{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Various fishing rules and access during social distancing

There have been a few posts about this, but nothing too comprehensive yet. I'm itching to get out, and have been trying to figure out when or where I can make it happen.

In the spirit of Dan Davala, I decided to waste some time and provide something that's hopefully informative. Hope this helps, and stay safe everyone!

Legality of Fishing

Maryland

According to Maryland DNR, recreation fishing and boating are prohibited, while fishing for food is acceptable. The Maryland Governor's order is in place indefinitely.

DC

The mayor's order allows for people to leave their homes to participate in "Allowable Recreation Activities", see below for details. No explicit allowance or prohibition of fishing.

1. "Allowable Recreational Activities" means outdoor activity with household members that complies with Social Distancing Requirements, as defined in section IV.8 of this Order, and includes the sanitizing of any equipment used both before and after the activity. Outdoor activities should not be conducted with persons other than those from one's own household. 

Examples: Walking, hiking, running, dog-walking, biking, rollerblading, scootering, skateboarding, playing tennis, golfing, gardening, and other activities where all participants comply with Social Distancing Requirements and there is no person-to-person contact. 

This order is in effect until April 24, 2020, but the Mayor's office also predicts that Coronavirus cases will peak in late June/early July, so I would expect an extension.

Virginia

The Virginia governor's order allows individuals to leave their homes for outdoor activities, and opens access to closed Virginia beaches for the purposes of fishing and exercise. It would seem that fishing is an important activity that the Virginia governor allows or encourages. This order is in effect until June 10, or otherwise amended.

Access

DC

The main hub of activity in DC this time of year is Fletcher's Boat House, and it's been mentioned here that access to the parking lot is closed. Access by foot or bike from the C&O would appear to still be open, and you may be able to park near Chain Bridge. However, given the crowds in this area, it might be better to stay away. Closures of the Tidal Basin were just lifted. Access to Rock Creek Park and Anacostia Park appear to still be open.

Virginia

• All state parks are open, pursuant to the governor's order to allow outdoor activity.
• George Washington Parkway has closed all parking lots.
  
• Arlington County has closed all parks, but has left walking paths open.
• Alexandria has closed parking lots of parks, but allows access for those not in cars.
• Fairfax County has also closed parking lots of parks, but keeps trails open for walkers.
  

--
http://www.tpfr.org
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to tidal-potomac-fly-rodders+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/tidal-potomac-fly-rodders/348ad6ba-4a6e-46b3-922d-30e3d0e308d5%40googlegroups.com.