ISO Bluegill ponds

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Bobby Davis

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Apr 11, 2017, 8:07:33 AM4/11/17
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Hi guys,
I was wondering if anyone knew of any ponds inside the beltway that I could fish after work on a weeknight?  I live in NW DC near American U.  Any insights would be helpful.  Thanks guys.

Andrew LaVigne

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Apr 11, 2017, 10:58:57 AM4/11/17
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no pond to recommend, but you're close to Rock Creek, and there's some decent spots between pierce mill and the Mass Ave bridge. Just follow the creek and look for cuts to get down to the streambed. wading or not is a life choice you'll have to make - legally questionably, and I wouldn't recommend within a couple days of a rain of any kind. Bluegill and other sunfish in there, plus smallmouth, largemouth, carp, catfish, and some seasonal visitors - you'll see herring stacked up below the pierce dam. 

Bobby Davis

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Apr 11, 2017, 11:00:53 AM4/11/17
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I have heard mixed things about the legitimacy of fishing in Rock Creek.  Personal experiences?  Has anyone had park officials stop them, Citations, etc...

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Luke M.

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Apr 11, 2017, 12:06:11 PM4/11/17
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I've fished that section pretty regularly for a few years now and have never been stopped.  I had a DC Metro officer shadow me from shore for a couple hundred yards talking into his radio, but he never said anything.  I've had a few officers say hi and ask if i was catching anything.  Nobody has ever asked to see a license or said anything about wading.  All it takes is one, though...

There are a few threads on here re: wading in rock creek.  I don't exactly remember what they said.  There are signs along that stretch in a few places that say "no wading."  Not sure if that's the law or just friendly advice. 

Also, I wouldn't wet wade it.  It's real gross.


On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 11:00:53 AM UTC-4, Bobby Davis wrote:
I have heard mixed things about the legitimacy of fishing in Rock Creek.  Personal experiences?  Has anyone had park officials stop them, Citations, etc...
On Tue, Apr 11, 2017 at 10:58 AM, Andrew LaVigne <andrewr...@gmail.com> wrote:
no pond to recommend, but you're close to Rock Creek, and there's some decent spots between pierce mill and the Mass Ave bridge. Just follow the creek and look for cuts to get down to the streambed. wading or not is a life choice you'll have to make - legally questionably, and I wouldn't recommend within a couple days of a rain of any kind. Bluegill and other sunfish in there, plus smallmouth, largemouth, carp, catfish, and some seasonal visitors - you'll see herring stacked up below the pierce dam. 

On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 8:07:33 AM UTC-4, Bobby Davis wrote:
Hi guys,
I was wondering if anyone knew of any ponds inside the beltway that I could fish after work on a weeknight?  I live in NW DC near American U.  Any insights would be helpful.  Thanks guys.

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Bobby Davis

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Apr 11, 2017, 12:11:55 PM4/11/17
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I spent the past three years doing my graduate research in an urban river that is rated "no human contact" by the local conservation district for large stretches and routinely wound up in water that was directly from a combined sewage overflow pipe, so rock creek probably won't gross me out that much.

On Tue, Apr 11, 2017 at 12:06 PM, Luke M. <lmcc...@gmail.com> wrote:
I've fished that section pretty regularly for a few years now and have never been stopped.  I had a DC Metro officer shadow me from shore for a couple hundred yards talking into his radio, but he never said anything.  I've had a few officers say hi and ask if i was catching anything.  Nobody has ever asked to see a license or said anything about wading.  All it takes is one, though...

There are a few threads on here re: wading in rock creek.  I don't exactly remember what they said.  There are signs along that stretch in a few places that say "no wading."  Not sure if that's the law or just friendly advice. 

Also, I wouldn't wet wade it.  It's real gross.

On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 11:00:53 AM UTC-4, Bobby Davis wrote:
I have heard mixed things about the legitimacy of fishing in Rock Creek.  Personal experiences?  Has anyone had park officials stop them, Citations, etc...
On Tue, Apr 11, 2017 at 10:58 AM, Andrew LaVigne <andrewr...@gmail.com> wrote:
no pond to recommend, but you're close to Rock Creek, and there's some decent spots between pierce mill and the Mass Ave bridge. Just follow the creek and look for cuts to get down to the streambed. wading or not is a life choice you'll have to make - legally questionably, and I wouldn't recommend within a couple days of a rain of any kind. Bluegill and other sunfish in there, plus smallmouth, largemouth, carp, catfish, and some seasonal visitors - you'll see herring stacked up below the pierce dam. 

