creeks. Stripers can vary in size, the smaller ones which are generally referred to as “schoolies” are usually around 12 to 24 inches.  However, in recent years anglers have pulled out some trophy size Striped Bass from the Potomac with some reaching over 40 inches.

The typical ways to catch these fish are soft plastics, crankbaits, or live minnows. Make sure that you use a jig head that is not too heavy or light, I recommend between a ¼ or ½ oz. depending on the current.  In my experience, Striper seemed to be really drawn to white or silver colors and especially love the movement that a long grub trail lure makes. The color of your jig head isn’t as important to Striper, but I typically go for red, white, or standard lead color. Live baitfish are an excellent choice as well for catching Stripers so if you can get hold of some bullhead minnows or shiners you should have success. I find that a 3/0 size circle hook with a ¼ oz. weight attached a foot above the hook is the best choice for fishing your live bait.

Areas such as creek mouths and deep channels are excellent places to find Stripers holding up. You can find a lot of success in areas where the Potomac meets up with a creek as the Striper are typically moving in and out of these areas on a regular basis. The best time to target these fish are on an incoming tide so make sure you go online and find a tide chart for your area. Striper tend to travel in schools so if you can catch one then you can usually catch a handful. Remember the technique you used to catch the first one and there should be more to follow. Deep channels along shallow riverbanks are another area that Striper tend to frequent since the deep water gives them some cover and allows them to pick off baitfish as they move out of the shallows. Fairfax County provides some excellent fishing spots to target Stripers around the Alexandria and Mount Vernon area. Any of the local creeks around you that feed into the Potomac are great places for you to try to target Stripers. Take a drive along the George Washington Parkway and you will be sure to find some great areas to try and land one of these amazing fish.

By Chase Brown

Dust off your tackle box and take the tags off that brand-new fishing pole you got during the holidays because warmer weather is on the horizon and with it comes the early spring fishing season!

Here’s what you need to know on what to do before your first fishing trip this year, as well as tips and information on the fish you can expect to catch. If you have any specific questions about fishing in the area or fishing in general, please do not hesitate to reach out to our FCPA Fishing Coordinator Dan Grulke at dan.grulke@fairfaxcounty.gov. Also, be sure to go online and check out some of the fishing classes we will be offering this year at some of your favorite local parks!

Maintaining your equipment is incredibly important when it comes to fishing, and it can save you a lot of money if done properly and in a timely manner.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for the upcoming fishing season.

1. Gather all your gear together including all rods, reels, tackle boxes, nets and any miscellaneous lures you may have lying around.
2. Grab your rods and make sure each eye on each rod is properly secured and lines up properly.
3. Take your fishing reels and ensure that each one is cranking smoothly and that you have taken off any fishing line from last year. If your fishing reel is tough to crank and feels sort of locked up, then you may have to spray some lubricant inside the grooves to eliminate some of the rust or any gunk that may have built up inside over time. Be sure to change out your line before your first fishing trip this year if it has been on your reel for over a few months, as fishing line tends to lose its strength and become brittle after it sits on the reel for a while.
4. Make sure that you check for any bait or food in your tackle box that may have been left in it over the winter. For parents, I recommend you check your child’s tackle box for leftover food or bait every time they come home from fishing. I cannot tell you how many times I have found month-old hot dogs and bread that have led to entire tackle boxes needing to be thrown away.
5. Examine all your lures and hooks for signs of rust or wear. Use a sharpening stone on any of them that you think may need to be sharpened. If you find out that a lot of your lures or hooks have started to rust, then you most likely have an issue with water or moisture getting into your tackle box. I would try to locate any holes or breaks in your tackle box, and then think about moving it to a different, dryer location.
6. Check your fishing nets for gashes that may have been made from the previous year and examine them for rust if they are made of metal. Depending on what fish you are targeting, you may be able to get by with a few small gashes in your net, but you can make a quick fix with some thick sewing string and a needle, if you think it is necessary.

Now that you have some steps to get yourself prepared for the season, let us talk about some of the fish you may be targeting out there!

