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!

In recognition of Historic Preservation Month, the Fairfax County Park Authority is hosting several events at historic properties across the county. On Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., resident curators at the following properties are opening their homes to the community to tour the property and learn about the ways they are working to preserve Fairfax County’s heritage:

• The Stempson House located at 9501 Furnace Road, Lorton
• The Hannah P. Clark/Enyedi House located at 10605 Furnace Road, Lorton

Limited on-site parking will be available at each site.

In addition to the open houses on May 18, ServiceSource, the nonprofit curator for the Ellmore Farmhouse, will offer recurring house tours every Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning May 13. These tours will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the work that ServiceSource does within the community and to see the adaptive reuse of Ellmore Farmhouse located at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon.

The Resident Curator Program provides a unique opportunity for individuals, nonprofit and for-profit organizations to secure long-term lease agreements to live rent-free in historic properties located in beautiful public park settings. In return, curators agree to invest in the rehabilitation of these properties to ensure that the history of Fairfax County is preserved for future generations to experience.

For additional information about the Resident Curator Program and FCPA’s historic properties, visit the Resident Curator Program website. You may also contact Resident Curator Program manager, Stephanie Langton at 703-324-8791 or stephanie.langton@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is gearing up for a classic celebration of automotive nostalgia at the 49th Annual Sully Antique Car Show. Applications for exhibitors and vendors are now being accepted. Car enthusiasts and market vendors are invited to join in on the fun on Sunday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly.

Get ready to experience one of the largest car shows in Fairfax County, featuring hundreds of antique cars, live music and food. All show vehicles must be registered by June 12. Registration fee is $10. Car check-in is from 7-9:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Please note, there is no day-of show registration.

Antique, craft and flea market vendors are also welcome to participate. To secure your spot as a competitor or market vendor, complete the registration form at the Annual Car show event webpage.

If you’re just looking to enjoy the show, register for your advance tickets today! In addition to the automotive extravaganza, attendees can explore the first level of the historic house and visit the children’s activity tent. Advance tickets for the event are on sale for $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for children age 5 to 15 years old.

Register for the antique car show

View the event flyer

Don't miss your chance to be part of this beloved community tradition! For more information and to get involved, visit the Annual Car Show event webpage.

Sully Historic Site is located at 3650 Historic Sully Way in Chantilly. For more information, visit the Sully Historic Site website or call 703-437-1794.

The Fairfax County Park Authority and the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends are pleased to invite families and their four-legged companions to Park ‘n' Bark 2024 on Saturday, May 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. This “paw-some” event will include an afternoon of food music and fun for everyone at the Walney Visitor Center and Amphitheater located at 5040 Walney Road in Chantilly.

Park ‘n’ Bark promises entertainment for every member of the family, both human and canine alike. With savory food offerings, dog-themed vendors offering unique goodies and live music. Also, don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet and greet adoptable dogs ready to find their forever homes. Whether you're looking to add a new member to your family or simply want to enjoy the company of some adorable pups, Park ‘n’ Bark has something for everyone.

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

The Walney Visitor Center and Amphitheater is located at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park at 5040 Walney Road in Chantilly. For more information, visit the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park website or call 703-631-0013.

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites all gardening enthusiasts to mark their calendars for the Annual Spring Garden Day and Big Plant Sale at Green Spring Gardens on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This must-attend, free event promises a day of plants galore and endless inspiration for seasoned gardeners and budding green thumbs alike.

Join us for a vibrant showcase of diverse plant varieties offered by numerous vendors, ranging from beloved classics to rare and exotic specimens. Whether you're eager to embrace native flora or add a pop of color with fruiting plants, the Spring Garden Day has something for every garden vision.

In addition to the plant extravaganza, attendees can gain valuable insights and tips from knowledgeable Master Gardeners. And while you explore the lush displays, don't miss the opportunity to indulge in delectable treats from local food vendors or satisfy your sweet tooth at the Friends of Green Spring Park Bake Sale.

View the flyer

Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road in Alexandria. For more information, visit the Green Spring Gardens website or call 703-642-5173.

Celebrate Fairfax County’s rich cultural diversity at the 2024 Asian American and Pacific Islander Festival! The Fairfax County Park Authority is joining with the Asian Community Center for an afternoon of incredible performances, demonstrations, activities and mouthwatering delicacies on Saturday, May 11, from noon to 4 p.m. at Mason District Park, located at 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale. This is a free, family-friendly event.

Enjoy an unforgettable day filled with cultural delights and community spirit during Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. Attendees will have the opportunity to savor every aspect of Asian heritage. Prepare to be mesmerized by traditional lion and dragon dances, participate in art contests and marvel at the colorful Cultural Parade weaving through the park. Engage your creativity with crafts and games. Or explore the wealth of community exhibitors and resources available.

Whether you come to enjoy the festivities, indulge in cultural cuisine, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere, the Asian American and Pacific Islander Festival welcomes individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds to come together in celebration.

