Basics:
Where: Balls Bluff Regional Park on the Potomac River near Leesburg Virginia
When: April 25, 2009 (Saturday) late morning to early afternoon
Water Temperature: 56°F
Permits: Virginia state permit
Catch: Two largemouth bass, maybe 1.5 pounds each
Access: Good parking and access to the water, bad/muddy wading
Basics:
Where: Rose River Farm, outside Syria Virginia.
When: Saturday, April 18, 2009 – all day
Water Temperature: Estimate 42-50 °F
Permits: $85 per person, plus VA fishing permit
Catch: 17 jumbo rainbows 18″-24″ (plus a dozen that broke off my line)
Access: Excellent – hip waders are useful
Basics:
Where: Patuxent River, Laurel Stretch, near High Ridge Park, Laurel, Maryland
When: Early morning, March 31 2009
Water Temperature: 41°F
Permits: Maryland state permit and trout stamp (subject to closure periods 1,3)
Catch: None
Access: Excellent access via a paved footpath, hip-waders helpful
Basics:
Where: Jeremy’s Run, Northwest Shenandoah Park, Virginia
When: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 (afternoon)
Water Temperature: 42°F
Permits: Virginia state permit and trout stamp
Catch: None (saw plenty)
Access: Good access from skyline drive via Jeremy’s run trail. Also accessible from the bottom of the park.
Basics:
Where: Holmes Run, Virginia (Inside the Beltway), downstream of Columbia Pike.
When: March 7, 2009 – afternoon
Water Temperature: 44°F
Permits: Virginia fishing permit and trout stamp.
Catch: 3 rainbow trout, about 9″
Access: Excellent access with a path along the stream; waders are helpful but not necessary.
Basics:
Where: Accotink Creek, Virginia. Upstream of the tennis courts at the Audrey Moore Recreational Center.
When: March 7, 2009 – Early afternoon
Water Temperature: 42°F
Permits: Virginia fishing permit and trout stamp
Catch: None
Access: Very good, with great parking and even restrooms. Highly recommend waders (hip are fine).