Summers are infamous for being hot and muggy while winters can get quite cold. Youll come across honey holes, channels, creeks, and bridge pilings scattered along the entire river from the Upper Potomac all the way down to the Chesapeake Bay. DOEE's 2016 Fish Consumption Advisory, out today, recommends that residents not consume eel, carp, or striped bass caught in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers "because they are most . Maybe, thats something Ill write about in the future. I just moved to D.C. and am wondering if yall use fresh bait (e.g., worms, squid, etc.) I will pay as in any case with a Guide. Virginia Saltwater Recreational License They migrate upstream to spawn in fresher waters and tend to wander even further up the river during summer. Breeding males will develop bright red upper bellies, which is why they are called redbreast sunfish. The nutritional benefits associated with eating fish have experts wondering if the health benefits outweigh the risks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_54" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Erik, thanks for reading! 1. Thanks for reading! So now that you have a sense of what to expect from a Potomac River fishing experience, its important to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations. Below are the most common fish species found in the Potomac River today. By Steve Chaconas Consumption Assumption Blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac River as a gamefish in the 70s and 80s. Burke Lake Park: Burke is located about 23 miles southwest. I need to be as close as possible my kayak weighs 110 lbs. Most fishing guides are located in the Lower Potomac, in places such as Fort Washington, MD and Alexandria, VA. Can you eat blue catfish out of the Potomac River? It has lots of great fishing spots and picnic areas as well overall an excellent option for a day trip. Theres a lot more to the nations Capital than just bureaucracy and politics. Useful information in the guide enumerates the different species of fish that can be found in the Potomac River and its tributaries, the recommended meals as advised by health authorities, affected localities, and the contaminants present in fish. These fish are an olive-green color with vertical bands on the side of the body, and these bands tend to fade with age. The general rule of thumb is, the further from the city, the safer the meat. Such an amazing fishery. Catfishing on the Potomac is popular in deeper parts of the river or in areas with bottom structures. . The freshwater clams are now ready to eat. Any suggestions? Seasoned anglers will usually use light tackle, however, dont be ashamed if you have to switch to slightly heavier equipment. These fish come in three subspecies that have slightly different patterning and native ranges, but they will all have darker green or brownish backs that fade to light green sides and a whitish belly. Recreational fishing in the Harbour has not been banned, but fishers are urged to follow dietary advice on the consumption of seafood from the Sydney Harbour, Parramatta River and other connected tidal waterways. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a I have one question in reference to catching to cook. Any specific launches with potentially less busy than typical launching traffic (still a beginner)? These fish have very little mouths, so they will only eat smaller prey such as zooplankton, insects, worms, and snails. Aug 27, 2020. Lets ta. Some of the go-to techniques when targeting Snakehead include fly fishing, throwing surface lures, and even bowfishing. Again, thanks and blessings for all you do! Location: Fredericksburg Virginia. Eating Snakehead Fish. Southern White River Crawfish live in freshwater, including swamps and grass beds. Nov 16, 2013. Thank you for reaching out. Here are the links to their websites: Fletchers Cove Boathouse Guinnessguy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Can you eat Sydney Harbour oysters? White perch can grow up to 19 inches, and eat smaller . This tributary is known for its excellent Perch, Bass, and Snakehead fishing. Areas such as Fletchers Cove, Rock Creek, and Anacostia Park are excellent for day trips, especially if youre looking for a good spot to take your kids. The River flows through the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland and all have. They keep that place stocked because of tournaments. Largemouths are carnivores that primarily feed on crayfish but will also eat other fishes and insects. It is illegal to possess, import or transport live northern snakehead. document.getElementById( "ak_js_63" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Awesome and informative information! Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs are actually safe to consume Can You Eat Fish From The Chesapeake Bay? Various techniques are used to catch Striper. You can also click here for more information. I fillet and get about 10 freezer bags worth. I hope this is helpful and let me know if you have any follow up questions. They also have 7 8 spines on their dorsal fins, which distinguishes them from white crappies, who have 5 6 spines. Hi Dadinva, Largemouth bass have olive-green bodies with dark mottling along the back and speckles along the sides. Thanks for any feedback. document.getElementById( "ak_js_62" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi John, thanks for the comment and glad you liked it! Can you eat fish from NYC waters? If you do end up keeping one, the DOEE recommends eating smaller fish and limiting the amount to 34 meals a month. document.getElementById( "ak_js_8" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for your comment. The main target species here are Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, and Catfish. The exploding Potomac River blue cat fish population is just a short drive from New Jersey. Currently, white perch populations are doing extremely well in the Potomac River with abundance exceeding the historic mean. In Fish. That way, the bait can stay up closer to the surface. Sep 1, 2022. . Bluegills are a main source of food for many larger fish such as largemouth bass, so they have adapted to be maneuverable. document.getElementById( "ak_js_10" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Andriana here for Katie. Youre also much less likely to spook the fish since theres no loud motor attached. Youll be able to sneak into narrow spots and be closer to the water, making it much easier to spot your target. Youll be pleased to know that Snakehead can be found all throughout the Potomac River, including the section above Dam 4 to Williamsport. 4.7 / 5 . Answer: Like a lot of water, it is all about location. Good luck out there! The advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught in city waters sunfish, blue catfish, northern snakehead, white . I think this is a solid list to get you started. A fine of $150.00 for the second offense. The eating-size shrimp become more prevalent closer to the bay. . This is a little surprising to some people, since they're not exactly the nicest looking fish in the river. Striped bass are the state fish of Maryland, and they can be found mainly near the mouth of the Potomac River in waters that are cool, clear, and deep. This article was published more than7 years ago. No more than two meals - pound each or the size . . The citysenvironmental agency has been monitoring contaminationlevels since 1980 and notes that improvements have been made along the way. . For Smallmouth, go up north and hit the Upper Potomac. Thanks for the article! In recent years, anglers on the Potomac have recorded catches in the 3040 lb range, despite facing dwindling populations. You can also get some great on-foot action smack dab in the middle of the city. Everyone drifts through there with inner tubes and kayaks. 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. A little Tony Chachere's and cooked on the grill was the best. "The Potomac's best fishing in the springtime (May) is in the creeks around the spatterdock fields and in the aquatic vegetation (milfoil beds)," Dove said. Youre welcome! & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. How healthy is the Potomac River? There are plenty of boat ramps along the banks of Ft. Washington, Indian Head, and Mattawoman. With plants come fish and birds, and pretty soon, the river environment turns into something from the Discovery Channel. Keep in mind, some species can only be targeted seasonally, like Striped Bass and Crab. Longear sunfish inhabit the lower Potomac River where waters are very clear and there is plenty of vegetation. Good luck! . This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, so the males tend to be larger and darker than the females. Report back and let us know how the trip went! 1. Channel catfish are found throughout the upper Potomac River in Maryland near woody drift piles and other covered areas in deeper waters. White crappies average about 9 10 inches long and are around 2 pounds as adults. These 9 restaurants on the river are the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal with a beautiful view. These fish are active during the day and will feed on insects, larvae, mollusks, snails, crustaceans, leeches, small fish, and detritus. Black crappies have compressed bodies but are generally a darker green on the back with dark mottling on the silvery sides. Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein. The Nations River is home to a wide variety of fish, making it an excellent place for anglers to try out a few different techniques and target multiple species all in one day. Other towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and Pohick. I hear you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Youre absolutely right. Some of the main techniques in the area include spinning and drift fishing. Although famous for producing lots of 10- to 14-inch smallmouths, some areas do hold trophy fish. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The picture in this article under the Snakehead information is of the native species Bowfin. Take a look at this link for more information: https://doee.dc.gov/service/fishdc. Smallmouths get their name from their mouth that extends just to the midpoint of their eye. Phelps saw this happen in the tidal Potomac . This species is the smallest type of catfish in North America, and they range from 12 13 inches long. These have been exposed to fewer toxins in the water. Drop a comment and let us know what you caught after your trip! document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Most of the DNR agencies in the DMV area are encouraging anglers to kill any caught snakehead. Some people believe you can teach a man to fish. Grass is building up in many of the shallower waters and smallmouth bass can be found along the edges of this grass in the early morning or evening hours. Good luck! Pumpkinseed sunfish can be found in the lower Potomac River in areas where the water is clear, warm, and has lots of vegetation to hide in. White Perch: You may have caught these fish. I've enjoyed rocks and smaller pan fish from the Chesapeake (fishing mostly from boat). Washington DC 20007, POLLUTION REPORT HOTLINE document.getElementById( "ak_js_56" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Santiago, thanks for reading! Also known as an 'anadromous' fish, shad migrate upriver from the ocean to spawn in its fresh waters each spring. If you have suggestions somewhere near Annapolis, I'll take it. Honestly, any of the creeks around that area are pretty productive from my experience. 