Though technically not part of the state proper, anglers always mention fishing in Washington DC by name when talking about the best fishing spots in Maryland. And the reasons for that are pretty simple. First of all, there is some fantastic freshwater fishing to be found here, and it would be a shame to miss out on it. Secondly, if you're already visiting the area, you're probably looking forward to checking out the sights. It's hard to beat a successful morning of fishing paired with a visit to the Lincoln Memorial.
Where to Fish in Washington DC
Potomac River
Potomac River is an excellent choice if you are looking to stay right in the city. After all, why should you when the best river fishing is right there under your nose? Home to some of the finest Largemouth Bass angling in the country, it's also perfect for the likes of crabbing and shellfishing. Of course, fishing here is not all about the Bass — there's also plenty of Walleye, Pike, and Muskies swimming about.
Fletcher's Cove
Also known as Fletcher's Boathouse, this spot has an angling tradition dating back to the 1850s. You can find Rockfish, Walleye, Catfish, and possibly some more freshwater biters. If that's not enough, you can find some of the best Shad fishing on the entire East Coast. The feeling of being somewhere out in the wilderness is quite real here. Apart from the constant sounds of dense traffic, you'd be hardly aware of being smack center in DC. On your non-angling days, you're more than welcome to give kayaking a go, it's lots of fun.
Anacostia Park
On the eastern end of DC proper lies Anacostia Park, named after the river it sits next to. This is one of the largest recreational areas in the city, making it popular with anglers as well. These waters are best suited for anglers who are looking for a fun catch and release experience only. The one important exception to this rule is in the case of the Northern Snakehead, an invasive species. You will be doing a service to the local fishery by killing and disposing of these fish if you happen to catch any.
Chesapeake Bay
The largest estuary in the United States, Chesapeake Bay is a natural choice for every angler looking to score some good fishing every now and again. It's not as convenient as other spots that allow you to fish mere minutes form the city centre, but it's more than worth it if you decide to give it a go. It's probably the best source of Rockfish in the whole DC area. Expect plenty of other saltwater species too, like Red Drum, Speckled Trout, Tautog, and more besides.
Fishing Techniques
Fly fishing near DC is widespread among local anglers. While the accepted rule of thumb for freshwater fly fishing is that you're good to go with lighter gear, we would argue against that if you're after Rockfish. There definitely are anglers out there who would go after Rockfish with a 5 wt rod, but that's best left to the pros. A 7 or 8 wt rod will make your fishing experience all the more easier, especially with heavier flies. Feel free to play around with fly patterns until you see what works best for you. White patterns are best suited for your needs — think Crease flies and Foam Gurglers.
If you plan on using conventional tackle, you've got a whole number of different options open to you. For regular bait, stock up on the likes of Squid, Crabs, Clams, Eels, Mullet or Worms. If you prefer artificial lures, plugs and jigs are always a good solution for Rockfish.
Need to Know
The first thing any Washington DC guide worth his salt will tell you is that there are some strict regulations in place when it comes to keeping a catch. If you plan on going at it on your own, be sure to bring yourself up to speed on the latest catch-keeping policies. Anyone over the age of 16 will need to have a valid fishing license with them at all times when fishing. The best way to get those is online. When you're ready, go and explore DC both on the ground and on the water.