Visit to DC

[flyfisher]

Hi

 

I have just found your forum and am reading though some posts.

I am visiting DC for two weeks arriving 19th June this year and would like to get in a couple of hours fishing (fly if possible) during my stay.

I would welcome any advice regarding this. Where to get a license? Where to fish safely? - I will not be bringing boots or waders, what flies to use?

Where locally could I buy flies? What tackle would I need to bring with me?

- I have an Orvis Zero Gravity 7wt and lines of various sink rates or can I hire tackle in DC?

I am from Greenock, Scotland and am the treasurer of my local angling club.

I have included a link to our web site.

www.pgac.org.uk

Any info re above would be very welcome.

Tight Lines

Jim Kelly

[Ernie]

Jim,

You can buy your DC License on line as well as VA or MD depending on where you will be fishing.

If you do some searching on the site, you will note that many of the guys fish the banks locally and even around some of the great museums and locations of the city. There is also a map of areas to fish from. Hopefully, someone will post a link to it.

The 7wt is a perfect rod to bring and if you visit Orvis in Arlington and Urban Angler in Alexandria, you will not only get the flies necessary but tons of great advice. Make those two locations your 1st stops when you arrive. They are very close to DC.

Good luck!

Ernie
 

[Miles]

Jim,

It is entirely possible to get some fishing done while you are here. You can buy a license online for the District of Columbia -- http://ddoe.dc.gov/service/get-fishing-license -- that will give you access to a lot of fishable water. You can fish the Tidal Basin, right in the shadow of the Washington Monument, if you wish -- some good fish have come from there. You can also rent a rowboat at Fletcher's Boathouse, and fish some good water on the Potomac. Point being: there are options.

A 7-wt is adequate for most species we fish. You can buy flies at a number of shops which are convenient to the Metro -- Orvis Clarendon in Arlington; Urban Angler in Alexandria; Orvis Bethesda in Bethesda. The staff at these shops are knowledgeable and can help you decide out where to fish, what to fish for, and what flies to use. (Full disclosure: I work in Orvis Clarendon.) The fishing does sometimes vary due to weather and river levels, but that time of year should be good for largemouth and smallmouth bass. These shops can also put you in touch with a guide (or ghilly?), most of whom are reasonably affordable.

Once you know your schedule, drop me an email. If I have the time available, I might be able to take you fishing myself.

best,
Miles

[Eric Y.]

Quick question on licenses... do I need to have my VA license with me if I have a DC license and I'm fishing at CB from the VA side?

[Mike Honcho]

It is my understanding that the Potomac River kind of belongs to DC within it's borders: so if DC is the other side of the river, you need a DC license.

[flyfisher]

Hi Guys

 

Thanks for your replies

 

Looking forward to my visit, flying in tommorow evening.

 

I think I will get my license from Fletchers Boathouse and will visit the shops as suggested.

I have recently purchased an Orvis frequent tlyer 8.5' #5 rod, easier to carry.

 

Chris / Miles

Thanks for offering to take me fishing. I do not know as yet what my plans are (OK my wifes plans are)  whilst in Washington, but will try to get in touch hopefully towards the end of the week.

 

Tight Lines

Jim Kelly