Fresh Prince William County Fishing Reports

Donโ€™t miss whatโ€™s biting. Check out the latest catches from local anglers.

Destination Banner

Top Prince William County Destinations

Latest Fishing Photos

Fresh Fishing Reports from Prince William County

Managing Expectations
Managing Expectations
November 5, 2025
The 2025 guiding season is coming to an end and im grateful to fishing booker all all my fishing guests. The season had highs and lows just like the tides of the potomac river. The lows usually revolve around trips that didnt live up to fish โ€œcatchingโ€ expectations of the client. There is nobody as disappointed as me when for whatever reason the fish do not bite. Some factors of poor fishing are controllable but most are not. I would like to privide a few examples of what can be controlled and what can not be cintrolled when it comes to probability of catching fish. Controllable: 1. Captain preparedness - i spend countless hours on the tidal Potomac river from washington dc to aquia, virginia. I keep the boat maintained and fully equipped. I show up on time and demonstrate a friendky demeanor. I come from a family that have soent over 50 years of fishing and guiding on the Potomac. 2. I communicate with clients and provide ramp location and meeting times. I try to get a level of fishing experience from them so i can evalute if my fishing experience is best for them. 3. I look at predicted weather conditions to assure saftey. After this - nany things are out of my control - 1. Angling ability - the biggest factor of catching fish will rest with the guests fishing expeience. If you have minimum cating ability or presenting an artificial bait properly - tben the probability of catching a fish goes way down. I will spend tbe day teaching you but if you also believe that catching fish should go hand in hand with instruction - that may happen - but the odds are decreased. 2. Tides and enviornmental factors - a fisb is an organism that responds to environmental conditions- tides, barometric presure, etc - these factors control mich of a fishes activity. These factors can lead to the saying โ€œthey call it fishing - not catchingโ€. There are many examples of unrealistic expectations. A guest using his equioment the wrong way and still complaining of catching small fish when be was lucky to even get a bite. A guest who insisted on fishing for snakeheads when not only was their fishing ability up to the task but i told them that catching a snakehead was unlikely. Its your trip but im not always the best guide to suite your expectations. I always go where there are fish but one must catch them on their own. I fish with artificial baits thst require casting and presentation. Sometimes its best to start slow and fish with guides that use live bait for more abundant fish species. I love to teach everyone to beca better fisherman but its a process that doesnt always include or deserve catching a fish.
Continue reading

What anglers said about fishing in Prince William County

Absolutely, Mike explains why the fish do what they do and provides insight on how to catch them.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Absolutely, Mike explains why the fish do what they do and provides insight on how to catch them.
Indian Head Charters โ€“ Bass
Indian Head Charters โ€“ Bass
Be prepared to learn a lot and be active-bass fishing is a sport for a reason. Put your thinking cap on and reap the rewards with Ken!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared to learn a lot and be active-bass fishing is a sport for a reason. Put your thinking cap on and reap the rewards with Ken!
The Fishing Detective Guide Agency
The Fishing Detective Guide Agency
October is cooler so just bring/wear layers for the boat ride between fishing locations
Excellent
5.0 / 5
October is cooler so just bring/wear layers for the boat ride between fishing locations
The Fishing Detective Guide Agency
The Fishing Detective Guide Agency
Fishing is seasonal, as well as the type of fish that may be more prevalent because they may/may not be in their season
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing is seasonal, as well as the type of fish that may be more prevalent because they may/may not be in their season
The Fishing Detective Guide Agency
The Fishing Detective Guide Agency