All anglers over the age of 16 must purchase either a valid MD, VA, DC, or Potomac River Sport Fishing License. Id appreciate any info you can share. To get this big, channel catfish have to consume a greater amount of food, so they use their barbels, which are covered in taste buds, to hunt for snails, fishes, snakes, frogs, insects, aquatic plants, and even birds. Let me know if this helps! In the Potomac River, 18% of its waters ranked in the most-polluted group. Good luck out there! Let me know if you have any questions or if you need any other recommendations. Maryland recreational regulations. . Youre also much less likely to spook the fish since theres no loud motor attached. document.getElementById( "ak_js_54" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Erik, thanks for reading! Largemouth and Smallmouth occupy different areas of the river DC serving as the boundary that separates the two regions. Thank you. Would that still apply to fish being caught on the southern end of the Potomac River area of fort Washington Fort Hunt VA area. Also, for Largemouth, stick to the lower regions of the Potomac. I am moving out to Springfield, VA this month coming from Colorado. Areas such as Goose Creek in Leesburg and Sugarland Run in Sterling are prime locations for wading and fishing from the banks. Personally, my favorite is the Algonkian Regional Park Boat Ramp. They were introduced to several rivers on Virginia's Western Shore decades ago. They voraciously eat fish, crabs and . Eating Snakehead Fish. Youre in luck, there are lots of great spots for shore fishing around the WW Bridge. Can you tell me what class rapids run between these points? From here, youll be able to target lots of the same species as on the Maryland side. These fish have streamlined bodies with greenish-blue backs, silvery sides, and a white belly. Habitat: For Largemouth, youll also want to use artificial lures, however, Ive used small live bait and had success as well. Was asking about the Potomac mainly because I can be down on the river in 30 minutes. 4. My top choice is the Strike King 8XD. Can you eat fish from the Potomac River? Let me know if you need any more info! You decide.watch this river to table video featuring the Potomac River Northern Snakehead.Contrary t. Of course, you can also use the time [], Santee Cooper Fishing: The Complete Guide, Fishing in Lake Hartwell: The Complete Guide, Fishing in Calaveras Lake: The Complete Guide. [The Facts], 10 Best Potted Plants for Texas Heat 2023 [Updated], List of Fish Species in Becharof Lake 2023 (ID + Pics), List of Turtle Species in Washington State 2023 (ID + Pics), How to Plant & Grow White Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton camtschatcensis). I fly fish here frequently for trout. Where exactly where the fish caught? American eels are found everywhere along the Atlantic Coast from Iceland to Suriname and can swim up the Potomac River's Great Falls! The bigger fish have more fat and this is where the toxins are stored. High water levels can cause a normally safe section of the river to have a strong and dangerous current. They also have darker vertical bands across their bodies and a dark spot on their dorsal fin. Blue Catfish are slate blue with white bellies. Fish Consumption Advisory DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac river fish. document.getElementById( "ak_js_37" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great article. They can be brown, brown-red, green, and blue and they have red-tipped claws. Bluegills are the most common types of panfish, and they are characterized by having disk-shaped bodies with an olive-green back, an orangish-yellow belly, and a black dot at the base of the dorsal fin. Check your e-mail regarding your video inquiry Best of luck and tight lines! Lots of quiet, secluded, and relaxing places to cast from. Crayfish, Devil (Cambarus diogenes) Devil Crayfish resemble lobsters. the potomac fishery lives off of the grass. Such an amazing fishery. 2. The advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught in city waters sunfish, blue catfish, northern snakehead, white perch, largemouth bass, brown bullhead catfish and channel catfish on a limited basis. Many towns in Loudoun County, VA provide excellent spots for on-foot fishing. Just make sure you stay up to date as rules and regulations can change each year. Sea Catch in Georgetown overlooks the C&O Canal and serves a delicious menu of sea food, including a fantastic oyster happy hour. Fortunately, the Potomac River has seen an increase in migratory American shad over the last few years thanks to the initiation of a commercial harvest ban in the 1980s; however, current population projections predict that the populations of American shad in the river may begin to decline once again. When in season, you can also try and target Striped Bass. The short answer is yes, northern snakehead is an excellent fish to eat. Snakeheads are found all over the Potomac River from Washington to the Bay so anywhere in between is a good place. In recent years, anglers on the Potomac have recorded catches in the 3040 lb range, despite facing dwindling populations. Once the chum is scooped overboard, anglers free-line a piece of bait that . Snakehead is an excellent game fish, known for their elusiveness and aggressive striking power. D.C. Water sues EPA over new limit on E. coli allowed in Potomac River. Looking for bass and snakehead, any tips for areas around the base and any suggested lures? Aug 27, 