On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 8:07:33 AM UTC-4, Bobby Davis wrote:
Hi guys,
I was wondering if anyone knew of any ponds inside the beltway that I could fish after work on a weeknight?  I live in NW DC near American U.  Any insights would be helpful.  Thanks guys.

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tperkins

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Apr 11, 2017, 12:15:26 PM4/11/17
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DC fishing rules and Regs apply, and there is not fishing allowed above Porter Street bridge. https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/rules-and-regulations.htm 

There are some nice fish to be found in Rock Creek, also some interesting people...  

Brian Cohen

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Apr 11, 2017, 12:21:28 PM4/11/17
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I've fished a fair bit in Rock Creek.   Once or twice I've been asked for my license (something that has never happened to me anywhere else in DC).   I have been kicked out one time, when I parked in the zoo parking lots, and walked upstream and was fishing on what was obviously zoo property.   The National Zoo police kicked me out, and didn't care that I had a license.  

On Tue, Apr 11, 2017 at 12:15 PM, tperkins <thomas....@gmail.com> wrote:
DC fishing rules and Regs apply, and there is not fishing allowed above Porter Street bridge. https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/rules-and-regulations.htm 

There are some nice fish to be found in Rock Creek, also some interesting people...  


On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 12:06:11 PM UTC-4, Luke M. wrote:
I've fished that section pretty regularly for a few years now and have never been stopped.  I had a DC Metro officer shadow me from shore for a couple hundred yards talking into his radio, but he never said anything.  I've had a few officers say hi and ask if i was catching anything.  Nobody has ever asked to see a license or said anything about wading.  All it takes is one, though...

There are a few threads on here re: wading in rock creek.  I don't exactly remember what they said.  There are signs along that stretch in a few places that say "no wading."  Not sure if that's the law or just friendly advice. 

Also, I wouldn't wet wade it.  It's real gross.

On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 11:00:53 AM UTC-4, Bobby Davis wrote:
I have heard mixed things about the legitimacy of fishing in Rock Creek.  Personal experiences?  Has anyone had park officials stop them, Citations, etc...
On Tue, Apr 11, 2017 at 10:58 AM, Andrew LaVigne <andrewr...@gmail.com> wrote:
no pond to recommend, but you're close to Rock Creek, and there's some decent spots between pierce mill and the Mass Ave bridge. Just follow the creek and look for cuts to get down to the streambed. wading or not is a life choice you'll have to make - legally questionably, and I wouldn't recommend within a couple days of a rain of any kind. Bluegill and other sunfish in there, plus smallmouth, largemouth, carp, catfish, and some seasonal visitors - you'll see herring stacked up below the pierce dam. 

On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 8:07:33 AM UTC-4, Bobby Davis wrote:
Hi guys,
I was wondering if anyone knew of any ponds inside the beltway that I could fish after work on a weeknight?  I live in NW DC near American U.  Any insights would be helpful.  Thanks guys.

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Rob Snowhite

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Apr 11, 2017, 12:42:01 PM4/11/17
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The Tidal Basin would be  the spot to fish. 

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Bobby Davis

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Apr 11, 2017, 12:45:46 PM4/11/17
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Hey rob, I know the total basin is a good spot, but getting down there circa 6pm on a weekday is not something I would imagine is easy.  Just trying to find other spots.

On Apr 11, 2017 12:42 PM, "Rob Snowhite" <r...@robsnowhite.com> wrote:
The Tidal Basin would be  the spot to fish. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 11, 2017, at 12:06 PM, Luke M. <lmcc...@gmail.com> wrote:

I've fished that section pretty regularly for a few years now and have never been stopped.  I had a DC Metro officer shadow me from shore for a couple hundred yards talking into his radio, but he never said anything.  I've had a few officers say hi and ask if i was catching anything.  Nobody has ever asked to see a license or said anything about wading.  All it takes is one, though...

There are a few threads on here re: wading in rock creek.  I don't exactly remember what they said.  There are signs along that stretch in a few places that say "no wading."  Not sure if that's the law or just friendly advice. 

Also, I wouldn't wet wade it.  It's real gross.

