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!

Celebrate with friends and neighbors at the free Mount Vernon Rec Center grand reopening event on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fairfax County Park Authority invites everyone to this family-friendly event to enjoy this fresh, new facility and try its new amenities. The Rec Center is located at 2017 Belle View Blvd. in Alexandria.

The exciting lineup of activities includes:

• Skating Expo, clinic and open skate — See skating demonstrations and try skating for yourself
• Kids activities — Fishing for duckies, temporary tattoos, gymnastics room, esports and board games
• Meet and greet with the Washington Nationals George Washington mascot
• Performance by the West Potomac High School Cheer Team
• Music by DJ Infinite Sounds
• Drop-in fitness class demonstrations
• Food trucks and popcorn
• Sensory-friendly station
• Rec Center tours
• Sensory-friendly table
• Indoor climbing wall and aquatic climbing wall access
• Information tables including community partners and Park Authority staff

The Park Authority welcomes attendees to bring food donations for a holiday food drive hosted by Mount Vernon District and Fairfax County Public Schools that benefits local students and their families.

Prepare for the event by visiting the Mount Vernon Rec Center website to explore all the wonderful features the rec center has to offer. Plan ahead by exploring the timeline for the activities by visiting the reopening webpage.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. Learn more by visiting the Park Authority website.

Fairfax County Public School high school teams head back to Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers in November. Swim and dive teams will be using Rec Center pools through February.

This marks a historic partnership between Fairfax County Public Schools and Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers. In fact, high school swim was central to the development of county Rec Centers. As swimming became an increasingly popular sport, Fairfax County Public Schools began to look for pool facilities. The county proposed building rec centers with pools on Park Authority land as a more accessible and efficient option — opening Audrey Moore Rec Center in 1977. Learn more about this historic partnership in this Parktakes article.

Each year between November and February, Rec Centers welcome high school teams back to the pool. The Park Authority welcomes these teams back and applauds their success. Physical activity and teamwork have long been recognized as vital parts of the high school experience, and swimming can involve more students with less risk of serious injury than any other sport.

As students take to the pools, this results in changes to the availability of the pools for the public through February. Be sure to check the online pool calendar for your favorite Rec Center for the most up-to-date pool availability.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. Learn more by visiting the Park Authority website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) and its community partners are working to help ensure community members have access to fresh, healthy food throughout November, as the federal government shutdown continues to affect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency and launched the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program to support households that rely on SNAP. VENA provides weekly emergency food distributions to eligible households whose SNAP benefits were approved by Oct. 29, 2025, for the duration of the shutdown.

Additionally, Virginia Fresh Match (VFM) is offering enhanced produce benefits at participating Fairfax County farmers markets and select grocery stores during November. At farmers markets, SNAP shoppers will receive an extra $20 in free tokens to use on fruits and vegetables — no minimum purchase required. Shoppers with a $0 SNAP balance may also participate in the VFM program.

Participating Fairfax County Farmers Markets:

• McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market – Wednesdays from 8 a.m.–noon through Nov. 26
• Reston Farmers Market – Saturdays from 8 a.m.–noon (Nov. 1 and Nov. 8 only through Cornerstones)
• Lorton Farmers Market – Sundays from 8 a.m.–noon through Nov. 23

Note: The Annandale and Wakefield farmers markets are closed for the season.

Residents can find more information about the VENA food distribution schedule and Virginia Fresh Match participating locations by visiting market information tents. You can also visit the Virginia Fresh Match website for participating locations, or the Virginia Department of Social Services website for the VENA food distribution schedule.

These programs aim to help families stretch their food dollars, support local farmers, and ensure access to fresh, nutritious produce during the federal funding lapse.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. Learn more by visiting the Park Authority website.

Golf Fairfax is pleased to share details about the upcoming Dogue Creek Stream Restoration Project at Greendale Golf Course, an initiative led by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) in collaboration with Fairfax County Park Authority.

The project is scheduled to begin on Nov. 3 and continue through March 2027. The restoration will include stream and pond dredging, streambank stabilization and stormwater infrastructure upgrades. These improvements are designed to enhance water quality, control erosion and sediment, reduce flooding risk, and improve the long-term sustainability of the golf course.

"This project represents a shared commitment to protecting natural resources and maintaining high-quality park facilities," said Carmen Giannini, Golf Fairfax Director of Agronomy. "These improvements will benefit both the environment and the playing experience for our golfers."

Temporary Course Impact

To complete the restoration work, several areas of the course will be temporarily affected:

• Hole 5 will be closed from November 2025 to March 2026.
• Hole 6 will be closed from November 2025 to March 2027.
• Hole 7 will temporarily play as a Par 3 between November 2025 and March 2026.

While two holes are closed, Greendale Golf Course will offer a 20% discount on regular-priced greens fees. Golfers may experience temporary cart path detours, tee box adjustments and construction-related noise near Holes 16 and 17. For safety, players are asked not to retrieve golf balls from construction zones.

Once completed, the project will enhance both the playability and appearance of the course, creating a more resilient and sustainable facility that reflects Fairfax County’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Project updates and additional information will be posted online as they become available at the Dogue Creek Stream Restoration website. 

