Hello all!  I'm new to the forum and fairly new to the Northern Virginia area.  I would like to learn about a few spots to go fishing in the area.  I do not own a boat, as such I have been restricted to fishing lakes and rezs' that offer boat rentals like Burke Lake and the Fountainhead on Occoquan.  If any of you know of other spots within a reasonable driving distance please share.  I'm also looking for some fishing buddies. Thanks in advance, and looking forward to getting on the water!

You are holding up a fish in front of a "no trespassing" sign. No hunting or fishing.

Then, to top it off, you add "read the sign". Do you think that it's "cool" to trespass and fish someone elses property???? What gives?

Not being harsh, you obviously want people to know your level of ethics,......or lack thereof.

Just an FYI- My buddy owns land here with a small pond.  He has the same type signage.  Not because he doesn't want people fishing his pond but because he has the place laden with coyote traps.  Luckily for your dog, you didn't decide to poach on HIS land.  

Yikes, I didn't even notice that.  Good eye LBH!  

Not at all the case...

Thats my father in law's pond, just thought it was a ironic pic.  Didn't think I'd end up getting so many negative reactions!  

Not at all the case...

Thats my father in law's pond, just thought it was a ironic pic. Didn't think I'd end up getting so many negative reactions!

Yet the pic remains.....

Didn't think I'd end up getting so many negative reactions!

You only got one negative reaction.  

You must remember that those who don't care about the sport of fishing or have issues with people taking advantage of their property may see a picture like that and assume the same as LBH did.  I know it may seem too PC but you have to be that way anymore.  

Anyway, welcome to BR.  There are a lot of guys up your way and I'm sure someone will have an open seat at some point.

Didn't think I'd end up getting so many negative reactions!

You only got one negative reaction.

You must remember that those who don't care about the sport of fishing or have issues with people taking advantage of their property may see a picture like that and assume the same as LBH did. I know it may seem too PC but you have to be that way anymore.

Anyway, welcome to BR. There are a lot of guys up your way and I'm sure someone will have an open seat at some point.

Thanks, I understand what the issues were, it was taken way out of context. I was getting hammered on another thread as well.  

It's over now...Welcome aboard!

8-)

Feel the love!    ;D

Welcome NoVA.  Myself and TRE fish the Rez with some consistency.  Thats about it.  Potomac when I can.  There are a lot of non-boaters who are in the area.  Check the forums from time to time.  They should start posting heavy here soon.  With the rain lately it's been slow out here.  

I'd be more than happy to hook up and fish the rez one of these days.  Never had any real luck at Burke.  Lake Brittle may be a ways out for you?  They rent boats... not sure how the fishing is, been there once.  Also, if you ever feel like taking a trip to Fredericksburg, Hunting Run just opened up last year, they have nice rentals, good numbers, etc... Wayne P. is the man to talk to if youre fishing out there, as he has mastered that water from what I can tell in less than a year.

Yeah JVM, feeling the love!  LOL

We can def hook up and fish the rez, I def need to go and hit up Hunting Run soon!  Sounds like a good place!

Thanks a lot!  Thats exactly what I've been looking for!

I see you holding up a smallmouth bass. If that is what you are in to, and don't mind a little walking, send me a PM.

welcome to the boards.

buy a sit on top kayak and hit me up!

Quoting Charlie Moore-

"It's not worth fishing unless there's a 'Keep Out' sign."

Hehe...

I fish a couple of ponds around the area, and some lakes in Maryland. Also the Potomac from time to time. Depending on how far you're willing to travel I could tell you about some ponds in Chantilly and some good ones in Herndon and Sterling.

I thought I'd jump in on this thread. I am re-discovering fishing after a 10-year hiatus and would love to learn of the great fishing spots around here. I was considering Burke Lake as a first stop and may still do that. But I've read a little about Burke as a high-pressure lake (or having an unreasonably smart or well-fed bass population. )

I'm into geocaching as well and have hit a number of these parks, so I am fairly familiar with them in terms of layout and acreage of lakes. But I know nothing about the fishing aspect of it since I am just getting back into things.

Any advice would be much appreciated, especially along the lines of these "smaller ponds" in the area.

seems to be a similar theme in Northern, VA... burke lake is tough... had some success there last summer but nothing great, seems to be very rough tho if you can't get out on a boat... i got myself a crappy row boat for free last summer off craigslist and i fixed it up and it works great now to get me out there... you should try to do the same... im always lookin for new places to fish up here as well if anyone has any other spots

Hello guys I'm also new to Nova and fishing in general. I have been fishing the Potomac for about a month without a boat. I'm really considering purchasing a john boat after I get the hang of fishing from a boat. So if anyone is interested in a newbie fisherman fishing with them I'd really appreciate it, or if you just have any tips for me that will also work. Right now I only fish at the Algonkian Park, mainly because I don't know of any other spots at the moment. Anyway I'd be willing to help pay for gas, fees, beer and whatever.