Pier Fishing: Don't Fear the Pier

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Pier fishing can involve anything from primitive fishing to an elaborate setup. At our local pier, fishing veterans are always willing to help beginners and there's a great family atmosphere.

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  Call ahead to get a feel for the conditions, or check the Fishing Reports page before you head out to the pier.

You can also go out on the water with Potomac River Charters.

Fishing info can also be found by contacting the Potomac River Fisheries Commission at 222 Taylor Street P.O. Box 9, Colonial Beach, VA 22443, (804) 224-7148; (800) 266-3904.

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Tide Predictions

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Here are the 2012 size/possession limits in PDF format.

Here are size limit cards for 2013

You can also check with Marine Resources or local tackle shops for fishing regulations.

http://www.mrc.state.va.us/Regulations/swrecfishingrules.shtm

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Fishing licenses can be obtained at the PRFC office on Taylor Street Monday thru Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm.

Ken's store can help you get set up for a day of pier fishing.

Ken's Field & Stream 3708 Kings Hwy. (Route 3) Oak Grove, VA 22443 phone: 804-224-7100

Ken's is a Game & Inland Fisheries Agent (also sells freshwater/saltwater recreational fishing and hunting licenses). Ken's is a MRC Automated Agent, meaning they can run the automated licensing system for MRC licenses; they are the only agents that can sell restricted licenses like crab pots and fixed fishing device licenses (pound nets, fyke nets, staked gill nets, crab traps) and the new aquaculture licenses.

Not far from Ken's is Winter Harbor at 3706 Kings Highway which is another authorized agent, as is the Colonial Beach Yacht Center at 1718 Castlewood Drive, next to Dockside Restaurant.

Crabbing from Pier at Colonial Beach Photograph - Colonial Beach, VA
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Items to take with you for a fun day of pier fishing include your fishing gear (rod, reels, bait, knife, pliers, tackle, etc.) as well as sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunblock, etc.) and don't forget the munchies! Bring a cooler with ice and your favorite snacks and drinks. You might also like to have a camera with you to have a visual record of your fun time out on the pier.

Our local piers are:

Colonial Beach Municipal Pier

From Route 205, turn onto Colonial Avenue there at the McDonald's, then take a right onto Washington Avenue at Hunan Diner. Make a left on Hawthorn Street and you'll see the pier at the end of the road.

Westmoreland State Park Fishing Pier From Colonial Beach, take Rt. 205 towards Oak Grove, turn left onto Rt. 3 and follow the signs. Improvements were completed in 2001. The ramp is handicap-accessible and is open to all users of the Park. The pier is covered by a blanket pier license, so those who are pier fishing are not required to have a Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing License. Types of fish often caught here are croaker, spot, white perch and striped bass. The site is also a good spot for crabbing. The Park offers restroom facilities and a snack bar (seasonal). Boat ramps at the Park provide access to the upper and middle Potomac River.

Cat Point Creek Heritage Park Resort Pier 2570 Newland Road, Warsaw, Virginia 22572. From Colonial Beach, take Rt. 205 towards Oak Grove, turn left onto Rt. 3, turn right onto Flat Iron Road and follow the signs to Heritage Park.

...and further on down the road...

Virginia Beach Fishing Pier 14th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 phone (757) 428-2333 or e-mail vabvc@vbgov.com. Pier fishing in on the boardwalk in a resort area. No fishing license required. Hours vary depending on the season. Pier operates from April - October. Call for fall/spring hours. Open 24/7 from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Check out some other Colonial Beach fishing locations

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