Bordered by the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers, Stafford County, Va. offers a variety of fishing for anglers of all styles and abilities. From the exciting top water action for tidal largemouth bass to the thrill of catching a Northern Snakehead, see for yourself why Stafford is unique.
Get on the Potomac by way of the recently opened Widewater State Park. Located on a peninsula where Aquia Creekand the Potomac Rivermeet, there are two canoe-kayak launches open for use. Hike the trail for views of the water and enjoy a picnic outside. More trails and amenities to come.
Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve on Accokeek Creek provides another access point for fishing in the area. In addition to the ADA-accessible canoe-kayak launch, there are several miles of hiking trails that give you views of the landscape and wildlife.
Once the end of the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad line, Aquia Landing Park is the perfect place to launch from the beach and spend all day reeling in your catch.
Head out on the Rappahannock from the Historic Port of Falmouth or Little Falls Boat Ramp. Depending on your desired trip length, you can take the river all the way down to the Chesapeake Bay.
For some inland fishing, look no further than Stafford’s lakes. In addition to several native species, Lake Mooney is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, red ear sunfish, and bluegill. Fish Curtis Lake from the water or use the public fishing pier on the shore.
Several marinas in the area also offer access to the waterways and supplies to stock up on. With so many ways to fish in Stafford County, do your research and come up with a plan before your visit so you have the most successful strategy out on the water.
National Attention
Fishing in Stafford County has caught the attention of anglers on the national scene.
The Kayak Bass Fishing Trail Series Tournament will be coming to the area in June of 2020 and 2021. Between 150 to 250 anglers in the Mid-Atlantic Region and beyond will compete on the Potomac River to qualify for the regional finals and the series championship.
Retired U.S. Navy officer Chad “Knot Right” Hoover, founder and president of Kayak Bass Fishing, chose Stafford, Va. as a Trail Series destination for several reasons.
“It offers lots of access, world class fishing, ever changing conditions, and the opportunity to experience more than just great fishing,” he said. “There is proximity to so much water and diversity that makes Stafford a great destination for a Kayak Bass Fishing Trail event for years to come.”
Stafford County will also be featured in upcoming episodes of Kayak Bassin, a nationally televised show featured on the World Fishing Network and the Sportsman Channel. Hoover, host of the show, takes a deep dive into adventures off the beaten path where power boats can’t reach with valuable tips and tricks for anglers of all abilities.
This season, Hoover will be jumping into the backwaters and creek arms of the Potomac River where the tidal influence makes the fishing experience more fun and challenging, and the fish tend to be bigger and more tenacious.
“The great thing about this area is that it’s got all these little reservoirs everywhere,” Hoover said. “You’ve got world-famous Potomac River fishing, you’ve got this emerging snakehead trophy fishery, and then you’ve got proximity to a lot of other really cool stuff. It’s a really affordable place to stay in a relaxed kind of country setting when you don’t want to be around the hustle and bustle of D.C. And really, there’s just great fishing everywhere!”
If you have never considered fishing from a kayak, Hoover will show you how it is done. The Stafford episodes will begin airing in 2020, reaching 45 million households and thousands of viewers online.
Stay Awhile
Once you get off the water, explore all of the historical attractions, beautiful parks, art exhibits, excellent golf courses, and outdoor recreation in one of Virginia’s fastest growing counties.
Take a trip to Government Island, which once provided Aquia sandstone to the White House and U.S. Capitol, and learn the rich history of the area on the trails throughout the park. Located just 25 miles north of Stafford County, take the day to see the sights in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Or visit George Washington’s Boyhood Home from ages six to 22 and the place from which the “chopping of the cherry tree” tale originated.
At the Stafford Civil War Park, you can learn about the importance of the region in the 19th century. Head to the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, a Broadway-quality dinner theater and performing arts center, for a dazzling show.
Kick back and relax at one of the four breweries and two wineries in Stafford. Locals and visitors will enjoy their daily and weekly events no matter the season. Take your pick of places to stay for a good night’s rest before another day of adventure.
Centrally located in the Mid-Atlantic region, Stafford is within a day’s drive of 60 percent of the U.S. population. For those coming from further out, three major D.C. Metro Area airports allow for easy access to the area.
Discover the hidden gems that are Stafford’s rivers and lakes when you book your next fishing trip to Virginia’s coast.
Visit tourstaffordva.com/fishing/ for more information on fishing and booking tournaments in Stafford County.
