NOVA Parks News

NOVA Parks has always been an organization dedicated to providing numerous outdoor recreational endeavors for the people, young and old, of the Northern Virginia Region. One of the most beloved activities is fishing.

Throughout NOVA Parks’ parkland, the park authority maintains many beautiful places for anglers to cast their rods and wait for that ever-elusive prize. Whether it be the flowing river waters of Pohick Bay, Occoquan, Fountainhead, Bull Run, Algonkian, White’s Ford, and Seneca Regional Parks, or the calmer waters of Beaverdam Reservoir (currently closed), and Lake Cook at Cameron Run Regional Park, all those who wish to catch a fish can enjoy this timeless pursuit by visiting a NOVA Parks’ park.

This story is not just about NOVA Parks offering fishing areas. It is also a story about how NOVA Parks has worked to get young people interested in the activity and two of the most fondly remembered programs the park authority organized.

First was the Catfish Rodeo; a fun idea that NOVA Parks had to get kids to understand the basics of fishing while making it almost impossible not to reel in at least one fish on their first day trying. The premise was simple. The park authority could use two of its greatest assets, the large pools at Pohick Bay and Bull Run Regional Parks, and stock them with catfish. The kids could stand on the sides while instructors taught them the basics of casting and reeling. At the end of the day, the child who had brought in the most catfish was declared the winner of the rodeo. The idea was enjoyed by all involved, so much so that the event was held for many years. (Above, the main picture shows former parks chairman Walter Mess showing Fairfax County Supervisors Chairman Jack Herrity how to hold his rod at the first rodeo in the 1970s.)

Secondly, NOVA Parks was a big supporter of the Getting Kids Hooked on Fishing initiative. This was also an event that took place for many years and was well attended by many government officials as well as a large number of children of the region. The park authority was always happy to be involved and allowed the different workshops and competitions to be held on our parkland. (Below, Walter Mess and Jean Packard stand with Dep. Secretary of the Interior Frank Bracken and Land Management Assoc. Superintendent Larry Hamilton at the 1991 events.)

Catch a fish and you eat for a day--learn to fish and you eat for life. Teach a child how to enjoy the art of fishing and you pass down both the love of the activity and the love of enjoying the outdoors.

This giant catfish was caught this summer at Fountainhead Regional Park.