Fly Fish The Nation's Capitol: A Guide for the Washington DC Area Angler

The Washington DC area may be known for politics and monuments, but for those in the know, it’s also a surprisingly rich hub for anglers who want to fish for trout, chase the shad run, or explore pristine trout waters from northern Virginia to Maryland. Whether you're a seasoned fly fisherman or just starting out with a fly rod, there are excellent fishing spots just a short drive from the Capitol dome. Here's a complete guide to trout fishing and more fishing opportunities in and around the DC area.

Top Fishing Spots Near Washington DC: From Shad Runs to Trout Streams

The Potomac River watershed is central to the DC fishing scene. Each spring, it hosts the epic shad migration, bringing American shad and hickory shad into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. One of the best places to fish is Fletcher’s Cove, just upriver from Georgetown, where anglers line the banks and rent boats to chase shad and striped bass. It’s a lively, historic fishing spot right in the heart of the Washington DC area, ideal for fly or spinning and fly fishing.

For trout fishing enthusiasts, head north or west from the city. North of Baltimore Gunpowder Falls in Maryland is a great place to fish, offering wild brown trout in cool, clear water just north of DC. This trout stream, often referred to as the Big Gunpowder, flows from Prettyboy Reservoir and supports both catch and release sections and a healthy brown trout population. It’s fly-only in parts, and the tailwater stays fishable year-round. A short drive west can take you into the Catoctin Mountains where Big Hunting Creek has a famous fly fishing only area once frequented by Joe Brooks. 

In northern Virginia, you’ll find even more trout waters. Less than an hour drive west on Interstate 66 lies our private section of Goose Creek in Middleburg. Fly fish for trout in beautiful horse country. You may even see a fox hunt. Stocked rainbow trout in the 14-20" range are ready to take your fly, and it is a great place for a half day or those wanting lessons.

Other options in the area include Graves Mountain lodge on the Rose River in Madison County. This family friendly resort offers a private trout stream experience with rainbow trout, all catch and release, and a stocked pond. Set in the foothills of Shenandoah National Park, Graves Mountain Lodge provides access to many great streams that are home to native brook trout. The Rose, Rapidan, and Conway are all within a short drive. These small mountain streams are ideal for dry fly presentations in the spring and fall.

OUR NOVA LOCATIONS

Fly Fishing Support in the DC Area: Local Fly Shops and Guides

If you’re looking to get geared up, District Angling in Arlington, VA, is a must-visit fly shop. They’re the go-to for everything from fly tying supplies and fly rods to guided local trips. Their fishing guides know the local trout waters well and can help you explore fishing in Virginia or Maryland with skill and precision.

Nearby fly fishing forums and Facebook groups also offer useful updates on flows, hatches, and conditions—especially helpful for tracking the shad fishing season or finding new fishing spots.

Our guided fly fishing trips are available to local smallmouth and regional trout waters. A short drive will get you to: 

• Goose Creek in Middleburg, Virginia.

• Graves Mountain Lodge

• Shenandoah National Park

• Double Spur Outfitters

• Shenandoah River

• Hume Pond

These guided trips often target wild trout and stocked trout, with a focus on dry fly fishing, nymphing, and more technical water techniques and presentations. Smallmouth trips are wading and float options.

Fish Around DC: A Diverse Fishing Experience

Beyond trout, the DC fishing scene offers everything from carp in the tidal basin (yes, really!) to bass fishing for smallmouth bass and rockfish (aka striped bass) on the Potomac River, Shenandoah River, and Rappahannock River. Summer brings popper action on the surface, while deeper holes offer a chance to catch nice fish like largemouth bass or the even the occasional catfish.

The Chesapeake Bay and surrounding rivers provide excellent fishing within reach of the city, making it possible to go from catching native brook trout in a mountain stream to swinging flies for striped bass in tidal waters—all in the same weekend.

Planning Your Fishing Trip in the Washington DC Area

Don’t forget your fishing license—you’ll need a separate one for Virginia, Maryland, and DC, so do you research. Trout waters are typically well-marked and may require special trout stamps or permits for stocked trout or catch and release areas.

Whether you're drawn to the delicate rises of a wild brown trout in a spring creek, the tug of a shad on the Potomac, bass fishing, or a fly fishing adventure for brook trout high in the Blue Ridge, the Washington DC area offers something for every fisherman. So pack your gear, visit a local fly shop, and explore the hidden rivers, creeks, and fishing spots just right near the nation’s capital.

For those new to the fishing world, or experienced anglers wanting to explore new water, this region offers a diverse and rewarding fishing experience—with more places to fish than you might ever expect in and around Washington DC.