Fishing Rock Creek In DC
AKA: Rock River
Popular Fish Species Rock Creek, DC
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Rock Creek has a natural smallmouth bass population. Locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Rock Creek holds a small population of channel catfish. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is fun for all ages.
Bluegill Fishing
Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Rock Creek. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.
Rock Creek Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill and green sunfish at Rock Creek in Washington DC.
Meandering through Rock Creek Park, Rock Creek is located from the far-upper corner of the district running to the southwestern corner where it flows into the Potomac River. This is an ideal spot to fish from the bank and teach youngsters the joy of fishing.
Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are among the most popular fish species found in Rock Creek. Catfish enthusiasts will find Rock Creek rewarding as well, with channel catfish in the creek. For those interested in panfish, Rock Creek is home to bluegill and green sunfish.
There are numerous access points along the approximately 10 miles of the DC portion of the creek. No boat motors are allowed so canoes and kayaks are a popular choice here. Water levels can dictate the wisdom of using watercraft, as it is only practical at higher levels. It is a pleasure to walk the shore and fish for bass, catfish, sunfish and an occasional striped bass. Light tackle and small lures, or live bait, work best.
Primary fish species residing in Rock Creek
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Rock Creek Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: NO
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing License
Click here for a Washington DC Fishing License.
Anglers can enjoy fishing from the banks or wading into the water. Camping facilities are not available directly along the creek.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
There are no RV parks or campgrounds near Rock Creek
Rock Creek DC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Rock Creek
Rock Creek Park
5200 Glover Rd, NW
Washington, DC 20015
202 895-6000
Fishing lakes in each state.
022125
Rock Creek in the District of Columbia.
Information about fishing lakes in Washington DC
Fishing for bass, catfish, sunfish and striped bass in the District of Columbia.
