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!

Competition heats up this winter at Pinecrest Golf Course, where golfers can take on world-class courses from the comfort of the Trackman indoor studio. Back for its second year, the Indoor Trackman League invites players to compete on the Trackman4 golf simulator inside Pinecrest’s dedicated simulator suite. The league will run from Jan. 5 to March 29, 2026. Online registration is due Wednesday, Dec. 31.

The league will feature four nine-hole rounds on these internationally acclaimed courses: Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland; Le Golf National in France; Real Club Valderrama in Spain; and Royal County Down in the U.K. Golfers will have three weeks to complete each round and may attempt each course up to four times. Only the best score from each course will count toward league standings. Awards will be presented to overall winners and closest-to-the-pin. There will be designated tees for men, women and juniors.

"Pinecrest’s Indoor Trackman League keeps golfers in the game when winter limits outdoor play," said Michael Mauk, program director at Pinecrest Golf Course. "Players can challenge themselves, improve their performance and experience some of the world’s most iconic courses without leaving Northern Virginia."

Registration is $40, with discounted Trackman fees of $25 for the first hour and $20 for additional hours applied to league rounds. To participate, golfers must create a Trackman account and handicap.

Pinecrest Golf Course is located at 6600 Little River Turnpike in Alexandria. For more information or to register, visit the Trackman League’s webpage.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of Nigel A. Fields to the position of deputy director for Planning and Development. Fields is a leader in conservation, park development and programming, and land use planning and management. He began his new role on Dec. 1 and succeeds Aimee Vosper, who is retiring from the Park Authority on Dec. 26 after 12 years of service.

"Nigel brings an impressive record of implementing visionary change in diverse parks and directing community renewal and partnership initiatives to his new role," Fairfax County Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole said. "We are excited to welcome him and his passion for environmental issues, cultural heritage, and community engagement to the Park Authority."

During his distinguished career, Fields has held senior positions at the National Park Service and the Environmental Protection Agency and served parks from the Great Smoky Mountains to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Most recently, he served as director of the EPA’s Office of Community Revitalization, where he directed land use, disaster resilience, and community-based climate justice programs.

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.

When the weather turns chilly, Fairfax County Park Authority provides many ways to stay active and entertained during the winter season — bring your family and friends out to our seasonal events, coordinate attendance at our winter camps and register for classes together.

Still Time for Seasonal Events

Embrace the magic of the season by attending events where kids can meet Santa, all ages can get festive indoors or outdoors, and the whole family can take on activities that bring the season to life. Explore a comprehensive list of events and their details on the Park Events Calendar website.

Don’t forget the start the year off on the right foot with First Hike — head out into our parks for a hike and submit your photos for our contest. Visit the First Hike Fairfax website for more information.

Stay Cool at Winter Camp

When schools close, winter camps are in session. There’s no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy at camp this season from hitting the stage or creating an artistic masterpiece to enjoying the outdoors or learning a new sport to exploring the world of STEM or building a new business. Mark your calendars:

• Dec. 22-26 (no camp Dec. 24-25)
• Dec. 29-Jan. 2 (no camp Jan. 1)
• Jan. 19
• Jan. 29-30
• Feb. 16-17

Check out everything our winter camps have to offer by visiting the Camps website. 

Move, Learn and Discover with Classes

Take some time for yourself this winter by registering for classes. The Park Authority offers classes for every age and every interest:

• Build skating skills on the ice.
• Create with arts and crafts.
• Dance your way into the new year.
• Achieve your goals with a sport.
• Elevate your fitness.
• Explore nature.
• Choose your own adventure with extras.
• Learn lifesaving swim skills.

Browse the full lineup of classes and ways to stay active with Parktakes online.

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 Turner Farmhouse Foundation invites the community to its annual Pancake Breakfast and Open House on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the historic Turner Farmhouse in Great Falls. The event is free, open to the public and includes onsite parking. Guests are encouraged to RSVP online; tickets are provided at no cost.

