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 a step inside one of Fairfax County’s oldest homes during the annual Oak Hill Open House on Friday, Sept. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. Visitors can explore historic Oak Hill Manor and gardens and discover the people, stories and craftsmanship that shaped this remarkable piece of Fairfax County history.

New this year, timed-entry tickets will be required for all visitors wishing to tour the interior of the historic home. To provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for guests, 50 tickets will be available for each half-hour entry period, beginning at 4 p.m., with the final entry at 6:30 p.m.

Tours of the historic boxwood gardens, an outdoor docent-led talk highlighting the history of Oak Hill and the stories typically shared during the house tour, and other on-site activities are free and open to the public. No ticket is required to enjoy these outdoor experiences.

Learn more about the event and reserve tour tickets by visiting the Oak Hill website.

Located at 4716 Wakefield Chapel Road in Annandale, Oak Hill is a private residence and is only open to the public during this annual event. Visitors are encouraged to carpool and use parking on the residential streets adjacent to Oak Hill.

Built in 1790 by Richard Fitzhugh, a descendant of one of Northern Virginia’s earliest land-grant holders, Oak Hill was constructed in the late Georgian style. The home was renovated in the Colonial Revival style during the 1940s by renowned restoration architect Walter M. Macomber.

In 2004, Seville Homes, the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors established a historic and conservation easement to preserve the property, including its approximately 200-year-old boxwoods.

The Oak Hill Open House is made possible through a partnership with the Braddock District Supervisor’s Office, Fairfax County Park Foundation and Northern Virginia Conservation Trust.

For more information about Oak Hill and this year’s open house, visit the Oak Hill website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to learn more about the options for park development at the Olander Banks Sr. and Margaret Lomax Banks Community Park during a public meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Franconia Governmental Center (7130 Silver Lake Blvd., Alexandria) in room G-117, the Laurel Grove Community Room.

Located at 7400 Old Telegraph Road in Alexandria, Banks Community Park is a 10-acre green space in the Franconia District, adjacent to the Kingstowne community.

The proposed plans were informed by community feedback received during a public comment period held last spring. During the September public meeting, Park Authority staff will share the proposed plans and provide an opportunity for the community to learn more about the project.

Following the public meeting, the Park Authority will receive public comments on the park plans via PublicInput. Comments will be accepted through Oct. 16 at 5 p.m.

For more information about the project, visit the Banks Community Park PublicInput page. Questions may be directed to the Park Authority Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Celebrate inclusion at the Clemyjontri Park Open House event on Sunday, Aug. 30. Fairfax County Park Authority’s access and inclusion staff invites one and all out to explore the wonders of this inclusive play space located at 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean.

Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., this free event will feature tables showcasing community resources and opportunities for hands-on nature experiences at the Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center. Upon entry, all visitors will receive a ticket to ride the trackless train and the carousel, and to enjoy popcorn and cotton candy and an arts and crafts activity. Registration is not required. Parking is limited, but shuttle service will be available from Cooper Middle School, located at 977 Balls Hill Road, McLean.

Clemyjontri Park — a 2-acre all abilities playground — features ramps for access to elevated play components, play equipment with wide openings for easier access, swings with high backs and arm rests, rubber surfacing for wheelchair accessibility, lowered monkey bars for easy access, equipment to provide all children with a sensory-rich experience and a communications board that helps individuals express their wants, needs and feelings through visual supports.

Explore the programs, services and events that are helping make parks and recreation available to everyone at the Recreation Services for Customers with Disabilities website. The Park Authority offers many classes for those with disabilities throughout the year. Search the adapted classes lineup for fall to find everything from ice skating to dance to swimming to sports and more. Return to Clemyjontri Park this fall for the Sensory-Friendly Family Trick-or-Treat on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Embrace the Halloween spirit at this festive event and get tickets online for all of your trick-or-treaters.

For more information, please visit the Access and Inclusion website or contact our staff at fcpaaccess@fairfaxcounty.gov.

View the Clemyjontri Park Open House flyer

Beginning Monday, Aug. 24, the Fairfax County Park Authority will begin a major renovation of the tennis courts at Jefferson District Park. The project is expected to take approximately 10 weeks, weather permitting.

The project includes the complete replacement of tennis courts #1-8 with new post-tension concrete courts, marking the first project of this scale in Fairfax County. Work will be completed by Field Turf USA.

During construction, the entire tennis complex, as well as the playground, will be closed. The basketball courts will remain open and available for play. In addition, contractors will utilize the majority of the lower parking lot near the golf maintenance shop for staging and construction activities. Visitors may experience increased construction traffic and noise and should use caution when visiting the park.

Park visitors looking for alternative places to play tennis or playgrounds to enjoy during the closure are encouraged to use the Park Amenity Locator to find nearby Park Authority facilities.

