I wanted to maybe get out tomorrow morning but wasn't sure of the current state of the ponds and lakes in NoVA. Is all the ice gone? Anyone been to Royal, Huntsman, Mercer, Woodglen, etc.? Any ideas on water temps? Thanks guys.

Who's free tomorrow morning?

There was quite a bit of ice on Burke Lake on Sunday.  I imagine the smaller lakes still have a good covering of ice.  Today's temps. might help melt them though.

Idk how the weather will be in NOVA tomorrow but here in Blacksburg we're supposed to get gusts over 50 mph so you might want to check that out.  Thats nasty.  I'm eagerly awaiting reports from the NoVA/Potomac area.  I'm hoping I can get a few trips in over spring break.  Springs gettin close  

yeah, it's going to be gusty here too. should be fine if I'm casting with the wind right?! No? I guess we'll find out. I just want to wet a line.... :'(

Andrew, if you do get out, let us know the state of whatever lake(s) you go to. I'd really appreciate it.

Ive been out several times this year and so far the water has thawed out quite well. A buddy of mine caught a 3lber yesterday while out on the lake. They are not biting great but one fish is good for this weather we are having.

Ive been out several times this year and so far the water has thawed out quite well. A buddy of mine caught a 3lber yesterday while out on the lake. They are not biting great but one fish is good for this weather we are having.

I just want to get out, don't expect to catch anything but a keeper would be awesome.

I'll decide if/where i want to go in the morning. I'll let you guys know how i do.

Royal, Woodglen and Accotink are all thawed.  Given this, Braddock probably is to, and Mercer.  We tried Royal yesterday, mostly along the rip rap. Nothing.  Lots of active minnows amongst the rip rap, however.

Hi all.  Is Burke Lake really that productive?  I've fished it a handful of times and only caught a few dinks.  Now I'm really a novice so it could be my technique but I'm beginning to wonder if it's also fishing pressure and folks keeping what they catch that may also be an issue.

So, do y'all have much luck at Burke?

The biggest bass I've ever seen was caught off the fishing pier there a couple years ago on a live bluegill.  Another guy caught a 5+ lber that same morning dragging a live crayfish.  All the reports I've seen here have been pretty negative.  I think pressure is a problem.  There are lots of big fish in there based on electroshock sampling, but they are very wary fish.  Live bait seems to be the key from what I've seen fishing from shore anyway.

Didn't fish cuz of my other hobby, fish keeping. Instead of getting bass by rod and reel, I got some via UPS. ;D

Got four peacock bass (2x 2" and 2x 4-5"), new PB and first bass of 2009

WOOOHOOOO!!! I'll try and get out there today if I can though.

Didn't fish cuz of my other hobby, fish keeping. Instead of getting bass by rod and reel, I got some via UPS. ;D

Got four peacock bass (2x 2" and 2x 4-5"), new PB and first bass of 2009

WOOOHOOOO!!! I'll try and get out there today if I can though.

;D ;D

pics!

Nice! How big is your tank?

This sure would be interesting to watch...

Everything for the most part is free of ice. Got out on the Potomac Sunday for a few hours on my buddys big boat. Couple of small bass in the spoils. Broke off 2 on a dropshot that felt better. Lake Anne in Reston gave me my first jb fish!! Huntsman is ice free and you can catch bunches of small crappie with small white tubes in 1/16 oz. lead head. Looking forward to getting out on the res this week-end.

Yes, Burke Lake has great fishing. Go out and learn it and you will be a believer!!

Good point Hung Up Paul.  Live bait makes sense.  Does anyone know where you can get minnows and other live bait in Fairfax county?  

Good point Hung Up Paul. Live bait makes sense. Does anyone know where you can get minnows and other live bait in Fairfax county?

We typically catch our own w/ a minnow seine. It helps to have young sons who like to wade and do the wet work.  Boaters World sells a variety of live baits, but I would call first.  Its near the Springfield Mall.  

Tried Royal again today for only an hour, got one crappie on a roadrunner.  Water temp was 47 on the surface.

47! That's not too bad!

47! That's not too bad!

It seemed high to me considering it was ice not long ago.  But reading Wayne P.'s reports on Briery Creek, w/ a temp of 53, makes it more believable.