View the flyer

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin work to revert the existing racquet courts at Kendale Woods Park to tennis-only courts. The move comes in response to concerns raised by the surrounding community pertaining to noise and as the site does not meet the court guidelines established with national best practices established with the Fairfax County Pickleball Study Report issued in December 2021.

The popularity of pickleball has grown significantly in recent years. The Park Authority has taken an aggressive approach in recent years to adding both courts dedicated solely for pickleball and dual-lined courts for tennis and pickleball in an effort to create more opportunities for athletes to play. The Park Authority currently maintains 84 pickleball facilities countywide, 16 of which have dedicated pickleball courts.

The dual-lined courts at Kendale Woods Park were installed prior to the completion of the Pickleball Study, which outlined several criteria for the placement of courts within residential areas – including proximity guidelines to mitigate noise intrusion for surrounding residences and parking availability. FCPA has determined that Kendale Woods Park does not meet the preferred criteria in either of these areas.

Beginning in early June, the Park Authority will begin the process of repainting and striping the court for tennis only. Work is expected to commence on Monday, June 3, with anticipated completion on Monday, June 17, weather permitting.

The Park Authority remains committed to providing diverse recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and interests. The process of identifying alternative locations to install new pickleball courts in place of those at Kendale Woods Park has begun. Until a new location can be identified, there are alternative locations for pickleball play located nearby at Annandale Park and Roundtree Park. Additional pickleball courts can be identified using the Park Amenity Locator tool.

For more information about pickleball in Fairfax County, visit the Pickleball website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority and the Washington Capitals will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Capitals Try Ball Hockey for Free clinic in honor of the completion of a Capitals outdoor ball/inline hockey rink at Lake Fairfax Park in Fairfax. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and rink dedication will begin at 10 a.m. and include remarks by representatives with the Washington Capitals, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Park Authority Board.

The Capitals will host a Try Ball Hockey for Free clinic following the ceremony at 11 a.m. The clinic will feature stations on stickhandling, passing, shooting and small games. The Try Ball Hockey for Free program provides free access to the sport for children and families across the region, who have never participated in the game before. Skates, gear and previous hockey experience are not required for this free event, but registration is required as spaces are limited. 

Register for Ball Hockey Clinic

When: Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. to noon.
Where: Capitals Outdoor Ball/Inline Hockey Rink at Lake Fairfax Park
1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA 20190
The skate rink is located adjacent to the campground, athletic fields and the skate park.

The inline skate rink at Lake Fairfax Park boasts an 85-foot-by-185-foot rink with player boxes, penalty boxes, hockey goals and bleachers. The rink, constructed with sport floor tiles on an asphalt pad, is ideal for roller hockey and skating, with easy maintenance and modular tile replacement.

With ample lighting, the inline skate rink is great for daytime or evening events. The rink will be open from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and is available for general use when not reserved. For more information about the rink, visit the Lake Fairfax Park Skate Park webpage and select the “Inline Skate Rink” tab.

Media interested in attending are asked to contact Megan Eichenberg in the Capitals communications department at meichenberg@washcaps.com and Benjamin Boxer in the Fairfax County Park Authority communications department at benjamin.boxer@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Capitals are committed to providing access to hockey across the region and to date have refurbished or built 14 rinks across Virginia, Maryland, D.C. and West Virginia.

To further encourage the growth of the game, the Capitals Youth Hockey Development staff holds clinics in conjunction with the refurbishment of each rink. A complete list of rinks can be found on the team’s Street Rinks website.

The Capitals also offer a robust lineup of on- and off-ice youth hockey programming, including a Future Caps Learn to Play program, Hockey Schools, Try Ball Hockey for Free and more. For additional information, visit the Capitals’ Youth Development website.

Are you looking for the perfect summer activities to keep your children busy? Don’t miss out on a world of adventure with the Fairfax County Park Authority’s wide range of summer camps. Whether they’re interested in sports, the arts, cooking, nature, animals, games, science, technology, engineering or business, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Park Authority summer camps.

FCPA offers award-winning camps that help youth develop their talents and discover new skills. Explore the numerous opportunities to secure your child’s spot that’s sure to provide them with memories they can look back on fondly for many years to come.

Previous camp participants shared rave reviews about FCPA’s summer camps:

• "My kids absolutely love this camp. They came home excited to share what they did."
• "The variety of the activities was wonderful. The counselors were very engaging, kind and communicative. We really enjoyed this camp."
• "I loved that my daughter got to meet the animals, engage with friends and be in a structured environment this summer."

Don’t wait to seize the opportunity to create your own memorable experience this summer and register today. Space is available and we have a variety of resources and knowledgeable staff to help you find the right camp for your child.

• Download the Camp Spreadsheet to sort camps by age, week, type of camp and location.
• Browse offerings by keyword and location — Camp Search tool to browse.
• Explore the 2024 Camp Guide.

Learn more by visiting the Camps website. For assistance, please email camps@fairfaxcounty.gov.