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!

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin facility renovations at Franconia Rec Center, located at 6601 Telegraph Road in Alexandria, aimed at enhancing air quality and comfort for patrons. The renovations, scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, will focus on upgrading key heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems serving the fitness center, racquetball courts and pool.

To safely complete the work, the facility will undergo temporary closures:

• Fitness Center and Racquetball Courts: Closed from Aug. 18 to Sept. 16
• Pool, Family Change Room and upper level: Closed from Aug. 18 to Sept. 5
• Full Building and Parking Lot Closures:
  • Wednesday, Aug. 20 (backup day Thursday, Aug. 21)
  • Wednesday, Sept. 3 (backup day Thursday, Sept. 4)

The fitness equipment will be moved into the gymnasium to allow patrons to continue their workouts during the upgrades. The main entrance and patron check-in will move to the gymnasium door by the parking lot.

The upcoming improvements at Franconia Rec Center will enhance both the fitness and aquatics areas. In the fitness center and racquetball courts, the air handling system will be replaced and upgraded to provide better temperature control and improved energy efficiency. In the aquatics area, a second pool HVAC unit will be installed to improve overall air quality, along with a new low deck exhaust system to more effectively ventilate humid air and enhance the swimmer experience. Additionally, ceiling-mounted destratification fans will be added to promote better air circulation throughout the natatorium.

"These upgrades are designed to significantly improve the overall experience for our members by ensuring better air quality and comfort, especially during peak seasons,” said Sara Baldwin, Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Fairfax County Park Authority. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we complete these much-needed improvements."

This project follows earlier upgrades completed during the spring break 2025 window, including replacement of a rooftop pool air handling unit over the childcare area to support summer operations.

Our Special Harbor, Chessie’s Big Back Yard, the Amphitheater, volleyball, tennis and pickleball courts will not be impacted by the construction activity, even when the Rec Center is closed.

Rec Center members are invited to use any of Fairfax County Park Authority’s other Rec Centers including the nearby Mount Vernon Rec Center (2017 Belle View Blvd. in Alexandria). Franconia Rec Center members who want to pause their memberships can make this request by visiting the front desk before closure begins or by submitting a request to pause membership online.

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

Get ready for your dog’s favorite day of the year. Gather up your canine companions and head out to The Water Mine for a dogs-only swimming day on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For one day only, The Water Mine’s pools, sprays, showers and water playgrounds are open just to dogs to end the season on an un-fur-gettable high. Watch your furry friends dive for joy while you peruse the canine resource fair with pet-related vendors. Come out 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 current on vaccinations.
• All dog handlers must be 18 years or older and supervise dogs at all times.
• No female dogs in heat or puppies younger than 3 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.

Register for Dog Daze

Learn more about FCPA’s dog-focused activities and events on the Dogs of Fairfax County website.

Dog Daze is presented by Fairfax County Park Authority in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

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.

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.

Calling all wanderers, explorers and trailblazers — your next adventure lies along the Discovery Trail! The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to announce that three exciting new sites have been added to the odyssey!

Discover hidden wildlife hotspots at Huntley Meadows, step into a bygone era at Grist Mill Park’s historic barn and check out Mount Vernon Rec Center’s brand-new recreation facilities.

The Discovery Trail Map invites families, friends and individuals of all ages on a free, self-guided adventure through featured parks. Explore the outdoors, learn something new and enter for the chance to win awesome prizes!

How To Participate

Pick up a free Discovery Trail Map at Park Authority Rec Centers, Nature Centers or Golf Courses or download it from the Discovery Trail Map website.

• Visit eight featured parks, answer a fun trivia question at each site and fill in the answer on the map.
• Complete the trail and turn in your map to one of five prize redemption locations by Sept. 1, 2025 to earn an amusement prize pack and be entered to win one of 25 grand prizes. Grand prizes include a backpack with binoculars, foldable frisbee, collapsible pet bowl, boat hat and first aid kit.

View the Discovery Trail Map

“The Discovery Trail map began in 2014 and has been a popular summer activity with families ever since. Each year the Discovery Trail Map has taken place, a committee of Park Authority staff has chosen a theme. As the Fairfax County Park Authority celebrates its 75th anniversary, participants will be able to explore the parks and learn of the history dating back thousands of years. Today, the Park Authority is incorporating innovative solutions at sites to preserve parks for generations to come.” – Jai Cole, Executive Director of the Fairfax County Park Authority

Blaze the trail and discover the stories that shaped Fairfax County’s past, present and future.

The 2025 Fairfax County Park Authority Discovery Trail Program is sponsored by 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 Fairfax County Park Foundation website for more information or call 703-324-8582.

An application for curatorship has been received for the Lahey Lost Valley historic house. The Fairfax County Park Authority will continue to accept resident curator applications for the rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of the house until Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, by 5 p.m.

The Resident Curator Program offers long-term lease agreements to qualified tenants in beautiful public park settings. The curator leases are without charge in exchange for financial commitment and approved rehabilitation of the Park Authority’s underutilized historic properties.

The Lahey Lost Valley House, located at 9750 Brookmeadow Drive in Vienna, is a mid-18th century brick hall-parlor house with a 1940s brick addition. The house is located on land granted to William Gunnell in 1730. His son Henry Gunnell, together with Henry’s wife Catherine, built a working plantation on the site by 1760. The Gunnell family were leaders in Fairfax County throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The family continued to own the property through the 1930s.

