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!

Take the first step to a healthier and happier you by becoming an annual member of Fairfax County Park Authority’s Rec Centers. These community wellness hubs provide all the ingredients needed to make your fitness dreams a reality. Lock in during September and get a 15% discount when you purchase annual membership online or in person.

View the Membership flyer

Members receive access to all nine of the Park Authority’s Rec Centers across Fairfax County, so explore classes and fitness opportunities at any location. Develop a workout routine that works for you using cardio and weight training equipment in the Fitness Centers.

Try drop-in group exercise classes, such as cycle, yoga, Pilates, BODYPUMP and Zumba. Take a lap in the pool for a full body workout that goes easy on the joints. Make strides toward better health with every rep, step or stroke.

Signing up for annual membership also provides access to special amenities where available, such as:

• Indoor tracks at Franconia, Mount Vernon and Spring Hill rec centers.
• Ice skating and indoor rock climbing at Mount Vernon Rec Center.
• Indoor water park at Cub Run Rec Center.
• Racquetball/Wallyball courts at Audrey Moore, Franconia, Oakmont, Providence, South Run and Spring Hill rec centers.
• Gyms (drop-in basketball and pickleball, schedule depending) at Audrey Moore, Franconia and Spring Hill rec centers.
• Discounts on Drop-In Childcare at Cub Run, Oakmont and Mount Vernon rec centers.

Everyone can see what Rec Centers have to offer and celebrate their amenities during the Rec Center Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Bring friends and neighbors out to your local Rec Center to try out the Fitness Centers, pools/spas/saunas, sample drop-in exercise classes, and explore the special amenities each location has to offer. Admission all day is free with sign up for a 7-day pass. Level up the time you have to explore by signing up for the 30 days for $30 pass instead. Go all in by purchasing membership at a 15% discount!

On Sept. 22, stop by between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. for special programming. Get in on some exciting activities -- from ping pong at Audrey Moore, to inflatable axe throwing at Cub Run, to roasting s’mores at Oakmont, to cornhole at George Washington, to a carousel ride at Franconia, to meeting a mermaid at Providence, to line dancing at Spring Hill, to kickboxing at South Run. Visit the Rec Center website for details on the open house. 

View the Open House flyer

Mark your calendars for Sept. 22 and commit to your health.

Purchase a Rec Center membership

Step into the fascinating world of bugs at Bug Fest, Lake Accotink Park’s annual celebration of all things that crawl, fly and buzz. Join the Fairfax County Park Authority on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a day of hands-on discovery, outdoor exploration and creepy-crawly fun.

Designed for ages 4 and older, Bug Fest invites families to explore the important role insects play in healthy ecosystems, while getting an up-close look at some of the tiny creatures that share our world.

Here’s what’s buzzing at this year’s event:

• Insect Safari Hikes — Head outdoors to search for insects in their natural habitats.
• Live Insect Encounters — Meet fascinating insects up close.
• Bug Crafts and Games — Get creative with hands-on activities inspired by the insect world.
• Bug-Themed Stories — Enjoy stories celebrating some of nature’s smallest creatures.
• Buggy Maze — Navigate your way through a bug-inspired challenge.
• Spiderweb Slackline Course — Test your balance on a web-worthy adventure.

Admission is $10 per person in advance and $12 at the door. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. 

Register for Bug Fest

Lake Accotink Park is located at 7500 Accotink Park Road in Springfield. Parking for Bug Fest is located at 5660 Heming Ave. 

For more information, visit the Lake Accotink Park website or call 703-569-3464.

Dancing and drumming, Native American food and craft vendors, archery, dugout canoe demonstrations and hands-on cultural experiences will bring Riverbend Park to life during the Virginia Native American Festival on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This year’s festival welcomes members of the Pamunkey, Mattaponi, Upper Mattaponi and Chickahominy tribes for a day, celebrating Virginia Native culture, heritage and community.

Festival programming includes Upper Mattaponi dancing and drumming, traditional storytelling and a flute performance by Patrick “Littlewolf” Brooks of Five Feathers Productions, shinny demonstrations with the Powhatan Shinny League and a presentation by Mattaponi cultural keeper Samuel McGowan, featuring recreated tools and artifacts that highlight Mattaponi culture past and present.

Throughout the day, visitors can try archery, join guided walks exploring traditional uses of local plants, watch fire-building and dugout canoe demonstrations, meet live animals, and participate in hands-on activities.

Inside the Riverbend Park Visitor Center, exhibits will highlight Indigenous people and history. The traveling Loudoun’s First Farmers exhibit from the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum will feature pottery sherds, stone tools and projectile points used by generations of Indigenous people.

Advance registration is $12 per person and closes Friday, Sept. 11, at 9 p.m. Admission at the door is $15 per person.

Register for the Virginia Native American Festival

The festival takes place at Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Visit the Riverbend Park website or visit the Virginia Native American Festival webpage for the full festival schedule, program details and registration information.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is offering visitors two free ways to explore local history this fall as part of Fairfax250, the county’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The September Sundays Free Tour Series brings guided programs to seven historic sites on Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27, while the Fairfax250 Adventure Patch offers a self-guided experience that visitors can complete on their own schedule.

September Sunday tours will be offered at Colvin Run Mill, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Green Spring Gardens, Historic Huntley and Sully Historic Site. The series also includes tours of two buildings that are not typically open for regular public tours: the Spindle Sears House, a Sears, Roebuck & Company kit home built in 1935 in Historic Centreville; and the more-than-200-year-old Frying Pan Spring Meeting House at Frying Pan Farm Park.

Each stop reveals a different piece of Fairfax County history. Visitors can experience working mills, historic homes and gardens, archaeology and farm life, and hear stories of freedom seekers and others whose lives connect Fairfax County to the nation’s larger story.

