{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Illegal to wade Gravelly Point

I asked this exact question to VDIF and was put in touch with John Odenkirk.  Here was his response:

Hi Gene.  I'm a biologist that covers the NOVA area, and I've lived, fished and worked here most of my life.  I've never heard of anything such as you describe, and I am inclined to suggest you disregard this bit of hearsay.   There is no logical reason for a Park Police Officer (assume NPS) to tell anyone that they cannot wade in a Commonwealth stream.  Even if the land is under NPS jurisdiction (perhaps along the Parkway – see http://www.nps.gov/gwmp/mvt-safety.htm), but even then; there should be no issue with wading.  I agree with your assertions and will fight to make sure you can practice your hobby in your favorite stream.  Please let me know if you have any issues.  

PS – the NPS has recently taken a very aggressive stance with anglers and boaters in the Dyke March vicinity, and it has become apparent that some folks are not aware of appropriate rules and regulations that govern these activities.    As for our ramp at Gravelly Point, I have been there numerous times; and the facility seems to be functioning as designed.  Of course, this means some of what you observe, but those features do come along with a full service boat ramp on  a large tidal river.  The fishing can be quite good in the boat basin, as most anglers immediately jet away for distant destinations.   

So I'm totally unclear -- is GP a park?  I've never really paid much attention to the signs around there.  What about the duck pond?  Isn't that a wildlife refuge or something?  

Gene

On Thursday, May 30, 2013 10:08:55 AM UTC-4, FlyTimesDC wrote:

So last night I was fishing the outgoing tide at gravelly point around 2:30 am when a park officer called me out of the water saying the park closed at 12 (I've never heard of the inlet our outflow ever being closed but left without resistance). He then asked to see my license, which I promptly gave him, and we went back to his car. I'm pretty sure he was looking for any excuse to ticket me, because he then sat in his car for about 10 minutes reading up on ordinances and rules. When he returned, he gave me back my licenses and a $130 fine for "Entering the Potomac". Umm, what? I have a court date in June and plan on fighting this. There are no signs or anything else to indicate that A) wading is illegal in the inlet and B) that the inlet is closed at 12am. Curious to hear y'all's thoughts. I've heard of people being hassled by airport police at Gravelly but this is a tad ridiculous.

Thanks,

Remick

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