One of the many direct benefits of conservation is creating space for outdoor recreational activities, such as fishing. At the Conservancy, we know that many of our residents enjoy going out themselves or taking their kids out to the local ponds to catch some bluegill, sunfish, bass or even catfish! But how often do you get to your favorite fishing spot and someone before you have left hooks on the ground, fishing line in the tree, or a dead fish on the shore? 

Not only is this dangerous to nearby people and pets, but it’s also extremely harmful to our wildlife. In this article, we’re going to go over some best fishing practices to ensure everyone can enjoy fishing in our ponds and observing the wildlife living in them!

Besides your rod & reel, what are some good items to have while fishing? 

  • Be sure to carry your fishing license at all times (required for anglers 16 and older)!
  • A first aid kit.
  • Fishing hemostats or forceps to help remove small hooks from fish.
  • Pocket knife or multitool to cut fishing line.
  • A bag for used fishing line, bait packaging, or any other trash.
  • A tape measure if you want to measure your catch but remember ponds in Willowsford are catch and release only!
  • Check to make sure the hook & bait you are using are appropriate for the size of fish in our ponds—too big a hook will hurt your chances and have a higher likelihood of injuring the fish.

Below are some tips to keep you, others, and the wildlife safe while fishing:

  • Always be aware of other fishermen, respect their space.
  • Make sure to clean up any and all trash that you bring.
  • Do not leave any fishing line behind. If you see any fishing line, please be sure to pick it up, as wildlife can get caught in it which can cause them injury or even death.
  • Always remove the hooks and fishing line from your catch before releasing it back. If you’re unable to remove the hook, cut the line as close to the hook as possible (and it will rust out).
  • Many of the ponds have turtles. Do your best to avoid them, but if you accidentally hook one, don’t set your hook and then follow the directions above.
  • Be mindful of where you’re casting to avoid getting fishing line stuck in trees, bushes, and pond vegetation. 

Where to Fish at Willowsford:
Note that all the ponds below have bluegill

Conservancy

  • Allen Farm Pond (The Grant) – healthy bass population and we have heard there are some catfish – a fun pond and kind of secluded
  • Beaver Dam Pond (The Greens)
  • Broad Run – near the bridge at Founders Dr. (The Grange)
  • Bull Run – (The Greens) – try your hand at fly fishing!
  • Cedar Pond (The Greens) – great spot to relax by the pavilion and try catching one of the many bass, be careful of the turtles
  • Lotus Pond (The Greens) – covered in beautiful lily pads, but we have heard there are lots of bass in there!
  • Twin Ponds – lower pond (The Grove) – best for catching a wide variety of fish: largemouth bass, perch, crappie, and catfish

HOA

  • Chorus Frog Pond (The Greens) – catfish and bass, not big but a decent number of fish for its size
  • Pin Oak Pond* (The Grove) – catfish and a healthy bass population
  • Splash Pad Pond (The Grove)
  • Tulip Poplar Pond* (The Greens) – great for beginners, best for catching a wide variety of fish: largemouth bass, perch, crappie, and catfish
  • Twin Ponds – upper pond (The Grove) – largemouth bass, perch, crappie, and catfish
  • Willow Lake* (The Greens) – another great spot for beginners, lots of bluegill and catfish, there are bass but harder to catch! Be careful with all the turtles.

* The HOA stocked Willow Lake, Pin Oak Pond and Poplar Pond in the last couple years. The Conservancy is hoping to stock a couple ponds in the next year. Stay tuned.