For questions about this project, please contact project manager Marcos Suarez at marcos.suarez@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Fall is right around the corner — whether the goal is to refresh your fitness routine, pick up a new lifetime hobby, keep the kids enthused or channel your “empty nester” era, you’ll find it all in the Parktakes magazine.

Return to the classics, such as yoga or swimming, or mix things up with a new trend, such as Aqua Combat, K-Pop Dance or Sound Baths. Next, gear up for all things pumpkin and cozy fall vibes with festive events and autumn celebrations.

Browse and circle your favorites and reserve your spot for an unforgettable season:

• Adapted Recreation
• Aquatics
• Children’s Corner
• Dance
• Equestrian
• Events
• Exercise and Physical Fitness
• Farm
• Fine Arts and Crafts
• Gardening
• Golf
• History
• Ice Skating
• Martial Arts and Self-Defense
• Nature
• Outdoor Recreation
• Performing Arts
• Pets
• Science and Technology
• Scouts
• Sports and Leagues
• Trips and Tours
• Weight Training
• Xtras

Register by Friday, Aug. 21 to save $8 on most classes. Learn more by visiting  the Parktakes website.

When school begins, young children will be heading into the classroom at Fairfax County Park Authority’s three Kids Play Preschool locations. With options for ages 2.5 up to 5 years, Kids Play Preschools engage children in age-appropriate activities that focus on art, science, outdoor play, music and circle time. The Park Authority’s trained preschool staff welcome students into nurturing, high energy spaces designed to promote independence and foster positive self-image. Curriculum extends beyond the classroom into parks spaces that encourage learning through play and movement.

Kids Play Preschool locations include:

• Franconia Rec Center, 6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, FCPAFSMPreschool@fairfaxcounty.gov
• Stone Mansion, 3900 Stoneybrooke Drive, Alexandria, FCPAFSMPreschool@fairfaxcounty.gov
• Spring Hill Rec Center, 1239 Spring Hill Road, McLean, FCPAFSHPreschool@fairfaxcounty.gov

"Our staff are working hard to prepare a positive and engaging experience for our young learners as we get ready for the upcoming school year," said Christine Hodgson, youth services section coordinator for Fairfax County Park Authority. "We’re excited to welcome back returning students and families, as well as greet new friends joining our programs for the first time."

Begin the enrollment process by submitting the Prospective Student Information form that can be found on the Preschools webpage or by contacting your desired location directly. The Park Authority offers options for two-, three- or five-day programs based on age of the child and location. The Park Authority also has introduced extended care and lunch options for certain preschool programs — those interested should inquire when reaching out to learn more. Space is limited, so get your spot today!

Throughout August, Golf Fairfax is celebrating National Golf Month with special offers, family-friendly promotions and new ways to play. Practice at our award-winning driving ranges, save on range balls, take a lesson with one of our PGA or certified instructors, experience indoor golf with our TrackMan simulator or enjoy food and beverage specials while you're here.

Families and junior golfers will find even more reasons to play, including Family Golf Month specials, junior discounts, beginner-friendly programs and opportunities designed to help young golfers build confidence while having fun.

Women can also connect through a variety of Women on Course programs, including clinics, leagues and social events for every skill level. Golfers can stay connected to everything Golf Fairfax by downloading the free Golf Fairfax Mobile App.

At its heart, golf isn't just about great shots or low scores. It's about spending time with friends and family, challenging yourself and creating memories that last a lifetime.

The Fairfax County Park Authority owns and operates eight golf courses in seven locations throughout Fairfax County. Courses are open year-round, weather permitting, offering opportunities to play in every season. For more information, visit the National Golf Month webpage.

Is your best furry friend ready to make a splash this September? Come out to The Water Mine for a dogs-only swimming extravaganza on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Water Mine’s pools, sprays, showers and water playgrounds are the ultimate way for you and your dog to end the summer season. Whether your pooch prefers to frolic through the sprays or float in the water, Dog Daze is the perfect place to make more dog-loving friends, entertain the whole family and have a doggone good time.

For the safety of all dogs and their humans, please observe the following rules:

• All dogs must be legally licensed and vaccinated, shall wear a visible dog license and have vaccination documents available upon request.
• All dog handlers must be 18 years or older and supervise dogs at all times.
• No female dogs in heat or puppies younger than 4 months old.
• Aggressive or unruly dogs are not permitted.
• Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.
• Dogs swim at owners’ risk.
• Humans are not permitted in the pool.

Entry costs $15 per dog, and all proceeds go to benefit parks through the Fairfax County Park Foundation. Buy tickets in advance to secure your dog’s spot — purchase tickets at the door if capacity allows. The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, Virginia. For more information, visit The Water Mine website.

Dog Daze is presented by Fairfax County Park Authority in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Foundation. Learn more about FCPA’s dog-focused activities and events on the Dogs of Fairfax County 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.