--- title: "Washington Fishing" url: https://www.herewashingtondc.com/fishing-washington-dc/ date: 2026-06-22T16:13:26-04:00 modified: 2026-06-22T16:25:51-04:00 author: "" site: "HERE Washington DC" attribution: "HERE Washington DC" --- # Washington Fishing *Source: [HERE Washington DC](https://www.herewashingtondc.com/fishing-washington-dc/) β€” June 22, 2026 by * HEREWashingtonDC # Washington DC Fishing Report Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, DOEE regulations, and community fishing coverage for {{COUNTY}} lakes and rivers. Bass: Hot Bite Crappie: Active Catfish: Active 3 Waters Profiled **3** Waters Profiled **Live** Conditions **Solunar** Rating **2026** Season First Look β€’ Fishing Conditions 🌘 Waning Crescent Illumination: 33% Air Temp 79Β°F Est. Water 76Β°F Wind 10 mph Pressure 1015 as of 12:40 PM ET Very Good β€” decreasing moon builds toward new moon peak. Dawn and dusk feeding surges expected. 94 EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. {{COUNTY}} β€’ Washington, D.C. SC Your Local *Fishing Resource* HEREWashingtonDC is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and DOEE regulations across {{COUNTY}}. Use the waters list to find lakes, rivers, and reservoirs near you, the regulations section for current limits, and the guides directory to book a trip. Current Conditions β€’ Washington Waters Species *Status* Largemouth Bass HOT Fall feeding frenzy. Bass are chasing shad and blueback herring. Crankbaits and swimbaits dominate. **Top Bait**Crankbait, Swimbait, Jig **Depth**10-20 ft structure Smallmouth Bass FAIR River smallmouth in deeper holes and pools. Slower presentations required. **Top Bait**Tube Jig, Crawfish Pattern, Ned Rig **Depth**Shoal tail-outs, 3-12 ft Crappie ACTIVE Pre-spawn or fall pattern. Crappie suspending over deeper structure. **Top Bait**Small Tube Jig, Live Minnow, Slip Float **Depth**12-20 ft brush Catfish ACTIVE Catfish feeding well in spring and fall. Target deeper holes and channel swings. **Top Bait**Cut Shad, Chicken Liver, Prepared Stink Bait **Depth**Channel edges, 10-30 ft Bluegill / Bream FAIR Bluegill in slower mode. Small jigs under a float near dock pilings and woody structure. **Top Bait**Cricket, Worm, Small Jig (1/32 oz) **Depth**Spawning: 1-4 ft. Non-spawn: dock edges 4-10 ft Trout ACTIVE Trout active in stocked waters. Cold water temperatures keep fish feeding. **Top Bait**PowerBait, Night Crawler, Inline Spinner **Depth**Stocked areas β€” designated lakes and streams Species status is based on seasonal patterns and current conditions for {{COUNTY}} waters. Always verify DOEE regulations for creel limits, size minimums, and any current advisories before heading out. [Report a Bite Update](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-bite-update) Fishing Report Partners [Dick's Sporting Goods](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/c/fishing) [Bass Pro Shops](https://www.basspro.com) [REI Co-op](https://www.rei.com/c/fishing) [Academy Sports](https://www.academy.com/fishing) First Look Weather & *Fishing Conditions* 79F Clear Feels like 78Β°F as of 12:40 PM ET Wind 10 mph NW Humidity 34% Pressure 1015 hPa Est. Water Temp 76Β°F Moon Waning Crescent Sunrise / Sunset 7:09 am / 6:41 pm Location Washington, SC On-the-Water Tips - Falling barometric pressure activates feeding. Fish are on the move β€” work moving baits and cover water quickly. Solunar Index Fishing *Conditions Dashboard* Air Temperature 79Β°F Optimal Bite Wind Speed 10 mph Light Breeze Barometric Pressure 1015 hPa Falling β€” Feeding! Moon Phase 🌘 Good EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. Extended Outlook 5-Day Fishing *Forecast* TODAY Sunny 77Β° / 53Β° 12 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity GOOD FRI Sunny 74Β° / 55Β° 5 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity GOOD SAT Partly Sunny 73Β° / 59Β° 4 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity GOOD SUN Rain Showers 68Β° / 63Β° 9 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity GOOD COL Chance Rain Showers 72Β° / 61Β° 9 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity GOOD Lakes & Rivers Water Body *Profiles* 3 fishing waters within {{COUNTY}} β€” with species, access, tips, and restrictions. Potomac River D.C. Waters RIVER Washington, D.C. Blue Catfish Channel Catfish Brown Bullhead Smallmouth Bass Largemouth Bass Snakehead Sunfish White Perch Yellow Perch DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac river fish because PCBs and other contaminants continue to be found in certain species. Do not eat eel, carp, striped bass or largemouth bass. A DC fishing license is required for anyone 16–64 fishing District waters, even from the Virginia shoreline or National Park lands. Licenses are sold online only. Angler Tip American shad, the DC state fish, migrates into D.C. waters every year to spawn; possession of shad and river herring is prohibited. DOEE rules (19 DCMR Ch. 15). 