6 of the Best Fishing Spots Near Leesburg, VA

December 24, 2021 · 3 min read

Fishing is a fantastic outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by all the family, and the lakes, rivers, and streams near Leesburg, VA, offer some of the best fish ing spots that everyone can enjoy. Here are our picks for the best places to drop a hook in the Leesburg area.

1. Franklin Park

This small regional park is home to some spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's situated to the west of Loudon County, and also features a small catch and release pond. The pond is open from dawn to dusk and offers some of the best trout fishing in the area, especially in the spring, when the pond is stocked every two weeks between February and April. There's a limit of six fish per day on trout.

2. Beaverdam Reservoir

Recently sold to Loudon Water, Beaverdam Reservoir covers over 350-acres to the south of Loudon and is primarily a source of drinking water. A new public park is slated to open in 2023, but until then the property can be accessed from 42400, Mt. Hope Ashburn, and Brambleton Community Park. It's open from dawn to dusk. The lake is stocked with several species of fish, and you can fish both from the shore or a kayak.
If you choose to fish from a boat, be aware that only non-motorized “carried craft” can be launched onto the reservoir, meaning canoes, kayaks, and rowing boats are the only type of watercraft that'll be allowed. All anglers over the age of sixteen will need a valid Virginia fishing license.

3. Occoquan Regional Park

Notable for its easy access to the river of the same name, Occoquan Regional Park offers many spots to fish from along the bank. Private boats are also allowed by the park, but visitors can also rent kayaks for the day. Several species of fish can be found in the river, including white perch, crappie, yellow perch, flathead catfish, and channel catfish.

4. Lake Fairfax

Situated to the southeast of Loudon, Lake Fairfax offers fishermen the chance to cast a line for a variety of different species of fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill.

5. Potomac River

The mighty Potomac River is located just to the north of Loudon and offers a huge variety of angling options along its 400 miles of fishable waters. A huge variety of fish are found here, including the iconic striped bass, or rockfish. Look out for them in the summer months when they begin their annual upstream migrations. Also found here are the invasive snakehead, and large and smallmouth bass. Catfish are also present, especially in areas with sunken timber and underwater structures.

6. Fountainhead Regional State Park

The best way to access the 5,000-acre Occoquan Reservoir is through Fountainhead Park. Here, you can catch bass, crappie, perch, and bluegill, amongst other species. You can also make use of the bait and tackle shop, and fish either from the floating dock or fishing pier.
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Mar 25, 2022 in Things to Do in Leesburg

4 Incredible Outdoor Activities Near Leesburg, VA

Leesburg, VA is a beautiful town well-known for its picturesque tree-lined streets and the abundant greenery of its surroundings. When the sun's out and the weather's warm, there are many wonderful ways to spend your day here. Let's take a look at four of the best outdoor activities on offer. Leesburg Animal Park If you're looking for something to do with your children, there are few better options than this charming petting zoo. Leesburg Animal Park is a family-run operation with all kinds of animals to meet, pet, and feed. You can stroll through an enclosed field of llamas, goats, and sheep, and also see alpacas, donkeys, pigs, cows, ducks, and more. There are tons of fun activities to partake in, such as wagon rides around the grounds. You can also ride ponies and even camels on select weekends. The outdoor and indoor playgrounds mean you can fill an entire afternoon with entertainment. Just be sure to catch one of their live animal shows before you leave. Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park If you're in more of an educational, historical mood, pay a visit to the site of one of the region's largest civil war engagements. At this peaceful park, you can take a tour with one of their volunteer guides and learn all about the exciting stories of that tumultuous time. There are authentic cannons on display, and a national graveyard built in commemoration of the heroes of that battle. You can also stroll through the park on your own, picking up tidbits of knowledge from the many interpretive signs on the trails. From high on the bluff, there are wonderful views of the Potomac River, and plenty of benches to stop for a picnic. The Golf Club at Lansdowne If you're into golf, why not practice your swing across the 45 holes of three championship courses at the area's finest golf club? The stunning greens at The Golf Club at Lansdowne were designed by world-renowned golf course designers Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones. Blending with a larger resort property, this club now stands as one of the most prestigious clubs in the entire country. It's well worth a visit. Camping at Broad Creek If you'd rather escape into the great outdoors, far from the hustle and bustle of town, then you really can't beat this well-equipped, totally-secluded campground. It's set deep in the woods, far from the nearest sleepy road, with a great deal of shade provided by overhead foliage. Your tent site is located near a beautiful creek that's teeming with darters, bluegill, bass, and sunfish, making it a perfect spot for fans of fishing. There's also a fire pit for cooking your catch or any barbecue food you bring along with you. Best of all, there are no other campsites nearby, so you have all the privacy and quiet you could desire. Whichever of these outdoor adventures you go for, we hope you have a blast. On your way home, pay a visit to Dulles Motorcars of Leesburg. Since 1990, we've been helping out the local drivers of Leesburg and all of Loudoun County. We strive to offer the region's very best service to each and every customer who steps through our doors.

