Occaquan 2026

[peter odell]

Due to the crazy repricing of the rowboats at fletchers and traffic, I've been fishing the occaquan from my kayak last couple of years.  its been very good generally.

I'm curious about this year with the Potomac issues, Occaquan a clean watershed but the fish still have to get there.

Anyone out there an expert on the river?

Do the stripers show up sooner, during or after the shad? (I've hit several schools late in the season, but may be missing something).

Do the fish get down there earlier since its several miles closer to the eventual ocean?

Any thoughts appreciated.  I try to go mid week at sunrise if anyone looking for someone to paddle with.