2026 striped bass season May 16–Dec. 31: 1 fish/day, 19–24 in. Shad and river herring may not be kept. Field Guide Coming Soon Anacostia River D.C. Waters RIVER Washington, D.C. Blue Catfish Channel Catfish Brown Bullhead Smallmouth Bass Largemouth Bass Snakehead Sunfish White Perch Yellow Perch DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac river fish because PCBs and other contaminants continue to be found in certain species. Do not eat eel, carp, striped bass or largemouth bass. A DC fishing license is required for anyone 16–64 fishing District waters, even from the Virginia shoreline or National Park lands. Licenses are sold online only. Angler Tip See 50 or more dead fish floating? Report the fish kill to DOEE’s Fisheries and Wildlife Division at (202) 535-2260. DOEE rules (19 DCMR Ch. 15). 2026 striped bass season May 16–Dec. 31: 1 fish/day, 19–24 in. Shad and river herring may not be kept. Field Guide Coming Soon Rock Creek D.C. Waters CREEK Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C. DOEE’s fish consumption advisory covers the Potomac and Anacostia and their tributaries, including Rock Creek, within the District. A DC fishing license is required in Rock Creek Park. Digging for bait in Rock Creek Park is prohibited (19 DCMR 1503.3). Angler Tip DOEE’s District Fishing Reports list what is biting, the best places to fish, and upcoming angling opportunities. DOEE rules (19 DCMR Ch. 15). 2026 striped bass season May 16–Dec. 31: 1 fish/day, 19–24 in. Shad and river herring may not be kept. Field Guide Coming Soon Did We Miss a Spot? Know a Washington-area fishing lake, pond, or river stretch that should be on this list? Let us know. [Report a Fishing Spot](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-fishing-spot) Local Experts Field *Guides* Hire a local fishing guide and put your line on the right water in Washington. Expert captains who know {{COUNTY}} waters. CP Cliff Pitts Veteran Lake Wylie guide specializing in striped bass and crappie. Lake Wylie Catawba River [(803) 555-0100](tel:8035550100) Guide Service or Charter Captain? Get listed in the Field Guides section and reach active anglers across {{COUNTY}} and the HERE City Network. [List Your Guide Service](/contact/) [Launch Special$1 a day for up to 90 days β€” Best deal in Washington Reach all the Fishing traffic in Washington β€” it’s a deal! Find out how](#fr-banner-form) Launch Special Your Banner *Here* $1/day Up to **90 days** at the launch rate. Cancel anytime. - Drop us your website URL β€” we build the banner for you - Runs above the **Community Reviews** section - No contract. No setup fee. Cancel anytime. - Local Washington anglers see your business every visit Your Name * Business Name * Website URL * Email * Phone (optional) How long would you like to reserve it? Daily $1 Weekly $7 30 days $30 60 days $60 90 days $90 Lock in $1/day β€” Build my banner No payment now. We email a preview within one business day. Your launch rate is locked when you approve. Community Reviews I Fished *Here* Share Your Trip Fished a Washington-area lake or river? Tell us about it in 280 characters or fewer. Water Body Fished * Select a water body... Potomac River Anacostia River Rock Creek Other Lake / Pond Other River / Creek Your First Name * How Was the Fishing? * (280 characters max) Species Caught Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill / Bream Trout Multiple Species Other Lure / Bait That Worked Best Spot / Area on the Water Submit Review Community Here *We...* Reel Them *In...* Big catches, personal bests, and tournament fish from Washington anglers. Your First Name * Where Did You Catch It? Species * Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill Trout Other Weight / Length / Details Tell Us About It * (200 chars max) Photo or Video (optional, max 8MB) Submit Catch Cast Them *Cold...* Your favorite post-fishing spots. Where do you go when the rods are stowed? Your First Name * Bar / Restaurant Name * Go-To Drink Why This Spot? * (200 chars max) Photo of the Bar or Drink (optional, max 8MB) Submit Pick Coverage Fishing News *HERE* Presented by [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Local β€” Washington and Washington, D.C. Coming Soon Local Washington Fishing Coverage Coming Soon Local lake reports, stocking news, tournament results, and Washington, D.C. fishing coverage from the HEREWashingtonDC newsroom. National β€” Bass, Fishing Regulations, and Conservation Coming Soon National National Fishing Coverage Coming Soon Bass fishing news, conservation legislation, national tournament results, gear reviews, and fishing stories with a Washington perspective. [View All Washington Fishing Coverage β†’](/tag/fishing-herewashingtondc-dc/) More at Outdoor Sports Hunting, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for Washington and Washington, D.C. SC [See All at Outdoor Sports](/outdoor-sports/) Partner [Advertise Here](/section-sponsorship/) Tackle, Rods and Reels Essential *Gear HERE* Gear reviews and picks for the Washington angler β€” rods, reels, tackle, and kayaks tested for Washington, D.C. SC waters. Presented by [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/) Shop our hand-picked fishing gear on Amazon. Free Prime shipping, easy returns. [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Gear Reviews β€” Tested for Washington, D.C. SC Waters As an Amazon Associate, HERE earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=herewashingtondc-20 Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with… Rod Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $26.96 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=herewashingtondc-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=herewashingtondc-20 HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B… Lure Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $22.