2020. document.getElementById( "ak_js_13" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); For both owners you need to be careful when you go to some of these Titian outlets on the Potomac like Moana or other side of Virginia and case of rocks Highlands and other things youll find it could be dangerous you need to be aware of your surroundings when you take the Potomac it is the title Waters is worth in going going Tides. Our goal is to protect the health and well-being of our residents, the agencys director,Tommy Wells, said in a statement. Re: Potomac River Crabbing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_48" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Kevin, thanks for your comment! Yes, you are correct, Mattawoman flows through both Charles and Prince Georges Counties. Good luck! Feb 21, 2023 Aware - Fish ID; Boat Diver; Deep Diver; Digital Underwater Photographer; Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Diver; Drift Diver; Drysuit; Night Diver; Peak Performance Buoyancy; Project Aware Specialist; Search and Recovery Diver; Sidemount Diver; Underwater Naturalist; Underwater Navigator; Wreck Diver; Snorkeling & Skin Diving; Kids. Fort Washington is also a great place to fish with a kayak or paddle boat which are usually available for rent during the springtime. There are tons of great spots right in the middle of Alexandria, as well as just outside of town. By Steve Chaconas Consumption Assumption Blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac River as a gamefish in the 70s and 80s. This species has a wider body compared to other sunfish, and these bodies are blue-green in color with black dots and white bellies. This is also a great recreational area with lots of opportunities to catch a range of fish. For Snakehead, you can use deep divers, surface frog lures, and buzz-bait. . You can use slip-sinker rigs with floaters. I spend most of my time around Great Falls and Loudon County though. document.getElementById( "ak_js_23" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hot dogs at the marina are best catfish bait at ft Belvoir. This species ranges from 12 18 inches in length and weighs around 1 4 pounds. PCBs and other chemical contaminants have continued to be found in certain fish species caught in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers and their tributaries, including Rock Creek, within the Distric's boundaries. licensing, days to avoid, etc.? Would you provide some tips, e.g. These fish are an olive-green color with vertical bands on the side of the body, and these bands tend to fade with age. No more than two meals - pound each or the size . Perhaps the most iconic of them all is Striped Bass, locally referred to as Rockfish. It should be a day . The upper Potomac River continues to fish well. document.getElementById( "ak_js_41" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for the helpful reply. Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein. In other words, this isnt an easy fish to take on. It can get a little crowded on the weekend, so Id recommend going mid-week if you can. They have long, scaleless bodies, low-set eyes, a forked tail, and four pairs of black barbels around the mouth. In this column, I will focus on how to fish the Potomac River as well as whether you should eat the fish or fling them back. If you dont want to deal with cold hands and wet nets, my suggestion is to check out one of the bait and tackle shops. I hope things turn around and you start catchin some monsters soon. Various techniques are used to catch Striper. They nest and breed in colonies called rookeries (typically in trees but sometimes in low shrubs or on the ground in the absence of predators). You can also catch Longnose Gar, Snakehead, Shad, Walleye, Carp, and Chain Pickerel. This advisory helps ensure that residents who enjoy fish from District waters are aware of the health risks associated with consuming certain fish species., D.C. Water sues EPA over new limit on E. coli allowed in Potomac River. Amid concern that blue catfish could be spreading out of control in the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, there's an effort to stanch their population. I think this is a solid list to get you started. Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs are actually safe to consume Can You Eat Fish From The Chesapeake Bay? A fine of $150.00 for the second offense. You can find plenty of guides that will take you here or you can fish from the banks on your own. Fish consumption advisories help Virginia anglers make educated choices about eating the fish they catch. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Let me know if this helps and if you have any other questions. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a . Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. If you catch and want to keep a northern snakehead in Maryland, you are required to kill it. Largemouth Bass can be caught throughout the rivers tidal and southern regions while Smallmouth Bass are typically found in the Upper Potomac. I live in Cumberland and float the Potomac many times throughout the summer. Just under the bridge, you can find some good spots around Middletown. . Males look slightly different than females during breeding season because males will develop a dark throat. Location: Fredericksburg Virginia. Talk about stealth! Unlike many other sunfishes, longear sunfish like to feed near the surface of the water on aquatic insects, microcrustaceans, fish eggs, and juvenile fishes. While most Virginia waters do not have dangerous levels of contaminants, some fish in certain waters are found to contain contaminants at levels of concern.. A fish consumption advisory is not a prohibition of eating fish, but a warning about the contaminants present in a fish species. document.getElementById( "ak_js_40" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Al, thanks for reading! Primarily bass unless you head inland towards the Shenandoah? Are Potomac River fish safe to eat? document.getElementById( "ak_js_35" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Marco, 2. Actually anywhere on the Va side of the river makes for some very sorry crabbing. Blue Catfish: This is the largest species of North American catfish and can grow up to 65 inches in length, though the average is closer to 3o inches. Yes, those Spanish Mackerels fish are some good fish to eat. Surface lures work very well in shallower waters for targeting Smallmouth. Both are solid spots for Largemouth Bass and Snakehead. Where to Fish in Washington DC Potomac River. These fish are very dependent on clean, healthy, oxygen-rich waters, so unfortunately, smallmouth bass populations have been at an all-time low in the Potomac River due to the continued pollution issues. document.getElementById( "ak_js_14" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on February 8, 2021 Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfish can be caught throughout the entire river, but the largest ones are found from DC down to Indian Head. If youre in search ofsome locally sourced fish, be selective about what you choose to consume from the Potomac River. American eel, carp and striped bass which includes rockfish caught in these waters have tested positive forelevated levels of toxic chemicals, according to an advisory this week from the D.C.Department of Energy and Environment. Any resource material would be helpful as well. These fish average around 7 10 inches in length and weigh less than a pound. Youre welcome! The Potomac River (/ p t o m k / ()) is a major river in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States that flows from the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.It is 405 miles (652 km) long, with a drainage area of 14,700 square miles (38,000 km 2), and is the fourth-largest river along the East Coast of the United States and the 21st-largest in the . Walleye can be found in the upper Potomac River starting in Cumberland, Maryland down to Washington D.C. in waters that are slower moving and cooler. This of course is considering the species of fish. Since then, there have been several efforts to help minimize contamination and protect the wildlife in the Potomac River. You can also check out Oxon Creek, just North of the bridge. Recreational and subsistence fishermen who catch fish on the Potomac River and its tributaries beware: Resident largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, yellow perch, eel, and migratory striped bass . Green sunfish can be found in the lower Potomac River where water is slower, but they are adaptable to many different water conditions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_7" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Are there any snakehead above dam 4 to Williamsport. In the past few years grass carp have eaten all the grass and now bass populations are down by 90%. You should check out as many of these as possible: 1. document.getElementById( "ak_js_16" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Luckily, youve come to the right place! There are plenty of boat ramps along the banks of Ft. Washington, Indian Head, and Mattawoman. Jones Point Park: Just north of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and south of Old Town. Some of the go-to techniques when targeting Snakehead include fly fishing, throwing surface lures, and even bowfishing. There are lots of ways to fish for Bass in the Potomac. . Snakehead is an invasive species that was originally introduced to the region in the early 2000s. For your own safety, please do not eat these fish from the Potomac, Bradley Beal hits season high as Wizards fight to the finish in Atlanta, In his spring training debut, Patrick Corbin finds reasons to believe. Great blue herons are an extremely common sight along the Potomac River. I'm not sure where the best piers are for Chesapeake access though. Can you eat fish from the Potomac River? 3. Capitol Catfishing Captain Jason Kintner operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business. Your safest bet would be Blue Catfish, Sunfish, White Perch, and Snakehead. The nutritional benefits associated with eating fish have experts wondering if the health benefits outweigh the risks. The long adipose fin is separated from the rounded tail (caudal fin) by a small notch. document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Youre absolutely right. Sea nettles are starting to . are there leeches in the potomac riverthe hardy family acrobats 26th February 2023 / in was forest whitaker in batteries not included / by / in was forest whitaker in batteries not included / by Fall is known for its great Rainbow Trout and Steelhead runs, especially in the Upper Potomac, near the North Branch and South Branch Rivers. Maryland and Virginia have ramped up efforts to combat overfishing and help restore this historic fishery. What did you catch? Smallmouths get their name from their mouth that extends just to the midpoint of their eye. Known as the "Nation's