Spring is the time of year when largemouth bass begin their spawning rituals and tend to become highly aggressive. It is also a great time of the year for finding a trophy fish, since a lot of the females are pretty fattened up to prepare for spawning. Typically, you can find pairs of fish along grass beds guarding their nests from intruders and attacking anything that gets too close. In my opinion, this makes for an easy and enjoyable day of fishing, since you do not have to put too much effort into choosing the right lure. If it can fit in their mouth and you cast it close to their nesting site, you should have no problem hooking up with a bass this time of year.

Another reason that spring is a favorite time of year among anglers is the migratory species you can find in the Potomac River, such as striped bass and yellow perch. I had an article that previously talked about striped bass and their fall migration up the river , but they will also make a smaller migration down the river in the early springtime. Typically, there are not as many as there are in the fall, but these fish always seem to come back when the weather starts to warm up. The warmer waters also signal the beginning of the yellow perch migration. These fish spawn in rivers and creeks during this time of year, just like the largemouth bass. The yellow perch, not to be confused with the white perch that inhabits this area year-round, has some distinguishable features that separate it from its counterparts, including its color, which is typically greenish yellow with black bands along its sides.  

I have my best luck with yellow perch when fishing small soft plastics along areas with lots of rocks. Just like the largemouth bass, these fish are very aggressive during their spawning season and will strike at just about anything that crosses their path.

For those of you looking to experience fishing for the first time or looking to catch anything that will take your bait, panfish is the way to go.

Virginia has numerous species of panfish but the most popular three are bluegill, sunfish and crappie. They can be found in just about any body of water around the area and are a fun and easy species to catch that will be sure to brighten anyone’s fishing day.

All you need for these fish are some fishing line, a hook and bait, such as worms or crickets. Panfish typically travel in schools too, so where you find one you should be able to find a dozen.

Fishing for panfish is perfect for beginners or any angler looking for a relaxing day on the water. Although they are not the biggest fish by any means, they have some beautiful colors and patterns and a decent-sized one will put up a good fight on a lightweight fishing rod.

Good luck to all of you this fishing season, and I hope that this article helps you land that trophy catch this spring!

Discover the rich habitats and wildlife that make Huntley Meadows Park one of Fairfax County’s most treasured natural spaces. The park features nationally significant history, sweeping forests, wildflower-filled meadows and expansive wetlands that offer some of the region’s best wildlife viewing.

Celebrate the importance of this premier wetland sanctuary during Wetlands Awareness Day on Sunday, May 3, from noon to 4 p.m. This free event invites visitors to journey into forested paths and immersive boardwalk trails while learning why wetlands matter. Get up-close with live raptors, reptiles, amphibians, wildlife, interactive displays and hands-on activities.

Shuttle service will be available from Groveton Elementary School, 6900 Harrison Lane in Alexandria, to Huntley Meadows Park. Shuttles run every 15 minutes, with the last trip to the park at 3:30 p.m. and the final return shuttle at 4:15 p.m.

Register for Wetlands Awareness Day

Huntley Meadows Park is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria. For more information, visit the Huntley Meadows Park website or call 703-768-2525.

Fairfax County Park Authority and the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends invite families and their four-legged companions to unleash the fun at Park and Bark, a community event supporting Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.

Join us on Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Walney Visitor Center, located at 5040 Walney Road in Chantilly, for an afternoon filled with dogs, food, music and festive fun.

Park and Bark offers something for everyone — both human and canine alike. Enjoy craft brews from Lazy Dog Restaurant, gourmet hot dogs and sausages from Kaziville, dog-themed vendors, local crafters and live music from Lucas Mason. Guests can also meet adoptable dogs from A Forever Home Rescue Foundation and explore services, such as on-site mobile dog grooming.

Families can take part in children’s activities led by park staff and explore the Walney Visitor Center, featuring exhibits, live reptiles and amphibians, and the natural and cultural history of the park’s 650 acres.

Whether you're looking to adopt, explore or simply enjoy time outdoors with your pup, Park and Bark is a great way to connect with the community and support the park.

Free parking is available at the Visitor Center, with additional access via park trails from Walney Pond and The Woodlands Stewardship Education Center. Overflow parking is available near Walney Pond, 5301 Walney Road, Centreville. Please use the pond lot for overflow parking, as there is no crosswalk from the parking lot across the pond.