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=herewashingtondc-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=herewashingtondc-20 Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in… Reel Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $129.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=herewashingtondc-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=herewashingtondc-20 Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an… Fish Finder Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $159.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=herewashingtondc-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=herewashingtondc-20 Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS … Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS …. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1399.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=herewashingtondc-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=herewashingtondc-20 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY… Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1699.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=herewashingtondc-20) Tackle Shop, Guide Service, or Marina? Get featured in the Essential Gear section and reach active anglers across the HERE City Network β€” 100+ cities. [Learn About Gear Advertising](/contact/) District of Columbia DNR DOEE *Regulations* License requirements, bag limits, and size limits for {{COUNTY}} waters. Always verify current regulations at dnr.sc.gov. SC Fishing Licenses SC Resident Annual Age 16+ required to fish all public waters $10.00 SC Resident Senior (65+) Reduced rate for SC residents age 65 and over $5.00 Non-Resident Annual Required for all non-SC residents age 16+ $35.00 Non-Resident 3-Day Short-term license for visiting anglers $11.00 Free Fishing Days May 25 (Memorial Weekend) and July 4 β€” no license required FREE Boating Permit (Lakes) Washington Water / SJWD permit required for Lake Bowen, Blalock, Cooley, Lyman Varies Bag & Size Limits β€” Washington Waters Largemouth Bass 5 combined black bass **Min Size:**No statewide minimum; 14" on Lake Blalock and select lakes Per DOEE eRegulations. Combined limit includes smallmouth, redeye, spotted. Smallmouth Bass See black bass limit **Min Size:**12" minimum statewide Per SC Code 50-13-210. Pacolet and Tyger rivers included in 5-fish combined. Crappie (Black & White) 20 per day **Min Size:**8" minimum statewide Per SC Code 50-13-220. 8-inch size limit effective 2012. Blue Catfish 25 per day **Min Size:**Only 2 fish over 32" per person Per DOEE eRegulations. Lake Edwin Johnson: 3 catfish creel limit. Bluegill / Bream 30 per day statewide **Min Size:**No minimum Per DOEE eRegulations. Lake Edwin Johnson: 10 bream creel limit. Redbreast sunfish: 15/day separately. Trout (all species) 5 per day trout season **Min Size:**No minimum (stocked) Stocking schedule posted by DOEE each season Special Rules & Alerts for Washington Waters - **Lake Bowen & Blalock:** Boating permit required from Washington Water. Gas motor HP restrictions β€” check current Washington Water rules before launching. - **Lake Blalock Special:** 14-inch minimum size for black bass. 5 combined black bass daily limit. Check closure status after Hurricane Helene impacts. - **Lake Craig & Edwin Johnson:** No gasoline engines β€” electric trolling motors only. Lake Edwin Johnson also enforces DOEE creel limits: 10 bream, 3 bass, 3 catfish. - **Free Fishing Days 2026:** May 25 (Memorial Day weekend) and July 4 β€” no fishing license required on these two days. - **Rivers (Pacolet, Tyger, Lawson's Fork):** Statewide creel limits apply. No boating permits required. DOEE fishing license required for anglers 16+. Regulations shown are for general reference. Always verify current rules with the SC Department of Natural Resources at **dnr.sc.gov** or by calling the DOEE Wildlife Helpline. Regulations may change each season. Municipal reservoir rules (Washington Water, SJWD) are set separately from DOEE. Spawn Timing & Key Dates Season *Calendar* Feb – Mar Crappie Pre-Spawn Begins Crappie begin staging near structure in 6-10 ft. Lake Cooley and Blalock bridge areas. All Lakes Late Mar – Apr Crappie Spawn Peak Peak spawn in shallows 2-6 ft. Lake Cooley late March through April. Best crappie fishing of the year. All Lakes Mar – May Largemouth Bass Spawn Bass move shallow