In 1940, the house and 45 acres were sold to Richard and Carlotta Lahey. The Laheys moved a wood framed kitchen addition off the brick house and used it as a freestanding artist’s studio. In its place, the Laheys constructed a two-story brick addition. Between 1990 and 1991, Carlotta Lahey arranged with FCPA a bequest to be included in her will to donate the house, furnishings and 22 acres of land. FCPA took possession of the property after Mrs. Lahey passed away in 1999.

To identify potential lessees in the Resident Curator Program, FCPA is seeking proposals for the rehabilitation of the house in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Curators will be determined through an open and competitive process, based on several criteria, including a formal proposal, demonstrated experience and competency in historic preservation techniques, financial capabilities and the incorporation of public benefits.

Complete application forms and additional information about the properties are available by visiting Lahey Lost Valley webpage.

For more information, contact Stephanie Langton, Resident Curator Program manager at 703-324-8791 or by email at stephanie.langton@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is joining markets across the country to celebrate National Farmers Market Week from Aug. 3-9, 2025. Join us for live music, kids' activities and free giveaways at all Park Authority Farmers Markets!

National Farmers Market Week highlights the vital role farmers markets play in supporting local food systems. For more than 30 years, the Park Authority’s farmers markets have shaped how Northern Virginia eats, shops and connects with food. Each year, the markets support more than 130 farmers and food producers, while serving both the community and the environment.

The markets offer more than fresh produce and homemade food. They also provide a free food scrap collection service to reduce landfill waste. Since 2023, the program has diverted more than 280,000 pounds of food waste from landfills, turning it into compost instead. This year, the markets went plastic bag-free. Customers can now pick up free reusable bags and washable produce bags at the market information tent.

To make fresh food accessible to everyone, five Park Authority farmers markets accept SNAP benefits. For these shoppers, benefits are doubled—up to $40—allowing them to purchase twice as much fresh produce. This program brought in $98,000 in sales last year, benefiting families and supporting local farmers. The markets also host "Nourish Your Neighbor," a fresh food drive held on the last market day of the month. Shoppers can buy extra produce and donate it on site to local food pantries that help neighbors in need.

From picking up veggies or dinner to reducing waste through composting or donating food, every visit to the farmers market makes a difference. Celebrate National Farmers Market Week with us from Aug. 3-9 and see how local food strengthens communities and protects the planet!

For more information and market locations, visit the Farmers Market website.

Looking for a fun and fulfilling part-time job this fall? Spend your season at Burke Lake Park, one of Fairfax County’s most beautiful outdoor destinations! Drop-in interviews at the Burke Lake Park Info Center will be held Aug. 7, 8, 14 and 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (no appointment needed!) Come by to explore job opportunities, complete an application and interview on the spot all in one visit!

Available positions include:

• Campground Attendant
• Information Center Attendant
• Lakefront Maintenance
• Marina Attendant
• Miniature Golf Attendant
• Manager on Duty (MOD)
• Train Station Attendant

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

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

Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 Ox Road in Fairfax Station. For more information, visit the Burke Lake Park website or call 703-323-6600.

For more information about employment, contact the Park Authority at FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-8792.

Step right up! Experience good old-fashioned family fun at the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair, coming to Frying Pan Farm Park from Thursday, July 31, to Sunday, Aug. 3. This year’s event is bigger than ever, featuring rides and games, fair food, tractor demonstrations, 4-H exhibits, farm animals, Big Truck Night and live entertainment.

Event Hours

Thursday, July 31

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 5–8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 1

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.
• Big Truck Night: 5–7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 2

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 5–10 p.m.
• 4-H Fair Opening Ceremony: 10 a.m.
• 4-H Fair (Exhibits, activities, and farm demos): 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 3

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 5–7 p.m.
• 4-H Fair (Exhibits, activities and farm demos): 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• 4-H Fair Closing Ceremony: 4 p.m.

Please note: The carnival will pause daily from 4–5 p.m.

A $10 parking fee applies on Friday (after 4 p.m.) and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Cash and credit are accepted.

Carnival rides require tickets which can be purchased online or on site. Unlimited ride wristbands for Thursday and Friday are available for purchase: $21.25 per person (prepay online) or $25 per person at the gate between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wristbands are good for one day. Please note that an additional convenience fee will be applied to credit/debit transactions.

For ticketing details, visit the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair website.

The 4-H Fair takes place Saturday and Sunday. Currently in its 75th year, the event showcases Fairfax County youth achievements in agriculture, STEM, healthy living and civic engagement through hands-on exhibits, competitions and interactive activities.

"We’re excited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Fairfax County’s 4-H Fair, honoring decades of positive youth development and accomplishments," said India Pearson, 4-H Extension Agent for Fairfax County. “This milestone is a tribute to the talent, dedication and future leadership of our youth here in Fairfax County.”

Visit the 4-H Fair Digital Guide for the full schedule of events

To learn more about the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program, check out Fairfax County’s 4-H website.

“At its heart, the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair is about bringing people together,” said Jai Cole, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. “Through our strong partnerships and community support, this event offers a vibrant space where families can enjoy classic fair fun, explore local resources, and build lasting memories. We’re grateful to all the sponsors and organizations who help make this annual tradition possible.”

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

The Fairfax County Carnival and Fair is provided through a partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, the Fairfax County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park.