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Learn to Fish!

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Angler Education

Would you like to go fishing but don’t know where to go or what equipment you need? DOEE's Fisheries & Wildlife staff can help you get started!

Upcoming Fishing Events

  • Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 11 am to 3 pm.
    The Mayor's Office on Returning Citizen's Affairs (MORCA) is hosting an event for returning citizens, their families, and friends for a day of fishing and skating at Anacostia Park Skating Pavillion. This event aims to celebrate the journey of returning citizens and provide a space for them to unwind, connect with their loved ones, and forge new friendships within the community. DOEE staff will be conducting a lure crafting activity from 12-2 pm at the Aquatic Resources Education Center.
     
  • Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 9 am to 12 pm.
    DOEE biologists will be hosting a Community Fishing Event at Diamond Teague Park on the Anacostia River. DOEE staff will provide all the gear and equipment required to have a successful day of fishing fun!
     
  • Saturday, September 28, 2024. Fishing with NPS at the Tidal Basin. Join NPS, DOEE, and the deaf community of DC to fish at the Tidal Basin on the National Mall.
     
  • Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10 am to 1:30 pm.
    National Park Service is hosting an event for Hains Point Community Day. DOEE will be hosting a fishing station for members of the community to fish along the Potomac River at Hains Point. Join NPS, DOEE, and other partner organizations to learn about the history, natural history, programs, services, sustainability initiatives, and more of this beloved park.
     
  • Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 10am - 4pm,
    DOEE Friends & Family Day on Kingman Island. Look for the Fishing in the District trailer and the tent on the bridge. Fishing equipment and instruction provided by DOEE Fish & Wildlife biologists.

Mobile First Catch Center

In 2021, DOEE partnered with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and received a fully stocked, custom wrapped Mobile First Catch Center trailer. RBFF’s generous donation has allowed DOEE biologists to provide numerous public-facing angling education opportunities throughout the District of Columbia In addition to public-facing events, DOEE provides small-scale angling education opportunities to school groups, scout groups, church groups, and more.

Interested in fishing with us? Contact Brady Waters at: [email protected].

Know Before You Go!

In the District of Columbia, anglers ages 16 to 64 need a fishing license. To purchase a license, or to view the District’s Regulated Fishing Activities, please visit Fishing in the District.

Where to Fish

The District is home to several bodies of water that provide fishing opportunities for beginners as well as advanced anglers. There are several parks that provide access to rivers and streams that offer excellent fishing including:

  • C&O Canal - The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal runs 184.5 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland and offers unique fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, common carp, and invasive northern snakeheads. A District of Columbia fishing license is valid on the Canal from approximately 1/3 mile below Lock 5 to the Canal’s terminus with Rock Creek.
  • Fletcher’s Boathouse – Fletcher's Boathouse rents rowboats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards along the upper tidal Potomac River. Anglers flock to Fletcher’s in the springtime to take advantage of the annual shad run. Fletcher’s is also a popular location for anglers targeting invasive blue catfish, with trophy fish available year-round. Check the website or call ahead for fishing reports and boat availability.
  • Tidal Basin – Located downtown, the Tidal Basin is a popular destination for local shore anglers. Despite its urban location, anglers can reasonably expect to encounter a wide variety of fish species. Largemouth bass, invasive blue catfish, invasive northern snakeheads, and common carp are among the most popular target species. Anglers also target crappie, perch, and sunfish throughout the Basin. Please be mindful of posted signage adjacent to the monuments.
  • Hains Point – Located in East Potomac Park, Hains Point is one of the most popular shore fishing locations in the District. Anglers regularly target common carp and invasive blue catfish on both the main river and Washington Channel sides of the Point. Assorted sunfish and perch can be caught along the seawall as well. Please be mindful of posted signage and park hours.
  • Diamond Teague Park - Diamond Teague Park, located in the Navy Yard district, offers dock access to the tidal Anacostia River. Anglers regularly catch invasive blue catfish and common carp off the floating dock. In the springtime, assorted sunfish will bed in the shallows along the shoreline, and crappie will suspend under the dock. Anglers occasionally catch largemouth bass and invasive northern snakeheads off the dock in the spring, summer, and fall. Diamond Teague Park is also home to Anacostia Riverkeeper’s Friday Night Fishing events.
  • Anacostia Park - Anacostia Park, on the east side of the Anacostia River, offers ample shore fishing opportunities for a variety of species, including invasive blue catfish, common carp, largemouth bass, assorted sunfish, and invasive northern snakeheads. The Anacostia Park boat ramp, maintained by the National Park Service, offers free boating access to the tidal Anacostia River. Anacostia Park is also home to DOEE’s Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC). The AREC, located in the north end of the park, features over 40 species of local fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

Additional Resources

Contact TTY: 
711
Related Content: 
Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC)
Fishing in the District