when water reaches 60Β°F+. Lake Bowen docks and Blalock brush piles. All Lakes Apr – May Bluegill / Bream Spawning Bream spawn in gravel shallows. Easy catching near Lake Craig ramp and Edwin Johnson pier. All Lakes May (DOEE) Spring Trout Stocking DOEE stocks select Washington area waters. Check stocking schedule at dnr.sc.gov. Select Waters May 25, 2026 Free Fishing Day β€” Memorial Weekend No SC fishing license required. All public waters. Great day to introduce new anglers. Statewide June – Aug Summer Bass & Catfish Peak Fish early/late for bass. Catfish bite all night in summer heat on Lake Bowen and Pacolet. All Waters July 4, 2026 Free Fishing Day β€” Independence Day No SC fishing license required. All public waters. July 4 Family Fishing Day. Statewide Sep – Oct Fall Bass Turnover & Feed Lake turnover triggers aggressive bass feeding. Topwater produces in early morning on all Washington lakes. All Lakes Oct – Nov Fall Crappie Run Second best crappie window. Fish deeper 12-18 ft as water cools. Lake Cooley points. All Lakes Nov (DOEE) Fall Trout Stocking DOEE fall trout stocking program. Check dnr.sc.gov for {{COUNTY}} schedule. Select Waters Dec (TBD) Tournament Season Begins Local bass club tournaments. Check HEREWashingtonDC for local tourney dates. Local Lakes Spawn timing is approximate and based on typical {{COUNTY}} water temperature patterns. Actual timing varies by year and water body. DOEE trout stocking schedules are published annually β€” visit dnr.sc.gov for exact dates and stocking locations. Questions and Answers Fishing *FAQ* Common questions about fishing in the Washington area, answered. - Do I need a fishing license to fish in Washington SC? Yes. All anglers age 16 and older need a SC fishing license to fish public waters in {{COUNTY}}. SC residents pay $10 for an annual freshwater license. Non-residents pay $35 annually or $11 for a 3-day license. Licenses are available at DOEE.sc.gov or at local sporting goods and tackle shops. Two Free Fishing Days β€” May 25 (Memorial weekend) and July 4 β€” require no license. - What are the best fishing lakes near Washington SC? {{COUNTY}} has four public fishing lakes. Lake Bowen (1,534 acres) near Inman is the largest and best for largemouth bass and crappie. Lake Blalock (1,200 acres) near Chesnee is excellent for crappie around the bridge pilings and Buck's Creek. Lake Cooley (330 acres) is the clearest and holds the county's biggest crappie. Lake Lyman (500 acres) produces high numbers of smaller crappie. Lake Craig and Lake Edwin Johnson offer peaceful fishing with electric motors only. All municipal lakes require a boating permit from Washington Water or SJWD. - When is the best time to fish for crappie in Washington? The best crappie fishing in {{COUNTY}} is during the spring spawn, which typically runs from late March through April when water temperatures reach 55-65 degrees F. Fish move into shallower water (2-6 feet) around structure, brush piles, and bridge pilings. Lake Cooley is the top pick for big crappie during the spawn. Lake Blalock's bridge area and stump flats near the dam are also productive. A second run occurs in fall (October-November) when fish stage deeper at 12-18 feet as water cools. - Can you kayak fish on {{COUNTY}} lakes? Yes β€” kayak fishing is well-suited for Washington lakes, especially the smaller electric-only lakes. Lake Craig at Croft State Park offers kayak and canoe rentals ($5 for 2 hours) β€” you can bring your own or rent on-site with no boating permit required for human-powered craft. The Pacolet River and Tyger River system are excellent for kayak fishing β€” both offer scenic float trips combining paddling and bass fishing. The Pacolet River Blueway (50+ miles) includes multiple put-in and take-out points. Electric-only rules at Lake Edwin Johnson also make it kayak-ideal. - What species can I catch in the Pacolet and Tyger Rivers? The Pacolet River is Washington's best-kept secret β€” a diverse bass fishery with largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, and rock bass in rocky shoals. Catfish (channel, blue, and flathead) are abundant. The Tyger River system features smallmouth bass introduced by DOEE, Alabama bass, Bartram's bass, largemouth, and various sunfish. Both rivers offer excellent catch-and-release bass fishing exceeding 18 inches. Fly fishing for bass on subsurface patterns is particularly productive on the Pacolet near Glendale Shoals. Access multiple road crossings for wade fishing or run float trips by kayak. - Do Washington lakes get trout stocked? DOEE stocks select {{COUNTY}} waters with trout, typically in spring and fall when water temperatures are suitable. Stocking locations and schedules are posted annually on the DOEE website at dnr.sc.gov β€” search for the freshwater trout stocking report. The standard trout bag limit is 5 per day during stocking season. Check the current DOEE schedule for specific lakes and streams stocked near Washington. Lake Edwin Johnson (managed by DOEE) has historically received stocking β€” verify current status with DOEE.