The main species of interest at Occoquan are largemouth bass, bluegill,
and crappie, but opportunities exist for anglers to catch channel
catfish, flathead catfish, northern pike, and white perch. No matter the
skill level, technique of choice, or time of year, the tastes of all
anglers should be satisfied while fishing at Occoquan.
Largemouth Bass
The
largemouth bass fishing is exceptional at Occoquan. Currently, the
population is diverse, with bass found in all size classes up to about
21 inches. Good numbers of fish are available in the 4-6 pound range
with an occasional larger fish mixed into the bag.
Routine population
sampling conducted by fisheries biologists provides the Department with
information pertaining to the status of the fishery. Comparisons can be
made between electrofishing samples conducted during different years,
which allows biologists to assess changes to the fishery. One index used
by biologists is the CPE-P or catch per effort of preferred fish. The
CPE-P for largemouth bass is the number of fish 15 inches or larger that
are collected per hour of effort. Occoquan Reservoir was last sampled
in 2007, and based on those numbers and rankings, it was the best place
to fish for big bass in the District. This is even more noteworthy
considering its large size and its comparisons to many reservoirs that
were much smaller (catch rates are usually higher in small water
bodies).
Heavy fishing pressure with ample habitat and abundant
forage may make it more difficult to consistently catch fish. Patience
is the key; anglers willing to try different techniques and lures to
match the prevailing conditions should find success. Largemouth bass
typically are found in transition areas between different habitats,
particularly around heavy cover. Anglers should concentrate their
efforts in these areas, fishing with a variety of lures such as plastic
worms, jigs, spinner baits, or crank baits.
Black and White Crappie
Occoquan
Reservoir has a very good crappie fishery and anglers should
concentrate on areas with structure during the early spring. Anglers
consistently catch fish around boat docks, fish attractors, or brush
piles. Crappie can be successfully caught by a variety of methods
ranging from small jigs, spinners, or flies fished with ultra light
spinning gear or anglers may desire more traditional tactics such as
fishing small minnows with a cane pole and bobber. Remember that
crappies are a schooling fish, and once a fish is caught it is likely
that several more will be caught with in close proximity. White crappie
typically run larger; and, with the closure of Lake Manassas, Occoquan
is the only District lake to offer white crappie.
Bluegill
The
bluegill population has dropped considerably since the early 1990's,
but the population remains in balance. Fair numbers of bluegill are
found in the 5-7 inch range at Occoquan, which provides anglers' ample
opportunity to fish for this delightful pan fish. Bream fishing does not
have to be complicated. Anglers may use live bait such as worms or
crickets with hopes of enticing a strike. Some anglers prefer to use
ultra light spinning gear or fly fishing gear to present small lures or
flies. Pound for pound, there's not a fish that fights any harder than a
scrappy bluegill. Bream are easy to catch which makes them ideal for
introducing young children to the sport of fishing.
Channel Catfish
Occoquan
provides a good channel catfish fishery for anglers living close to the
Beltway. Channel catfish were first stocked into Occoquan Reservoir in
1964 and were stocked annually afterwards until 1978. Stocking of
channel catfish occurred on alternate years between 1981-1991. A good
fishery has developed since those initial stockings and the channel
catfish population is self-sustaining. Channel catfish are not currently
stocked into the reservoir since there is adequate natural
reproduction. Anglers can expect to catch fish in the 14-20 inch range,
with most fish averaging about 2 pounds.
Flathead Catfish
Twelve
flathead catfish were stocked into Occoquan Reservoir in 1965. Since
that initial introduction a fantastic fishery has developed which
produced the state record flathead catfish catch of 66 pounds 4 oz.,
caught and released by Mike Willems in May 1994. Anglers may want to
concentrate their efforts in areas around rocky bluffs in close
proximity to deep water. Live bream are the bait of choice and are often
fished on the bottom with a slip sinker rig.
Northern Pike
Northern
pike were stocked into Occoquan in 2001 at a rate of 0.5 fish per acre.
Anglers should expect to encounter these fish in 2-4 years. Northern
pike were stocked to prey on the abundant alewife and gizzard shad
populations present with in the reservoir and should provide a trophy
element to the fishery.
Kate Mathis
powder or granules
The
tidal Occoquan has white perch, striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie,
yellow perch, flathead catfish, and channel catfish. Herring and shad
provide plenty of action for dip-netters and hook-and-line fishermen
each spring.