Greendale Golf Course is located at 6700 Telegraph Road, Alexandria. Visit the Greendale Golf Course website for more information.

The Fairfax County Park Authority presented the proposed 2026 Park Authority Fee Schedule for consideration at the Oct. 22 meeting of the Park Authority Board, kicking off an essential community engagement process. The Park Authority Board considers fee adjustments on an annual basis, with the goal of balancing user impact with the financial stability of park programs and services. Pending adoption, the 2026 Fee Schedule will be effective starting Jan. 1, 2026.

Park fees support the operation and maintenance of Fairfax County’s park system, including rec centers, golf courses, nature centers, camps, classes, water parks, amusements, park programs and amenities. These facilities and amenities provide enjoyment and memorable experiences for millions of park visitors each year.

Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the Park Authority Board is actively seeking public feedback on the 2026 Fee Schedule to ensure that they reflect the priorities of Fairfax County residents. The Park Authority invites community members to share their thoughts and comments through one of the following channels by 5 p.m. on Nov. 26:

Online Submission: Feedback can be submitted via PublicInput

Via U.S. Mail. Written comments may be sent to:

Park Authority Public Information Office

Attn: 2024 Fee Schedule Comments

12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 925

Fairfax, VA 22035

Residents are encouraged to participate in this critical discussion to shape how Fairfax County parks and recreational facilities will operate for years to come. For more details about the proposed fee schedule, please visit our PublicInput webpage or contact the Park Authority at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax Couty Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. Learn more by visiting the FCPA website.

Take the plunge into aquatic fitness with Fairfax County Park Authority’s Aqua Flex pass and annual event this fall.

As the weather cools, the Park Authority is amping up the opportunities to stay active in our Rec Centers with our Aqua Flex pass and event. Throughout November, purchase a 20-visit pass for a 10% discount and a 30-visit pass for a 15% discount. Use the pass for drop-in entry to any aquatics fitness class happening at Rec Centers throughout Fairfax County. Explore the full schedule drop-in water exercise classes by visiting the Rec Center Schedule webpage.

Get the Aqua FLEX pass

Getting active with fitness classes in the pool offers numerous benefits — improving cardiovascular health, balance, coordination, flexibility, endurance and strength, all while reducing strain on joints, helping reduce stress and contributing to weight loss. Joining an aqua fitness class also can be incredibly fun, providing an opportunity to socialize and connect with others. These connections will help you stick to a fitness routine, poolside.

For anyone still wondering whether the Park Authority’s water fitness classes are for them, sign up for the free Aqua Flex ’25 event, Saturday, Nov. 1. Try out a sampling of different styles and intensities of water fitness classes. This event occurs from 2 to 4 p.m., simultaneously at three different Rec Centers:

• Audrey Moore Rec Center, 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale
• Oakmont Rec Center, 3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton
• Franconia Rec Center, 6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria

Register for Aqua FLEX '25

Explore the Park Authority’s many aquatics classes for all ages. Learn more about all these and more opportunities to learn to swim and get active in the pool by visiting the Aquatics and Swimming webpage.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax Couty Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. Learn more by visiting the FCPA website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority recently built five new pickleball courts that are now open at Greenbriar Park. The park offers convenient access for nearby neighborhoods, ample parking, restroom facilities and ADA accessibility. It also has perimeter fencing, gates to allow for controlled access and shaded seating areas. 

Players may notice temporary pickleball striping on the Greenbriar courts. With the variability of sum-mer and fall weather this year, the Park Authority will paint permanent lines on the court this spring when the weather warms up. Painting the court in warmer weather will help ensure a high-quality final product that is designed to handle frequent activity at these courts.

Community members can explore tennis and pickleball facilities throughout Fairfax County using the Park Amenity Locator. Countywide, there are currently 100 pickleball courts, including dedicated and dual-use courts shared with other sports, such as tennis. 

Greenbriar Park is located at 4600 Stringfellow Road in Fairfax. For more information, please contact the Park Authority Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.
 

WHAT: Fairfax County Park Authority will host a grand reopening event at Mount Vernon Rec Center. The free celebration will feature family-friendly activities, demonstrations in each area of the Rec Center, giveaways and games. All community members are welcome to experience the amenities this dynamic hub has to offer.

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: Mount Vernon Rec Center, 2017 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria, Virginia

EXPLORE AND SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY: Bring your friends and family or rally the whole neighborhood to celebrate on Nov. 15. The Mount Vernon District and Fairfax County Public Schools will be accepting food donations for a holiday food drive that benefits local students and their families. Meet local leaders — Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck and Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole, as well as Mount Vernon Rec Center leadership and staff.

View the Mount Vernon Rec Center Grand Opening flyer

About Mount Vernon Rec Center

Mount Vernon Rec Center is a 139,000-square-foot dynamic facility that boasts amenities for people of all ages to enjoy. The center features a world-class pool with play features and aquatic climbing wall, an expanded, two-story fitness, ice area with two National Hockey League size ice rinks, and an indoor climbing wall. The Rec Center provides many opportunities to gather, get active and form connections that benefit health and wellness. Discover and explore its amenities by visiting the Mount Vernon Rec Center website.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax Couty Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. Learn more by visiting the Fairfax County Park Authority website.