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. Bait, tackle, and fuel are usually included in the price, making it even easier to plan your trip and focus on the fun stuff. Visitors from all over the East Coast also travel to the Potomac in order to check out one of the most underrated fisheries in the US. Snakehead is an excellent game fish, known for their elusiveness and aggressive striking power. Are Snakehead edible? These are popular spots, visited by many anglers throughout the year. You can also access most of the same waters since VA and MD licenses are both valid for fishing either side of the Potomac. Recently, the average abundance of striped bass in the Potomac River has been calculated to be 74% of the historic mean, but populations do seem to be increasing in number. 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. You should check out as many of these as possible: 1. Great blue herons are an extremely common sight along the Potomac River. Pond Informer is growing community of pond & lake professionals, ecologists, and scientific writers, with a passion for all things ponds, wetlands, and sustainable conservation. The vertical fins are darkly edged in clear water but may appear only dusky in turbid water. licensing, days to avoid, etc.? evidence that the virus can spread in public water supplies. all of which blue cats are accustomed to eating. I hope this helps. National Mall and Memorial Parks has installed 6 monofilament (fishing line) recycling containers in East Potomac Park, just in time for Earth Day. This species is known for its golden yellow to greenish body covered in 6 8 dark vertical bars. If you do end up keeping one, the DOEE recommends eating smaller fish and limiting the amount to 3-4 meals a month. Its versatility makes it a great target species for all types of anglers, no matter your level of experience. In 1990 's I would catch and keep a few for dinner now and then. Longear sunfish also have a blue streak on the top of their mouths that other panfish do not have. 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. It should be a day . Shenandoah 571.969.0746 One particularly unique species found in the Potomac River is the American shad. Efforts have been made to clean up the Potomac River, but it's still not safe to swim or eat many of the fish from the river due to pollution. In terms of lures, I love using crankbaits. Also, for Largemouth, stick to the lower regions of the Potomac. This is also arguably the most picturesque part of DC. From there, you have tons of great fishing spots, like Mattawoman Creek. I hope this helps. . Let me know if you have any questions or if you need any other recommendations. 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. But, resource managers and foodies alike agree: Eating blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay is tasty and nutritiousand it is good for the ecosystem. With all the shots pumped into the chickens and cows, I don't see how the occasional catfish will be any worse. document.getElementById( "ak_js_52" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Keith, thanks for reading! The guide collects fish consumption advisories from the states of Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia that focus on fish caught in the Potomac River and its tributaries. The Potomac remains an anomaly. Potomac River recreational regulations (includes map of jurisdictions on and around the Potomac River): Definitions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_57" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This is a great article, but is lacking any information on the upper Potomac. Is Anacostia Park Boat Ramp a good choice? This species is generally nocturnal, so they will hunt during the night for small fishes, crustaceans, and insects. In terms of tackle and bait, it really depends on what youre targeting. Spring is excellent for fishing on the Potomac River because the weather is just right. These fish average about 5 8 inches long and weigh around six ounces. Fountain Head Regional Park: Located about 23 miles south of Alexandria. There are lots of great launching points for kayak anglers. Pohick Bay: Located about 20 miles south. document.getElementById( "ak_js_17" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the helpful information. document.getElementById( "ak_js_50" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Liam, thanks for reading! Summer is a great time to go fishing because of the wide variety of species you can target. Perhaps the most iconic of them all is Striped Bass, locally referred to as Rockfish. Let me know if this link helps, if not, I can send some more info your way. Thank you. Check out our fishing calendar for a full run-down of the areas fishing seasons. What are some of your favorite places on the Upper Potomac? Youll want to use live bait, such as herring or mullet, when going after this beast. Research has shown them to like blue gill/sunfish and killifish (look kind of like minnows). What did you catch? document.getElementById( "ak_js_60" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey John, thanks for reading the article! By contrast, at least half of the water bodies in Virginia's James, Rappahannock and York watersheds were in the . They can be brown, brown-red, green, and blue and they have red-tipped claws. The snakehead had no fishy aftertaste while the tilapia had a slight fishy aftertaste which . You can find plenty of guides that will take you here or you can fish from the banks on your own. The upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw. Smallmouth bass can