The tours are free, but space is limited and advance registration is required.

The Fairfax250 Adventure Patch offers another way to explore the county’s history. Visitors can complete six activities at their own pace, following three themes: Learning, Sharing and Doing. Complete the challenge and earn a commemorative Fairfax250 patch.

Fairfax County Park Authority historic sites also offer tours and programs throughout the year, giving visitors even more opportunities to explore the county’s cultural heritage beyond the Fairfax250 celebration.

The September Sundays Free Tour Series and Fairfax250 Adventure Patch are sponsored by the Fairfax250 Commission.

Learn more, register for September Sundays and get started on the Fairfax250 Adventure Patch by visiting the Fairfax250 webpage.

Visitors with color vision deficiencies can now borrow EnChroma glasses for free at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, giving many users a new way to distinguish colors throughout the park’s forests, meadows and seasonal landscapes.

The Fairfax County Park Authority has made six pairs available at the park’s visitor center. Options are available for adults and youth, including fit-over styles for visitors who wear prescription glasses and glasses designed for red-green and blue-yellow color vision deficiencies.

The glasses are designed to increase color contrast for many people with color vision deficiencies. At Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, visitors may notice differences in features, such as wildflowers, fall foliage, butterflies and other elements of the natural landscape.

Visitors may borrow the glasses for the duration of their park visit. Some pairs may be reserved in advance, with others available on a first-come, first-served basis during visitor center hours.

Individual experiences vary depending on the type and degree of color vision deficiency.

The park also offers online comparison images showing how selected scenes may appear with and without EnChroma glasses.

For borrowing information, comparison images and frequently asked questions, visit the ECLP’s EnChroma Glasses webpage. To reserve a pair, call the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Visitor Center at 703-631-0013 or email FCPAECLawrence@fairfaxcounty.gov.

If you’re looking for a seasonal job that gets you out from behind a desk, builds real-world skills, and lets you work in a beautiful setting, this is it. Spend the rest of your season at Burke Lake Park, one of Fairfax County’s most beautiful outdoor destinations! Positions are available to start immediately and continue through the end of the season in October.

Drop-in interviews will be held at the Burke Lake Park Information Center Aug. 26-28, as well as Sept. 2-4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day. No appointments are necessary. Come by to explore job opportunities, complete an application and interview on the spot, all in one visit!

Seasonal opportunities include:

• Manager on Duty (MOD)
• Marina Attendant
• Maintenance Workers

Why work at Burke Lake Park?

• Work outdoors in a scenic environment.
• Build customer service, leadership and teamwork skills.
• Be part of a fun and supportive team.
• Gain experience and transferable skills that look great on a resume.

Can’t make it to the Drop-In interviews? No worries! View job ads and apply now for open positions at the Burke Lake Park employment webpage.

View all employment opportunities with FCPA by visiting the Jobs website.

Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 Ox Road in Fairfax Station. For more information, contact the Park Authority at FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-8792. Visit the Burke Lake Park website. 

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents to celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, by volunteering in a park, helping care for Fairfax County’s natural and cultural resources and joining a special event honoring the legacy of a longtime public servant, the late Gerry Connolly.

In partnership with Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11), the Park Authority has developed new trail signage along the Cross County Trail honoring Connolly’s legacy and contributions to Fairfax County. The community is invited to attend an unveiling of the new signage at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Lake Accotink Park McLaren-Sargent Pavilion.

Residents can also celebrate National Public Lands Day by participating in volunteer service opportunities throughout Fairfax County. Activities include invasive plant removal, litter pickup, pollinator garden maintenance and other projects that help preserve and improve the county’s parks for everyone to enjoy.

Volunteer opportunities include:

Full details and volunteer registration information are available on the National Public Lands Day webpage. Residents who are unable to participate on Sept. 26 can find additional opportunities to volunteer in Fairfax County parks throughout the year through the Volunteer Management System (VMS).

Since 1994, National Public Lands Day has brought together volunteers across the country to preserve, restore, improve and enjoy America’s public lands. The annual event provides an opportunity for people of all ages to give back to the places that provide opportunities for recreation, connection with nature, learning and community.

"Fairfax County’s parks are places where people come together to experience nature, explore our history and build connections with their communities," said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “National Public Lands Day is a wonderful reminder that caring for these shared spaces is a community effort. Whether you spend a few hours removing invasive plants, picking up litter or simply joining us to celebrate the legacy of Gerry Connolly, every contribution helps strengthen the parks we all enjoy.”

For questions about National Public Lands Day, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin renovating playgrounds at seven parks throughout the county this fall, including updated, accessible play spaces and exciting new amenities. The projects are part of the Park Authority’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve its park facilities and provide safe, engaging spaces for children and families to enjoy.

Construction is expected to begin as early as September 2026, with projects continuing into 2027. Playgrounds will be closed for the duration of each renovation project. Visitors are asked to follow all posted signage and stay out of construction areas while work is underway.

Playground Renovation Projects

*Projects funded in whole or in part by voter-approved bond dollars.

Construction schedules are subject to change based on weather, site conditions and other factors. The Park Authority will provide updates as projects progress.

While a playground is closed for renovation, families can find other nearby places to play using the Park Authority’s Park Amenity Locator. Search for playgrounds and other amenities throughout the county to find an alternative destination during construction.

Visitors can also monitor Park Alerts for updates about construction, temporary closures and other impacts at parks throughout the county.

Please follow all posted signage and stay clear of active construction areas to help ensure the safety of park visitors and construction crews.

The Park Authority looks forward to welcoming the community back to these refreshed playgrounds as each project is completed. New playgrounds mean new places to climb, swing, slide, explore and make memories—and there’s plenty to look forward to across Fairfax County!

For additional information or questions, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.