Mason Neck State Park, Fairfax County, VA
Channel Catfish fishing today
Great day to fish for Channel Catfish.
74/100
Why today scores 74
- 69°F water — Inside Channel Catfish's active range
- 7 mph wind — Light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
Right now at Mason Neck State Park
- Water temp
- 69°F
- Air temp
- 80°F
- Wind
- 2 to 7 mph NW
- Tide phase
- incoming
- Sunrise / sunset
- 6:22 AM / 7:51 PM
- Moon
- first quarter, 33% illuminated
- Solunar windows today
- 12:50 AM - 1:50 AM · 4:50 AM - 6:50 AM · 9:50 AM - 10:50 AM · 5:20 PM - 7:20 PM
- Forecast
- Sunny
About Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus. Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Preferred water temp: 60–85°F (ideal 75°F). Preferred tide: either.
VA regulations
- Daily creel limit
- 10
Potomac River main stem (PRFC): 10 per day, no minimum size. Less restrictive than NTVA (20/day) and NTMD (5/day) — PRFC sits in the middle. The tidal Potomac also has a thriving channel cat fishery below the Wilson Bridge.
Source: PRFC regulations. Last verified: 2026-04-22.