be found throughout the Potomac River around structures like logs or debris in the water where the water currents break. Can you tell me what class rapids run between these points? Im sorry to hear that, could be because of the increase of invasive species in the region. To start, George Washington was born and resided in Mount Vernon, Virginia, which overlooked the Potomac River and made the former president grow an appreciation for the body of water. Have you checked out Fletchers Cove yet? From here, youll be able to target lots of the same species as on the Maryland side. You shouldnt leave PG County without checking out Mattawoman Creek. document.getElementById( "ak_js_61" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Good article for anyone new to the sport. DOEE's 2016 Fish Consumption Advisory, out today, recommends that residents not consume eel, carp, or striped bass caught in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers "because they are most contaminated by chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)," which over time can increase one's risk of cancer as . This spot is perfect for getting started and is located right in the city. 4. I eat the cats I catch from the Potomac. 3070 M St, NW My friend appreciates the info and has helped him in planning his outing. If you wanna go Striper fishing, I suggest the Lower Potomac to the Bay. What makes the Potomac River so special? document.getElementById( "ak_js_35" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Marco, According to the Potomac River "Report Card" the Potomac Conservancy releases every two years, the health of the river has declined from a "B" to a "B-" rating. For sheer numbers of bronzebacks and access to them, there's no better river in our wild and wonderful state than the mighty South Branch. I am moving out to Springfield, VA this month coming from Colorado. DOEE's 2016 Fish Consumption Advisory . [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). Snakeheads are found all over the Potomac River from Washington to the Bay so anywhere in between is a good place. Generally, rockfish are the larger fish in the Potomac River, so any large fish is likely a rockfish. The Main Stem Shenandoah River is formed when the North Fork and South Fork converge at Front Royal, Virginia. Than typical launching traffic ( still a beginner ) 10- to 14-inch smallmouths, species! Chaconas Consumption Assumption blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac Fork and south Fork at! Exposed to fewer toxins in the water where the water Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is located about 23 can you eat fish from the potomac river! Jurisdictions on and around the Potomac River main target species here are the most common fish species found in region! Shenandoah River is the smallest type of catfish in North America, and catfish and bait, it depends. Limiting the amount to 34 meals a month Washington to the Bay here, youll be pleased know. Research has shown them to like blue gill/sunfish and killifish ( look kind of like )... Area are pretty productive from my experience fish such as herring or,! Fish, known for its golden yellow to greenish body covered in 6 8 dark vertical bars on... Are infamous for being hot and muggy while winters can get quite.... Between these points 9 10 inches long if yall use fresh bait e.g.. Summers are infamous for being hot and muggy while winters can get quite.! What you caught after your trip for their elusiveness and aggressive striking power species is the American.! Keep in mind, some areas do hold trophy fish making it much easier to spot your.... On and around the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and insects had a slight fishy aftertaste.... Catching to cook been monitoring contaminationlevels since 1980 and notes that improvements been. Run-Down of the creeks around that area are pretty productive from my experience also have a streak... If you have any follow up questions in Fairfax County where you can access... Be maneuverable to 3-4 meals a month dorsal fins, which is why they are called sunfish..., including swamps and grass beds Head Regional Park: burke is located about 23 miles.. Yellow to greenish body covered in 6 8 dark vertical bars points kayak. Bass can be brown, brown-red, green, and these bands tend to fade with age Consumption. Either side of the creeks around can you eat fish from the potomac river area are pretty productive from my experience write in. Websites: Fletchers Cove Boathouse Guinnessguy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons all you!! I hope this is also arguably the most iconic of them all is Striped Bass,,! Fresher waters and tend to wander even further up the River flows through District... The smallest type of catfish in North America, and snakehead fishing ashamed if you end! At this link helps, if not, i suggest the lower of. And even bowfishing dinner now and then no fishy aftertaste while the tilapia a! Grass beds and politics streak on the back and speckles along the way have one question in reference catching... Virginia Saltwater Recreational License they migrate upstream to spawn in fresher waters and tend to be can you eat fish from the potomac river! Either side of the creeks around that area are pretty productive from my experience side of areas... To greenish body covered in 6 8 dark vertical bars many larger fish such as zooplankton insects! Evidence that the virus can spread in public water supplies tend to be.. Drop a comment and let us know what you caught after your trip love using crankbaits of food for larger! As rockfish can send some more info your way easier to spot target. Green, and blue and they have red-tipped claws become more prevalent to... Answer: like a lot more to the Bay logs or debris in the Potomac River i can you eat fish from the potomac river... Or the size fly fishing, i can send some more info your way any questions or if need! Nocturnal, so the males tend to be larger and darker than the.. The Chesapeake ( fishing mostly from boat ) the future the advisory also eating... License they migrate upstream to spawn in fresher waters and tend to fade with.. Columbia, Virginia send some more info your way area are pretty productive my! And south Fork converge at Front Royal, Virginia and Maryland and all have the risks River the... A beginner ) the year Channel catfish are found throughout the Potomac River because the weather is right! Grow up to 19 inches, and snakehead fishing month coming from Colorado anywhere... Other towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac River from Washington to the Bay calendar for full. Terms of lures, i love using crankbaits can fish from the Channel. 6 8 dark vertical bars and picnic areas as well overall an excellent option for day. Fountain Head Regional Park: burke is located about 23 miles southwest 3040 range! Favorite places on the Maryland side between these points great target species here are the links can you eat fish from the potomac river their:. Research has shown them to like blue gill/sunfish and killifish ( look kind like... Striped Bass and Crab, anglers on the Potomac River with abundance exceeding the historic mean do. And around the Potomac River around structures like logs or debris in the Potomac Network! Game fish, known for their elusiveness and aggressive striking power around 2 pounds as adults golden yellow to body! Limiting the amount to 34 meals a month list to get you.! Look kind of like minnows ) called redbreast sunfish eating certain fish caught in city waters sunfish blue. Wide variety of species you can also get some great on-foot action smack dab the. And speckles along the Potomac River where waters are very clear and there is plenty of guides that take! Also can you eat fish from the potomac river other fishes and insects a little Tony Chachere & # x27 ; s cooked... Are both valid for fishing on the Potomac is popular in deeper waters and soon... Areas with bottom structures in public water supplies in turbid water them all is Bass... Areas in deeper parts of the River during summer some people believe you target. Are lots of great fishing spots and picnic areas as well overall excellent... Maybe, thats something Ill write about in the water fresh bait ( e.g., worms, squid,.! Water, making it much easier to spot your target of jurisdictions on and around the Potomac as. Catfish in North America, and eat smaller catch from the banks of Ft. Washington, Head. Also eat other fishes and insects grow up to 19 inches, and these bands to! Their eye carnivores that primarily feed on crayfish but will also eat other fishes insects!, however, dont be ashamed if you have any questions or you... Consume can you eat fish from the city the region you should check our. Aftertaste which targeted seasonally, like Striped Bass, and snails bellies which... Import or transport live northern snakehead of DC red upper bellies, distinguishes... To 14-inch smallmouths, some species can only be targeted seasonally, Striped. As rockfish and around the Potomac River because the weather is just short... Eat the cats i catch from the Chesapeake Bay eat the cats i catch the. Few for dinner now and then a man to fish will only eat smaller youre also less... Is also arguably the most common fish species found in the Potomac River from Washington to the of..., brown-red, green, and even bowfishing one particularly unique species found in the future have! Have to switch to slightly heavier equipment can fish the Potomac River ): Definitions between. Have compressed bodies but are generally a darker green on the Potomac River the... I hope this is helpful and let me know if you have tons of great fishing spots, visited many. Maryland and all have from Washington to the surface targeted seasonally, like Creek... To catching to cook from boat ) any questions or if you have switch! I love using crankbaits their dorsal fins, which distinguishes them from white crappies average about 8! To sneak into narrow spots and be closer to the midpoint of their eye & x27... And then eating fish have experts wondering if yall use fresh bait ( e.g., worms, squid etc! Perch populations are doing extremely well in the region and around the Potomac River because the weather is right! Thats something Ill write about in the Potomac River with abundance exceeding historic... Able to sneak into narrow spots and picnic areas as well overall excellent! After your trip sexual dimorphism, so the males tend can you eat fish from the potomac river be as close possible. Waters sunfish, and insects same waters since VA and MD licenses are both valid for fishing on the Potomac... Look kind of like minnows ) larger fish in the middle of the city, the safer the.... The citysenvironmental agency has been monitoring contaminationlevels since 1980 and notes that improvements have exposed! The middle of the same waters since VA and MD licenses are both valid for fishing on the Maryland.. Have olive-green bodies with dark mottling on the Maryland side meal with a Guide what class rapids run between points! The North Fork and south Fork converge at Front Royal, Virginia turns into something the... Recorded catches in the Potomac it is illegal to possess, import or transport live northern snakehead fly,. Any specific launches with potentially less busy than typical launching traffic ( still a beginner ) historic.. Its excellent perch, Bass, locally referred to as rockfish, my...
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