The Turner Farmhouse Foundation serves as the resident curator for the farmhouse and its outbuildings through the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Resident Curator Program. In partnership with organizations, such as the Becky Love Foundation and Comfort Zone Camps, the Foundation uses the outbuildings to operate a retreat center and host bereavement programs.

Built in 1905, the Turner Farmhouse is a 3,216-square-foot Queen Anne style home located at 10609 Georgetown Pike within a 52-acre community park at the intersection of Georgetown Pike and Springvale Road. The former Mark Turner Dairy Farm is a rare surviving example of early 20th century agricultural life in the Great Falls area. Many original architectural details, including hardwood floors, fireplaces and a formal parlor, remain intact. Several historic outbuildings further reflect the site’s rural heritage.

The Resident Curator Program offers long-term, no-rent leases to individuals and organizations committed to rehabilitating and maintaining significant historic properties on public parkland. In exchange, curators ensure reasonable public access to these sites, including hosting an annual open house.

For more information about the Resident Curator Program, visit the Fairfax County Park Authority Resident Curator Program website or contact Program Manager Stephanie Langton at 571-407-6586.

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.

Lake Fairfax Park has been named one of RV LIFE’s “Best of the Best” Campgrounds for 2025, placing it among the top 25% of campgrounds nationwide. The recognition reflects outstanding reviews, high satisfaction ratings and strong engagement from RV LIFE members, who continue to share glowing firsthand experiences at the park.

RV LIFE evaluates campgrounds across the country based on recent reviews, quality of feedback and overall guest experience. Lake Fairfax Park stood out for its spacious, wooded campsites, exceptionally clean bathhouses, and miles of scenic, hiker and bike-friendly trails that make it a favorite stay for RV travelers.

Guests consistently praised the privacy, natural beauty and safety of the campground. Many noted that it “feels like you’re in the woods, not a parking lot,” thanks to the generous spacing between sites and the park’s serene setting. Others highlighted the park team’s dedication to keeping facilities spotless, with daily cleanings and well-maintained amenities.

Operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, Lake Fairfax Park offers a rare blend of tranquility, recreation and convenience. Easy access to Metro’s Silver Line makes it a perfect home base for visitors exploring D.C., while still enjoying a peaceful retreat at day’s end.

In addition to camping, visitors can enjoy:

• The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole, a beloved seasonal water park.
• Seasonal boat rentals and waterfront views on the lake.
• Extensive hiking and biking trails winding through the wooded landscape.
• Large outdoor rental spaces and pavilions perfect for gatherings and events.
• Playgrounds, athletic fields and a variety of family-friendly amenities.

Its scenic setting, spacious sites and exceptional amenities are exactly why RV guests continue to give Lake Fairfax Park top marks nationwide.

Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. For more information about camping at the park, visit the Lake Fairfax Park website or call 703-471-5415.

Join family, friends and neighbors at the parks this holiday season. With more than 50 holiday-themed activities and events to choose from, Fairfax County Park Authority has something for everyone — from wagon and train rides to candlelit tours and, of course, Santa himself! Here are just a few highlights:

Holiday on the Farm

Frying Pan Farm Park, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 20; 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Get ready for an evening on the farm with bright holiday lights, wagon rides, indoor activities, animal attractions, campfires, cocoa and visits with Santa. Tickets are $15 per person in advance and $20 at the door. 

Winter Wonderland

Burke Lake Park, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Experience the magic of the holidays with train rides on the Holiday Express, carousel spins and s’mores by the fire. Meet Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and candy canes. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. 

Holiday Magic at Colvin Run Mill

Children’s Holiday Shopping at Historic Colvin Run

Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7; times available between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Attend this special event where children can shop for holiday gifts in a historic setting. Tickets are $7 per child. 

Santa at the Mill

Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14; multiple times

Meet Santa in the charming setting of Colvin Run Mill. Times available from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Sensory-friendly options available as well! Ticket prices vary. 

Holiday Lantern Tour at Colvin Run Mill

Friday, Dec. 19; 6:30 p.m.

Tour the historic mill by candlelight and discover holiday traditions of the past. Tickets are $12 per person. 

