Late April DC Trip

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Paul V

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Jan 27, 2026, 4:38:12 PM (4 days ago) Jan 27
to Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders
My wife has a training in Arlington toward the end of April, and I was hoping to tag along and bring my fly rod(s). I'm from the Pacific NW and Alaska, and I'd be interested in many different species. Any thoughts on what I could expect/bring etc?

Thanks!

Paul

Misha Gill

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Jan 27, 2026, 4:50:23 PM (4 days ago) Jan 27
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End of April is Shad season so you would have very easy access to great fishing right at Fletcher's Cove inside the beltway. It's a bit of a funky place to get to, but once you're there, you can rent a boat and get into fish really easily. Although, I have to wonder how this sewage spill is going to affect our fishing this year. There's a strong possibility I am going to be fishing for shad in PPE. Otherwise, some favorite "urban fishery" spots are the Tidal Basin, Roosevelt Island, the Billy Goat trail pond (I've never fished it but it's legendary. Legendary does not necessarily imply its good). Check out the TPFR map for spots! 



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Rob Snowhite

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Jan 28, 2026, 9:08:34 AM (3 days ago) Jan 28
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Paul, 

If weather cooperates you may be in for some amazing fishing. Bring a 6wt to 8wt with a sinking line and a floater just in case. Flies for spring fishing are basic. A 4" Clouser and a 1" Clouser will cover all the bait in the river. You can DM me for any questions about the spring fishery if you want to talk more. This forum will pickup when shad season starts. 

I'm hoping that most of the river is dormant now and the poo spill won't have a massive impact. Plenty of poopsicles around the river right now. 

The Tidal Basin is another great spot. The new section of sea wall is complete and if they don't put in cherry trees soon we will have loads of back casting space. 

Check the forum for older spring posts. 


Rob Snowhite




Sean Fine

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Jan 29, 2026, 1:13:42 PM (2 days ago) Jan 29
to Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders

Hey Paul,

Depending on whether you have a car or not, the Potomac is great that time of year. Weather and river flow will dictate things, but the Potomac at Fletcher’s Boathouse is a lot of fun. If possible, rent a boat. Just tie on a few shad darts, bring a 6wt with a sinking line, and have fun.

For schoolie stripers, which might also be in the river at that time, an 8wt with Clousers works great.

If you do have a car and want to head upriver for smallmouth, there are plenty of great spots to wade or float, that are also very scenic, again depending on river flow. I usually fish a 7wt for smallies, but you can get away with a 6 or an 8.

Feel free to direct message me. I’d be happy to share some spots and more details on flies.

Sean

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