Feb 18, 2022 in Things to Do in Leesburg

3 Kid-Friendly Activities for Families in Leesburg, VA

Finding good all-around family entertainment can challenging sometimes. Fortunately, if you're in Leesburg, VA, that's not a problem. We have numerous kid-friendly activities available. Whether you're 8 or 80 or anywhere in between, we have fun and exciting things to do. These are our favorite places to visit when we have little ones in tow. Inside Ski Training Center Whether you're an experienced skier or a beginner who's never been on a slope before, this ski center has something for you. They have packages for adults and kids to learn or practice skiing ad snowboarding. They offer one-hour sessions with a qualified instructor, who can teach you everything you need to know. They also offer a four-lesson plan that gives you a discount. Kids asking lessons are for ages 6 - 12, and snowboarding lessons are for ages 8 - 12. Adults aren't forgotten, as there are group and private lessons available too. This venue provides all the fun of skiing but in a safe and carefully controlled environment. Unlike regular ski slopes, there are no hidden rocks or other potential dangers, so you can relax and enjoy your trip down the slope. Their address is 34 Catoctin Cir SE Ste B Pro-Fit Ski & Mountain Sports, and they're open Tuesday to Sunday. Leesburg Animal Park Everyone loves animals, and this park has some of the cutest animals around. Creatures living here include gibbons, sloths, squirrel monkeys, and camels. They feature live animal shows, wagon rides around the park, and an animal petting and feeding barn. Kids will be thrilled at the antics of the goats, cute ducklings, and the curious camels. Ollivander, the tame raven is a particular delight to young and old alike. The zookeepers are friendly, fun, and good at teaching children about these beautiful creatures and the worlds they live in. You can also book pony rides, a half-hour meeting with Sylvia, the beautiful two-toed Linnes sloth. Other personal animal meetings are arranged by request. The park can be found at 19246 James Monroe Highway. Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park This park features several hiking trails, including a 1.5-mile loop trail that skirts the Potomac River. The park is dog-friendly, but dogs do need to be kept on a lead due to the sometimes difficult terrain. There are ruins of old 19th-century farm buildings in the area that provide a great setting for a supervised game of hiding and seek. The park covers 67 acres, and most trails are suitable for all ages. Trails are marked according to their difficulty, so more strenuous ones should be avoided when you're hiking with the kids. There are no concession stands in the park. You can bring a picnic, but benches are not provided. The park is located at 43098 Edwards Ferry Road. Spending the day with family can remind you that a bigger car is a good choice. Come into Dulles Motorcars Subaru today: we have the perfect vehicle for you.

Jan 28, 2022 in Things to Do in Leesburg

5 Great Day Trips to Take Near Leesburg, VA

If you're heading to Leesburg, VA you're in for a treat. Named for the ancestors of Robert E. Lee who were were early leaders of the town, Leesburg is the county seat of Loudoun County. Caught between the Potomac River and Catoctin Mountain you will find yourself surrounded by natural splendor and scenic drives. To make the most of your time in the area stick with our guide to find some of the best road trips in the state. 1. Great Falls Park and the Potomac Heritage Trail The Great Falls Park is very aptly named. Here you will find some of the most astounding waterfalls in Virginia along the length of the Potomac River. The area profits from over 15 miles of premium hiking trails through the clifftop of the Mather Gorge. The historians among you may enjoy seeking out evidence of Native American petroglyphs from their habitation of the area, or remnants of the Great Falls and Old Dominion Railroad which ran through the region. 2. George Washington Memorial Parkway From the Great Falls Park, you could choose to drive on to the foot of Mount Vernon along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. If this sounds like it's for you, you will pass important historical sites such as the Iwo Jima Memorial, inspired by an iconic second world war photograph of six Marines who had scaled Mount Suribachi during the battle of Iwo Jima, and the Arlington National Cemetery, a 639-acre military cemetery for the fallen from American wars. 3. Theodore Roosevelt Island Arriving at Mount Vernon from the George Washington Memorial Parkway you will find yourself in the vicinity of Theodore Roosevelt Island. If you had hiking or biking in mind you could park up at Mount Vernon and follow the Mount Vernon trail backward to its origin at Theodore Roosevelt Island along the river. Here you will find a further boardwalk trail over marshland and a memorial to the President for whom it is named. 4. Manassas National Battlefield Moving away from the Potomac River, further fun for amateur historians can be found at the Manassas, the site of no less than two historic battlegrounds from the American Civil War. There are more hiking trails on offer here, which we would recommend as the best way to familiarise yourself with the rich history of the area, guided by a selection of informational panels along the routes. 5. Shenandoah National Park Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah National Park is caught between the Shenandoah River and valley to the West and the Virginia Piedmont to the East. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery the best bet here is to drive the 105-mile road, the Skyline Drive, that traverses the entire park. We'd recommend stopping for plenty of micro-hikes, in particular around Hawksbill and Stony Man mountains. With so much natural beauty and so many sites of special historical importance on offer in the area, a car is a must-have to fully enjoy your trip. If you are in the market for a new vehicle, be sure to come on down to Dulles Motorcars to test drive a new or used vehicle today.