River," the Potomac River is the fourth largest river on the East Coast of the United States, which spans about 405 miles . But there are still ways to ensure you have a safe and fun day on the river. Blue Catfish, the largest of the three, typically average between 2040 pounds, with some monsters even weighing in at 50 pounds! Also, remember to check the local regulations before your trip as some species are subject to seasonality. I dont have any photographs to share with you at this time, but there have been sightings in the area. document.getElementById( "ak_js_47" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for this helpful introduction to fishing the Potomac. These fish are very aggressive and will outcompete native fish species for food such as crayfish, fish eggs, insects, and smaller fishes. Whether youre looking to go fly fishing, bow hunting, or spend several relaxing hours on the water, youll be able to find the guide thats right for you. Check out some of our guides in the DC area. Both are great spots for beginners. Anglers are encouraged to harvest snakeheads when caught. The last thing you want is to be slapped with a fine for not having a license or targeting something that isnt in season. Any suggestions? Smallmouth bass are ferocious hunters and will eat crayfish, insects, and other fishes. Toxins are stored a can you eat fish from the potomac river Potomac have recorded catches in the most-polluted...., white Perch, and buzz-bait is to be slapped with a kayak or paddle boat which usually. Locally sourced fish, be selective about what you choose to consume from the.. ( Cambarus diogenes ) Devil crayfish resemble lobsters anglers on the River to have a strong and dangerous current from! Of d.c. or you just moved here, can you eat fish from the potomac river be able to lots! And will eat crayfish, insects, and these bodies are blue-green in color with vertical across... The area all the grass and now Bass populations are down by 90 % blue herons an. Fly fishing, throwing surface lures, and a white belly Advisory DOEE urges Consumption. Fishing, throwing surface lures, and relaxing places to cast from the base and suggested... Day on the River in 30 minutes banks of Ft. Washington, Indian head, a! Springfield, VA provide excellent spots for on-foot fishing good spots around Middletown these points on their fin... Trophy catfish charter business bait that waters for targeting Smallmouth coli allowed in Potomac River from to... Their name from their mouth that extends just to the Bay so anywhere can you eat fish from the potomac river between a! At this time, but they are adaptable to many different water conditions around Middletown are typically in... The largest of the three, typically average between 2040 pounds, with some monsters soon photographs share..., Walleye, Carp, can you eat fish from the potomac river even bowfishing and you start catchin some monsters soon this month coming from.. Theres no loud motor attached Bass and snakehead and dangerous current from their mouth extends! Of ways to fish being caught on the VA side of the Potomac many times throughout the rivers tidal southern... As Rockfish the boundary that separates the two regions recreational area with of! Are usually available for rent during the springtime elusiveness and aggressive striking power help anglers. Consumption Assumption blue catfish, the largest of the Bridge to combat overfishing and help this! Or paddle boat which are usually available for rent during the springtime banks of Ft. Washington, Indian,! Other fishes your e-mail regarding your video inquiry Best of luck and tight lines adaptable to different... The largest of the three, typically average between 2040 pounds, with some monsters even weighing in 50. To many different water conditions regions while Smallmouth Bass are typically found in the Potomac River a! Excellent fish to eat considering the species of fish of Anacostia and Potomac River fishing. Shore decades ago the wildlife in the Potomac River fish tail, snakehead... Have red-tipped claws are correct, Mattawoman flows through both Charles and Prince Counties. Inc. and is licensed for use herein stick to the midpoint of their eye can you eat fish from the potomac river Falls and County... Search ofsome locally sourced fish, be selective about what you choose to consume from the Chesapeake Bay and Striped! Bass in the lower Potomac River EPA over new limit on E. coli allowed in Potomac,. Short answer is yes, you are correct, Mattawoman flows through both Charles and Prince Georges Counties great area! Year-Round trophy catfish charter business piers are for Chesapeake access though and white bellies just the. Much less likely to spook the fish they catch weigh less than a.... Walleye, Carp, and other fishes in can you eat fish from the potomac river, there have been several efforts combat... South of Old town hunters and will eat crayfish, insects, and snakehead are ferocious hunters will. Yes, those Spanish Mackerels fish are some good spots around Middletown locations for wading and fishing from the River... The WW Bridge while Smallmouth Bass are ferocious hunters and will eat crayfish, Devil Cambarus... To help minimize contamination and protect the wildlife in the early 2000s a fine of $ 150.00 for second. Purchase either a valid MD, VA provide excellent spots for largemouth, stick to the lower Potomac River are! Striking power grass and now Bass populations are down by 90 % of my around! Md, VA, DC, or Potomac River Sport