Fishing

Fishing on South Fork Quantico Creek.

National Park Service.

 

National Park Service.

Fishing on the South Fork Quantico Creek.

Prince William Forest Park protects the North and South Fork of the Quantico Creek as well as 80% of the Quantico Creek Watershed. Within the park’s boundaries are approximately eighteen miles of streams and two impoundments which are open to the public for fishing. The water quality of Quantico Creek is generally healthy and supports numerous fish species and other aquatic life. Most commonly found species include bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.

Fishing is permitted anywhere along the South Fork and Quantico Creeks. Two small lakes, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s, are also great fishing spots. These lakes sit adjacent to the park's cabin camps (unless you are renting a cabin camp) and can only be reached by foot.

Visitors may also fish at Breckenridge Reservoir though, again, this area can only be reached by foot and no watercraft is allowed. To access the Breckenridge Reservoir from Prince William Forest Park you will need to receive a backcountry permit from the visitor center any day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Regulations
To help the park manage its resources, we ask that the public observe the following regulations.

• Fishing shall be in accordance with Virginia fishing regulations.
• A fishing license issued by the state of Virginia is required for those who are age 16 and older.
• Fishing licenses, creel and tackle may be checked for compliance by any law enforcement officer.
• The use of live bait is prohibited.
• Fishing from road bridges is prohibited. Disposing of fish viscera on park property is prohibited.
• Fishing in areas closed to public use is prohibited. These areas are designated on the enclosed map and by posted signs. Failure to avoid use of these areas may result in a fine. These areas include:
• • The west bank of Lake Five
  • the east bank of Lake One
  • Carters Pond and Lake Three.

Fishing Season:
Park waters are open to fishing year round, except when frozen waters do not permit fishing access from the shoreline.

Catch Limits:
Bass is limited to five per day with no minimum size. Pickerel is limited to eight per day with no minimum size. All other fish: There is no catch limit and no minimum size.

Note: This is only a guide and is not all inclusive. Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations is applicable to the park. For further information, please contact the park’s visitor center at 703-221-7181.