Celebrate National Catch and Release Day with Prince William County Parks!

National Catch and Release Day, a day to commend all anglers of varying skills who practice the catch and release method of fishing, will take place on April 13 this year. It’s also the perfect time to promote this technique that helps conserve native fish species among other recreational anglers. Catch and release fishing improves native fish populations by allowing more fish to remain and reproduce in the ecosystem.

There are three locations within the Prince William County Parks system where you can enjoy a day of fishing and expect to catch channel catfish, largemouth bass, crappie or bluegill. As a reminder, a fishing license is required for ages 16 and older.

Lake Ridge Marina
Lake Ridge Marina offers both bank and boat fishing, providing anglers access to the Occoquan Reservoir. The main fish available in the Occoquan Reservoir are largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie, however there are also opportunities for catching channel catfish, flathead catfish, northern pike and white perch.

Lake Ridge Marina offers a “Fisherman’s Special” ($31.00) which includes one tub of night crawlers, choice of drink, choice of snack or candy and a five-hour row boat rental. You can also purchase night crawlers separately.

Locust Shade Park
Bank Fishing is available at our 8-acre pond at Locust Shade Park all year, weather permitting. Here you can enjoy fishing from the tree-lined banks of this secluded pond and will find native largemouth bass and bluegill. The Virginia Department of Game an Inland Fish stocks channel catfish in the spring and trout between November and April.

Silver Lake Regional Park
Silver Lake Park features a 23-acre lake fed by Little Bull Run Stream. Surrounded by rolling meadows and pine forests, anglers can enjoy a peaceful day of bank, pier and boat fishing for bluegill, crappie, carp, catfish and largemouth bass.

Related links:

Fishing Locations - Prince William County Parks

Catch and Release Best Practices

Fishing License Information

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