Swim with Santa

Spring Hill Rec Center, Sunday, Dec. 7; 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Celebrate the holiday season with a festive-themed pool party and the opportunity to swim with Santa at Spring Hill Rec Center. Children ages 7-12 can join in the fun 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 per child. 

Candy Cane Lane

Oakmont Rec Center, Saturday, Dec. 13; 3-7 p.m.

Stroll down Candy Cane Lane for a game of mini golf with Mrs. Claus. Come out to meet Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and other sweet treats, work on crafts, and have fun. Tickets cost $12 in advance and $15 at the door. 

Holiday and Ugly Sweater Skate and Dance Night

Franconia Rec Center, Saturday, Dec. 20; 6-10 p.m.

Celebrate the holiday in style by wearing your brightest, most festive sweater (or holiday outfit) of the season. Make the season bright by taking laps around the skate floor with friends and family. Tickets cost $10 per person. 

For a comprehensive list of events, dates, and registration details, please visit the Park Authority’s Events Calendar website.

Start 2026 on the right foot with the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation’s annual First Hike Photo Contest! Community members of all ages and abilities are invited to join the fun and explore the beauty of Fairfax County parks.

How To Participate:

1. Take a Hike. Enjoy a stroll through any of the Park Authority’s 420 parks or along more than 334 miles of trails on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
2. Capture the Moment. Snap a fantastic photo during your adventure.
3. Submit Your Best Shot. Upload your photo online by noon on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, for a chance to win great prizes!

Join a nationwide First Day Hike tradition and kick off your year with an adventure! Whether you’re an experienced hiker or stepping onto the trail for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with family, friends and neighbors. This family-friendly community activity is open to photographers of all levels.

Each participant may submit one photo in one of the following categories:

• Scenery/Landscapes
• People
• Wildlife
• Pets

Multiple family members may participate individually. Please remember to follow all park rules and safety protocols. Photos depicting rule violations will be disqualified.

The following prizes are sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation:

• People’s Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card
• Judges’ Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card
• Director’s Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card
• Best in Show (Scenery/Landscapes): $75 Park Authority Gift Card
• Best in Show (People): $75 Park Authority Gift Card
• Best in Show (Wildlife): $75 Park Authority Gift Card
• Best in Show (Pets): $75 Park Authority Gift Card

Complete contest rules, submission instructions, and hike-planning resources can be found on the First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest website.

Hit the trails, capture the moment, and start the new year with a win!

For questions about the First Hike Photo Contest, contact the Park Authority Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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.

Channel your alter ego and achieve the ultimate glory by conquering the 2026 Healthy Strides Heroes vs. Villains 5K/10K. Whether you gravitate towards the light side or dark side, all are invited to join the race at Burke Lake Park on Saturday, May 2.

Fairfax County Park Authority looks forward to hosting this exciting annual event. The event starts at 7:30 a.m. and features a 5K (3.1 miles), as well as a competitive 10K (6.2 miles). Race participants can also register their children to participate in a Tots Dash (ages 2-5) and Kids Dash (ages 6-10).

Register by Jan. 1 to get a $5 discount using the code RUN2026HS. Get your tickets early to secure your spot — and to lock in your receipt of the themed shirt and commemorative medal.

Register for the 2026 Healthy Strides Heroes vs. Villains 5K/10K

Awards and bragging rights will be presented to the overall top finishers and top finishers in different age groups for both the 5K and 10K. A portion of the proceeds from the event goes to the Fairfax County Park Foundation to support beautiful Burke Lake Park.

Come out to cheer for the runners and enjoy the post-race refreshments and party. Please note that all race participants and spectators must wait until the race is over before leaving the park, since roadways will be closed for the runners.

Explore all the ways to become a partner and support the 2026 event as a sponsor through the Fairfax County Park Foundation. Visit the foundation’s Healthy Strides webpage.

Stay up to date on this race, as well as other Fairfax County Park Authority Healthy Strides programs, including the ongoing, free virtual fitness classes by visiting the Healthy Strides website.

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

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.

About 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 Park Foundation website or call 703-324-8582.