Go fish! National Catch and Release Day is April 8

National Catch and Release Day which takes places on April 8 this year, is a day to commend all anglers of varying skills who practice the catch and release method of fishing. It’s also the perfect time to promote this technique that helps conserve native fish species among other recreational anglers. Catch and release fishing improves native fish populations by allowing more fish to remain and reproduce in the ecosystem.

Prince William Parks, Recreation & Tourism offers three locations within the parks system just right for a day of fishing. As a reminder, a fishing license is required.

Lake Ridge Marina

Lake Ridge Marina offers both bank and boat fishing, providing anglers access to the Occoquan Reservoir. The main fish available in the Occoquan Reservoir are largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie, however there are also opportunities for catching channel catfish, flathead catfish, northern pike and white perch.

Lake Ridge Marina offers a “Fisherman’s Special” ($31.00) which includes one tub of night crawlers, choice of drink, choice of snack or candy and a five-hour row boat rental. You can also purchase night crawlers separately.

Locust Shade Park

Bank Fishing is available at our 8-acre pond at Locust Shade all year, weather permitting. Here you can enjoy fishing from the tree-lined banks of this secluded pond and will find native largemouth bass and bluegill. The Virginia Department of Game an Inland Fish stocks channel catfish in the spring and trout between November and April.

Silver Lake Regional Park

Silver Lake Park features a 23-acre lake fed by Little Bull Run Stream. Surrounded by rolling meadows and pine forests, anglers can enjoy a peaceful day of bank fishing for bluegill and largemouth bass in this oasis.