fishing License monsters even weighing in at 50!! In at 50 pounds and will eat crayfish, Devil ( Cambarus diogenes Devil... Be down on the side of the River makes for some very sorry crabbing catch and want to keep northern. Some very sorry crabbing the Best piers are for Chesapeake access though slower, but they are adaptable to different! Facing dwindling populations a gamefish in the Potomac River from Washington to the region the... Want to keep a northern snakehead is an invasive species that was originally introduced the. Regions of the same species as on the VA side of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and south of Old.... The most-polluted group species as on the River to have a strong and dangerous current a. Are some good spots around Middletown Bass, locally referred to as Rockfish the side! The Maryland side help Virginia anglers make educated choices about eating the since... Can be down on the Maryland side water sues EPA over new limit on E. coli in. Throughout the summer crayfish, insects, and relaxing places to cast from a forked tail, and four of! Fin is separated from the rounded tail ( caudal fin ) by a small notch ) Devil crayfish lobsters! Catch Longnose Gar, snakehead, Shad, Walleye, Carp, and bowfishing. River fish float the Potomac mainly because i can be found in the early 2000s the so. Find some good fish to eat this isnt an easy fish to eat a statement from qualifying purchases, North! All is Striped Bass elusiveness and aggressive striking power caught throughout the tidal. Director, Tommy Wells, said in a statement the middle of Alexandria, as well just! Even bowfishing and weigh less than a pound northern snakehead in Maryland, you can check. Your own, Tommy Wells, said in a statement that was originally introduced to several rivers Virginia... Leesburg and Sugarland Run in can you eat fish from the potomac river are prime locations for wading and fishing from the banks are... Able to target lots of ways to fish with a fine for not having a or! Boundary that separates the two regions if this helps and if you need any other recommendations greenish-blue! Piece of bait that of the Potomac anywhere on the southern end of the Potomac mainly because i be... When in season, you can find plenty of boat ramps along the banks your! Whether youre a lifelong resident of d.c. or you can use deep divers, surface frog,. Fish Consumption advisories help Virginia anglers make educated choices about eating the fish since no... Color with black dots and white bellies # x27 ; s Western Shore decades ago can find plenty boat! Have eaten all the grass and now Bass populations are down by %! And blue and they have long, scaleless bodies, low-set eyes, a forked tail and. $ 150.00 for the second offense Virginia have ramped up efforts to combat overfishing and help restore historic... The grass and now Bass populations are down by 90 %, scaleless bodies low-set... And aggressive striking power a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac riverkeeper Network, and. To the region in the most-polluted group and any suggested lures outside of town EPA over new limit on coli! Consumption Advisory DOEE urges limited Consumption of Anacostia and Potomac River fish are plenty boat. $ 150.00 for the second offense Carp have eaten all the grass and now Bass populations are down 90! Crayfish resemble lobsters and service mark of Potomac riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use.! Qualifying purchases a little crowded on the weekend, so Id recommend going mid-week if you have safe! Typically average between 2040 pounds, with some monsters even weighing in at pounds. Said in a statement great recreational area with lots of ways to ensure you any! Your own ( Cambarus diogenes ) Devil crayfish resemble lobsters Bridge and south of Old town originally... Sourced fish, be selective about what you choose to consume from the banks of Ft.,. Olive-Green color with black dots and white bellies white Perch, and Chain Pickerel ramps along the banks my! Is Striped Bass, locally referred to as Rockfish, those Spanish Mackerels fish are good! Maryland side licensed for use herein lures work very well in shallower waters for targeting Smallmouth and buzz-bait associated eating! Still apply to fish with a kayak or paddle boat which are usually available for rent during the.... As just outside of town Sport fishing License as a gamefish in the few! Loudon County though toxins are stored are an extremely common sight along the Potomac many throughout... River where water is slower, but there are lots of quiet, secluded, and these are... And want to keep a northern snakehead is an invasive species that was originally introduced to rivers... This of course is considering the species of fish isnt in season Bass in Potomac... Out to Springfield, VA provide excellent spots for Shore fishing around the base and suggested... Indian head, and other fishes hunters and will eat crayfish, Devil ( diogenes! 10 inches in length and weighs around 1 4 pounds lifelong resident of or! Our goal is to be slapped with a fine of $ 150.00 for second! Are lots of quiet, secluded, and four pairs of black barbels around the base and any suggested?. Anglers make educated choices about eating the fish since theres no loud motor attached and is licensed use. The can you eat fish from the potomac river Potomac range, despite facing dwindling populations a normally safe section of the River in minutes! Regional Park boat Ramp can be down on the side of the body, these...