Chapter 16: The North Pacific Coast

This chapter focuses on the North Pacific Coast, a region that extends from the very top of Northern California along the coast of Oregon, most of Washington, and through Canada into Alaska. This region is particularly known for its physical environment. Since it is mostly coastal, it is strongly subject to maritime influences and is pervaded by dramatically rugged terrain. Because precipitation is high, lush vegetation is found near the coast, but variations in flora and fauna exists over short distances.

An important part of the North Pacific Coast's economy is fishing. The North Pacific's cold water were, and to an extent still are, fertile fishing grounds. Salmon has been the fish of greatest import in the North Pacific Coast for a long time. It was a major food and economic mainstay of coastal tribes before Europeans arrived and is still the principal fish caught in the region.

Chinook Salmon--a type of Salmon found in the North Pacific Coast's waters.

Though D.C. is not a hub for commercial fishing, fishing hobbyists come out to D.C. to fish for fun. Fishing in the District of Columbia may be limited (as there are no lakes), but the area still offers quality fishing. The Potomac River, its tributaries and Rock Creek make up all the best fishing ground.

The fish found in D.C.'s rivers are: Bass, Catfish, Panfish, and Crappie.

Many people who fish in D.C. fish for Bass, a highly sought after fish. Bass is quite prolific in 

the Potomac River.

A man catches a Bass in the Potomac

Additionally, hobbyist groups like the Potomac Bassmasters have formed in response to the fishing conditions in D.C. Potomac Bassmasters of Virginia (PBV) is one of the oldest bass angling clubs in the greater Washington, D.C. area. The club is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of bass fishing, conservation, and youth involvement in angling. Its members generally come from Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., and share a common passion for bass fishing.

Fishing in the Potomac

The PBV has been hosts fishing tournaments on the Potomac River, spons public events in support of the community, and holds an annual youth fishing derby. The Potomac River is PBV’s home water but club tournaments have been held in northern and southern Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware and other regional locations. 

Information from:
1. Textbook
2. DC Bass.com