So grab your leash, gather your pack and join us for a tail-wagging good time at Park and Bark!

For more information and to plan your visit, please visit the Park and Bark event webpage. 

View the Park and Bark flyer

The countdown is on for the county’s largest Earth Day bash — and we’re shaking things up with a brand-new location. Earth Day Fairfax 2026 hits Lake Fairfax Park in Reston on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Expect a full-on Earth party: family activities, games, food trucks, a craft beer garden, big trucks and Earth friendly vendors — plus live music and entertainment on the main and community stages to keep things rocking!

Jam out, chillax and dance the day away with live music from School of Rock, Recycling Pirates, Proverbs Reggae Band and Wildflower Revival Band. Go green with a special Weather Chat with Topper Shutt and Plant Talk from Merrifield Garden Center. Get up close with live animals from Hidden Pond Nature Center and catch exciting Okinawan karate and taekwondo demonstrations.

In between the action on stage, fill your day with:

• Interactive booths and exhibits
• Free giveaways
• Furry farm friends
• Ideas for summer (camps, amusements, events)
• Ways you can help the planet

Parking is $10 per car. Event takes place rain or shine.

Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Earth Day Festival, visit the Earth Day website.

The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. Visit the Park Foundation website or call 703-324-8582.

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month at Mason District Park on Saturday, May 9, from 12:30 to 5 p.m. This free, family-friendly festival brings together vibrant performances, cultural experiences and a day of excitement for all ages.

Take in the richness and diversity of AANHPI cultures through traditions, stories and artistic expressions that continue to shape and strengthen our community.

Event Highlights

• Cultural performances: Watch traditional and contemporary dance and music from local AANHPI artists.
• Interactive experiences: Try hands-on activities, such as calligraphy, origami and martial arts demonstrations.
• Global flavors: Sample a variety of authentic dishes from local food vendors.
• Art and culture: Explore exhibits featuring works by AANHPI artists.
• Family fun: Kids can take part in crafts, storytelling and interactive activities throughout the day.

Mason District Park is located at 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Parking is available on site.

For more information about the AANHPI Heritage Celebration, please visit the AANHPI Month Celebration webpage.

The AANHPI Month celebration is presented by the Asian Community Center in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. Visit the Park Foundation website or call them at 703-324-8582.

Fairfax County’s largest Earth Day celebration Earth Day Fairfax is almost here and at a new location. The 2026 event will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. In addition to live music, food trucks, a craft beer garden and Earth-friendly vendors, choose from an awesome lineup of things to do during the event!

Things To Do

• The Earth Day Passport is back! Visit select booths and activities to earn a custom Earth Day Fairfax T-shirt.
• Play with farm animals from Frying Pan Farm Park.
• Visit exhibits and experiments featuring the Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center that will broaden your understanding of local wildlife, plant life and our ecosystem.
• Physical challenges:
  • Giant rock-climbing wall
  • Flag football throw
  • Golf putting game
  • Fitness demonstrations
• Learn to connect with nature through "land" kayaking and camping.
• Experience animal encounters during the Hidden Pond Nature Center Animal Talk.
• Connect nature and science: Create “Dry Ice Bubble Chemistry” with the Stemtree Education Center.
• Learn paper quilling, wildflower seed ball-making or learn to make sustainable play dough from grain milled at our own Colvin Run Mill.
• Explore with naturalists: From sighting birds in the treetops with binoculars to geocaching for treasures, have fun investigating the natural world with the experts.
• Touch-A-Truck: Check out some of the amazing vehicles and machines that help serve our community every day.
• Sensory Tent: For those who may need to find a calmer and more relaxed way of celebrating the day, or who may just need to take a break from the excitement, our sensory tent is filled with toys, fidgets and crafts.

Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Earth Day Festival, visit the Earth Day website.

View the Earth Day Fairfax Flyer

The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. Visit the Park Foundation website or call 703-324-8582.

Spring is here — and so are fresh, local flavors. Fairfax County Farmers Markets return for the 2026 season, bringing farm-fresh produce, baked goods and specialty foods to communities across the county. Don’t miss markets at Burke, Mount Vernon and Reston that open in April!

Operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, these popular markets connect residents with local farmers and food producers at 10 convenient locations. Shop seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy, baked goods and artisanal products, while enjoying a vibrant, open-air market experience.