On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 11:00:53 AM UTC-4, Bobby Davis wrote:
I have heard mixed things about the legitimacy of fishing in Rock Creek.  Personal experiences?  Has anyone had park officials stop them, Citations, etc...
On Tue, Apr 11, 2017 at 10:58 AM, Andrew LaVigne <andrewr...@gmail.com> wrote:
no pond to recommend, but you're close to Rock Creek, and there's some decent spots between pierce mill and the Mass Ave bridge. Just follow the creek and look for cuts to get down to the streambed. wading or not is a life choice you'll have to make - legally questionably, and I wouldn't recommend within a couple days of a rain of any kind. Bluegill and other sunfish in there, plus smallmouth, largemouth, carp, catfish, and some seasonal visitors - you'll see herring stacked up below the pierce dam. 

On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 8:07:33 AM UTC-4, Bobby Davis wrote:
Hi guys,
I was wondering if anyone knew of any ponds inside the beltway that I could fish after work on a weeknight?  I live in NW DC near American U.  Any insights would be helpful.  Thanks guys.

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Andrew LaVigne

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Apr 11, 2017, 4:59:05 PM4/11/17
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As far as I can tell, fishing is fine below Porter Street Bridge. There are signs up indicating that it's under DC Regs, and here's the link to the NPS website FAQ on the subject: https://www.nps.gov/rocr/faqs.htm#CP_JUMP_2770658

I even park my car by the park police stables off Beach Drive, get passed by multiple officers almost every time I go, and have never had a hassle. More likely to get an issue when you turn a corner and there's a homeless guy taking a river bath (seen it). 

I only fish it once or twice a year now that I don't live in Cleveland Park, but I have run into some legit bass in there. 



On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 12:45:46 PM UTC-4, Bobby Davis wrote:
Hey rob, I know the total basin is a good spot, but getting down there circa 6pm on a weekday is not something I would imagine is easy.  Just trying to find other spots.
On Apr 11, 2017 12:42 PM, "Rob Snowhite" <r...@robsnowhite.com> wrote:
The Tidal Basin would be  the spot to fish. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 11, 2017, at 12:06 PM, Luke M. <lmcc...@gmail.com> wrote:

I've fished that section pretty regularly for a few years now and have never been stopped.  I had a DC Metro officer shadow me from shore for a couple hundred yards talking into his radio, but he never said anything.  I've had a few officers say hi and ask if i was catching anything.  Nobody has ever asked to see a license or said anything about wading.  All it takes is one, though...

There are a few threads on here re: wading in rock creek.  I don't exactly remember what they said.  There are signs along that stretch in a few places that say "no wading."  Not sure if that's the law or just friendly advice. 

Also, I wouldn't wet wade it.  It's real gross.

On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 11:00:53 AM UTC-4, Bobby Davis wrote:
I have heard mixed things about the legitimacy of fishing in Rock Creek.  Personal experiences?  Has anyone had park officials stop them, Citations, etc...
On Tue, Apr 11, 2017 at 10:58 AM, Andrew LaVigne <andrewr...@gmail.com> wrote:
no pond to recommend, but you're close to Rock Creek, and there's some decent spots between pierce mill and the Mass Ave bridge. Just follow the creek and look for cuts to get down to the streambed. wading or not is a life choice you'll have to make - legally questionably, and I wouldn't recommend within a couple days of a rain of any kind. Bluegill and other sunfish in there, plus smallmouth, largemouth, carp, catfish, and some seasonal visitors - you'll see herring stacked up below the pierce dam. 

On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 8:07:33 AM UTC-4, Bobby Davis wrote:
Hi guys,
I was wondering if anyone knew of any ponds inside the beltway that I could fish after work on a weeknight?  I live in NW DC near American U.  Any insights would be helpful.  Thanks guys.

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Rob Snowhite

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Apr 14, 2017, 11:54:47 AM4/14/17
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Bobby,

Was reminded of a spot today while walking along a pond. Send me an email r...@robsnowhite.com

There is at least one grassy in there.

Jamie Carracher

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Jun 6, 2017, 7:10:37 PM6/6/17
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I had a few hours to burn on Saturday and walked down to Rock Creek just north of the zoo where they are doing road work. They put what looks to be new boulders down along the shore that were good for casting from. I saw what looked to be a baby catfish and I hooked up with a boatload of bluegill. So many I lost count. They were biting pretty much everything I threw at them. I find Rock Creek to be of varying enjoyment. It can be quite beautiful... but it also can be quite gross. It was OK when I was there.

My favorite bluegill spot is Bull Run at Hemlock, especially in the summer when they are going after poppers. Pretty much guaranteed a good time in a nice setting.

Carl Z.