SNAP, Sustainability and Fresh Food for All

Fairfax County Farmers Markets do more than provide fresh food — they support healthy communities and a healthier environment.

• SNAP-friendly markets: SNAP EBT is accepted at select markets. Visit the information tent to exchange benefits for tokens and receive up to $40 in additional fruits and vegetables each market day.
• Plastic-free markets: Fairfax County Farmers Markets have been plastic-free since 2025, eliminating single-use plastic bags across all locations. Vendors use reusable or compostable alternatives. Shoppers are encouraged to bring reusable bags or use on-site bag-share programs.
• Food scrap composting: All 10 markets offer food scrap drop-off. Bring accepted food scraps from home and help turn waste into nutrient-rich compost. (Yard waste is not accepted.)

Market Schedule

WEDNESDAYS

• McCutcheon/Mount Vernon: April 22-Nov. 25, 8 a.m. - noon. Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane
• Oakmont: May 6-Oct. 28, 8 a.m.-noon. Oakmont Recreation Center, 3200 Jermantown Road
• Wakefield: May 6-Oct. 28, 2-6 p.m. Wakefield Park, 8100 Braddock Road

THURSDAYS

• Annandale: May 7-Oct. 29, 8 a.m. - noon. Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike
• Herndon: May 7-Oct. 29, 8 a.m. - noon. Old Town Herndon, 700 Block of Lynn Street by the Red Caboose

FRIDAYS

• McLean: May 1-Oct. 30, 8 a.m.-noon. Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road
• Kingstowne: May 1-Oct. 23, 3-7 p.m. In the Giant parking lot, 5870 Kingstowne Towne Center

SATURDAYS

• Burke: Apr. 18-Nov. 21, 8 a.m.-noon. VRE parking Lot, 5671 Roberts Parkway
• Reston: Apr. 25-Nov. 21, 8 a.m.-noon. Lake Anne Village Center, 1609-A Washington Plaza

SUNDAYS

• Lorton: May 3-Nov. 22, 8 a.m.-noon. VRE parking lot, 8990 Lorton Station Blvd.

For a complete list of market details, vendors and seasonal programs, visit the Farmers Markets website. For more information, contact the Community Horticulture Office at 571-340-3322.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate recent improvements at Hybla Valley Park, located at 3431 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria, on Friday, May 8, at 4:30 p.m.

Tucked between neighborhoods and just steps from Hybla Valley Elementary School, Hybla Valley Park is emerging as a hidden gem in Fairfax County’s Franconia District. The modest 2.3-acre park recently received thoughtful upgrades that make it an inviting destination for families and neighbors alike, especially when paired with nearby attractions like Mount Vernon Woods Park, Mount Vernon Rec Center and Huntley Meadows Park.

Recent improvements transformed underused areas into vibrant community spaces. The former tennis courts are now home to a dedicated futsal court and a basketball court, while the practice tennis court has been reimagined as a colorful playground designed for all ages and abilities. Additional upgrades include renovated parking, new site furnishings and more places to sit and relax throughout the park.

“These enhancements reflect our commitment to creating welcoming, accessible neighborhood parks where everyone can play, relax and connect,” said Jai Cole, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. “Hybla Valley Park is proof that great community spaces don’t have to be big to make a big impact.”

For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority, visit the Park Authority’s website. For questions, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

See life on the farm in full swing — including the spring baby boom — at Spring Farm Day on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park. Experience hands-on activities, live demonstrations and family-friendly fun throughout the day.

Event highlights include:

• Sheep shearing
• Antique farm equipment demonstrations
• Milking demonstrations
• Hands-on farm activities
• Spring baby animals across the farm
• Crafts, games and wagon rides
• Pony rides (10 a.m.–1 p.m., $15 per child; limited availability)

Admission is $12 per person online through May 1 (ages 2 and up) and $15 at the door. One wagon ride is included with each paid admission.

Register for Spring Farm Day

This event is supported by the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park, a nonprofit organization that funds programs, provides farm animals, preserves agricultural heritage and enhances visitor experiences through community partnerships and fundraising.

Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Frying Pan Farm Park website or call 703-437-9101.