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Jun 6, 2017, 8:06:09 PM6/6/17
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The last time I checked, Rock Creek was closed to fishing above the zoo.  However, I can't find the regulations on the DDOE website, so I can't check.   

Also, avoid it for a few days after heavy rains since the sewer system can flush out directly into the creek.  

Otherwise it's a beautiful place :)

Carl

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Scott Stankus

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Jun 6, 2017, 8:43:02 PM6/6/17
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I believe fishing near the Zoo is just fine. The regulation is that you cannot fish north of the Porter Street bridge:


--Scott

On Tue, Jun 6, 2017 at 8:06 PM, Carl Z. <carl....@gmail.com> wrote:
The last time I checked, Rock Creek was closed to fishing above the zoo.  However, I can't find the regulations on the DDOE website, so I can't check.   

Also, avoid it for a few days after heavy rains since the sewer system can flush out directly into the creek.  

Otherwise it's a beautiful place :)

Carl

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On Tue, Jun 6, 2017 at 7:10 PM, Jamie Carracher <jcarr...@gmail.com> wrote:
I had a few hours to burn on Saturday and walked down to Rock Creek just north of the zoo where they are doing road work. They put what looks to be new boulders down along the shore that were good for casting from. I saw what looked to be a baby catfish and I hooked up with a boatload of bluegill. So many I lost count. They were biting pretty much everything I threw at them. I find Rock Creek to be of varying enjoyment. It can be quite beautiful... but it also can be quite gross. It was OK when I was there.

My favorite bluegill spot is Bull Run at Hemlock, especially in the summer when they are going after poppers. Pretty much guaranteed a good time in a nice setting.



On Friday, April 14, 2017 at 10:54:47 AM UTC-5, Rob Snowhite wrote:
Bobby,

Was reminded of a spot today while walking along a pond.  Send me an email r...@robsnowhite.com

There is at least one grassy in there.

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James Ovelmen

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Jun 7, 2017, 8:22:47 AM6/7/17
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Fished Pine Lake up in Wheaton Regional Park on Sunday. Loaded with stunted bluegill, wish they would get a little bigger.


On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 8:07:33 AM UTC-4, Bobby Davis wrote:

namfos

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Jun 7, 2017, 9:57:20 AM6/7/17
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Scott:

Is it worth fishing Rock Creek above Porter when you are in Montgomery County?

Mark

Scott Stankus

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Jun 7, 2017, 11:47:59 AM6/7/17
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Mark - I've wondered the same. I still need to find that out. 

--Scott

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namfos

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Jun 7, 2017, 3:41:59 PM6/7/17
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I ask because a few years back I noticed that there's a pretty big fishy looking pool just upstream of the bridge that marks the DC line. I'm going to try to find somebody in Parks & Planning to answer the question.

Mark

Jonathan Sondej

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Jun 7, 2017, 4:49:30 PM6/7/17
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I fished Rock Creek along the Rock Creek Exercise course on Sunday. Caught 6-7 redbreast sunfish, a bluegill and one surprise 3-4 pound channel catfish that put up a thrilling fight on light tackle. 

If you stand on the first footbridge along the Excercise Course along the path if you are coming down the hill from Calvert and Shoreham, you will see numerous sizable channel cats lurking beneath the big fallen tree. I also saw a number of 10lb class carp divided between a couple pools in this stretch. There's definitely more life than you would expect to find in an open sewer...in addition to the fish I observed some manner of water snake, a few turtles, a bunch of ducks and a great blue heron. 
 
I seem to remember that wading in Rock Creek was illegal, but I searched the net and can't seem to find a statement to that effect anymore. I certainly don't advise it though. Even when the water is clear and low like it was on Sunday, you will be able to smell the stench of the sewage in places where there is a lot of wet mud exposed to the air and of course near the CSO pipes, of which there are at least 3-4 in this stretch. That said, I did see one fly fisherman wading in the creek below the first foot bridge as I was on my way out, a couple kids splashing around in the riffles and throwing rocks, and two pairs of dogs playing in the water.

It's a shame they pump sewage into the creek during rainfall, as there are some places along this stretch that don't smell like sewage and will make you feel like you're fishing a freestone stream in the country. 

I only fish it a couple times a year, and sanitize my gear afterwards each time. Would fish it weekly if not for the CSOs! 

On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 8:07:33 AM UTC-4, Bobby Davis wrote:

Lane Smith

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Jun 7, 2017, 5:03:48 PM6/7/17
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Rock Creek above the DC line should be pretty good since it's connected to Lake Needwood but I've never caught anything other than fallfish.

Occasionally, I will wet wade Rock Creek, briefly, to gain a better casting angle on the other side. There are reasons other than the pollution not to do so though. Last year, something that looked like an eel, but was actually a baby lamprey, tried to get familiar with my leg. Not cool.

Lane

Richard Farino

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Jun 7, 2017, 7:07:01 PM6/7/17
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It’s the US Code of Federal Regulations that prohibits entering any waters of the District of Columbia.

R

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Carl Z.

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Jun 7, 2017, 9:18:01 PM6/7/17
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Lake Needwood has it's own problems with toxic algae blooms at times.  However portions of the creek are in pretty good shape.

My wife just collected a Hellgramite from the creek.

Carl

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On Wed, Jun 7, 2017 at 7:06 PM, Richard Farino <rfa...@gmail.com> wrote:
It’s the US Code of Federal Regulations that prohibits entering any waters of the District of Columbia.

R

From: Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders <tidal-potomac-fly-rodders@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Lane Smith <jlane...@gmail.com>
Reply-To: Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders <tidal-potomac-fly-rodders@googlegroups.com>
Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 5:03 PM
To: Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders <tidal-potomac-fly-rodders@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: ISO Bluegill ponds
Rock Creek above the DC line should be pretty good since it's connected to Lake Needwood but I've never caught anything other than fallfish.

Occasionally, I will wet wade Rock Creek, briefly, to gain a better casting angle on the other side. There are reasons other than the pollution not to do so though. Last year, something that looked like an eel, but was actually a baby lamprey, tried to get familiar with my leg. Not cool.

Lane

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namfos

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Jun 8, 2017, 8:18:20 AM6/8/17
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Dalton Terrell

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Jun 8, 2017, 10:35:22 AM6/8/17
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FYI, here is the relevant section of the Code of Federal Regulations: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=4b752d71885fb4a7c66cfe4dbd7f8c9b&mc=true&node=pt36.1.7&rgn=div5#se36.1.7_196

(e) Swimming. Bathing, swimming or wading in any fountain or pool except where officially authorized is prohibited. Bathing, swimming or wading in the Tidal Basin, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, or Rock Creek, or entering from other areas covered by this section the Potomac River, Anacostia River, Washington Channel or Georgetown Channel, except for the purpose of saving a drowning person, is prohibited.

Without making a judgement or encouragement to wade unsafe waters, please let me know if anyone gets in further trouble under this law.

Dalton

Brian Cohen

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Jun 8, 2017, 10:40:52 AM6/8/17
to Carl Z.
There is another open legal question, for those interested in testing or researching this issue.  I have been asked for my license multiple times while fishing in Rock Creek - and while fishing the part of Rock Creek that runs through the zoo I have been kicked out by the Zoo Police.   I didn't argue at the time - just went downstream - but it seems to me that DC and Federal Code would allow you to fish (but not wade) Rock Creek in the portion that runs through the Zoo. 

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Severn

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Jun 11, 2017, 8:19:19 AM6/11/17
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I too am interested in recs for bluegill ponds or pretty much any water where my son who's learning to fly fish can get into some fish and practice hooking and landing fish.  From this thread, I've got Pine Lake in Wheaton Regional Park and parts of Rock Creek.  Any other ideas about where to take him that he's likely to get some action?  How about parts of the canal that have water, like near Chain Bridge?  Thanks.   


On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 8:07:33 AM UTC-4, Bobby Davis wrote:

namfos

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Jun 12, 2017, 11:07:28 AM6/12/17
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When the water clarity is better, the Canal between Violettes and Pennyfield locks can be good. There is also Widewater which you can reach from Anglers Inn on McArthur Blvd. I understand the water there is now kind of low,. It 's been a few months but you could try the Canal above the Great Falls Tavern, last time I was there it was full.

Mark

Bryan Lanier

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Jun 12, 2017, 1:30:56 PM6/12/17
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Has anybody tried Difficult Run?  (there's your opening, Gene)

Bryan

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Noah BA

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Jun 12, 2017, 9:49:31 PM6/12/17
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First off, hi to everyone. 
I'm a recent transplant from southern California and been lurking on the forum for a while... Thanks for all the great info!!

I fished Difficult run yesterday afternoon, water was really nice, not too low and fairly clear. Lot's of little bass (and a couple almost decent sized ones) and panfish too, both on poppers and buggers. I fished mostly upstream from the parking lot and didn't see anyone else fishing the entire time. 

Cheers, 
Noah
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