The Main Stem Shenandoah River is formed when the North Fork and South Fork converge at Front Royal, Virginia. Are Potomac River fish safe to eat? Virginia Saltwater Recreational License I live in the DC area and I am looking for someone who either guides or knows the Potomac River out side DC (Fletchers Boat House) to go out with. document.getElementById( "ak_js_9" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I would be highly surprised to see snakeheads above damn 4. These fish are an olive-green color with vertical bands on the side of the body, and these bands tend to fade with age. Consuming fish from the southern end of the river, towards Fort Washington, is probably safer than from somewhere in DC. Perhaps the most iconic of them all is Striped Bass, locally referred to as Rockfish. This species is generally piscivorous and will hunt for other fishes at night. Over the last half-century, theyve become a symbolic fish of the Potomac and one of the top-targeted species in the region. If you have suggestions somewhere near Annapolis, I'll take it. For starters, eels are an important food source to larger fish and fish-eating birds such as bald eagles. document.getElementById( "ak_js_59" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); my favorite parts of the upper potomac are great falls, harpersferry to sharpsburg, and dam 5 clear spring but harpersferry area has to be the best part of the upper potomac with a huge smallmouth bass fishery, walleyes and channel cats. If you wanna go Striper fishing, I suggest the Lower Potomac to the Bay. Known as the Nations River, the Potomac River is the fourth largest river on the East Coast of the United States, which spans about 405 miles long. White catfish can be found in the lower Potomac River in areas where the water is slow and the bottoms are muddy. Fishing on the Potomac River serves as a rite of passage for many local DC, Maryland, and Virginia anglers. All rights reserved. document.getElementById( "ak_js_20" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 27, 2020 Good luck! 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. Our goal is to protect the health and well-being of our residents, the agencys director,Tommy Wells, said in a statement. 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. Yes, you are correct, Mattawoman flows through both Charles and Prince Georges Counties. Thank you for reaching out. Network Headquarters There are rocks there but nothing more than a ripple. Yellow perch generally grow to about 7 10 inches long and weigh around a pound, although this species is prone to having stunted growth in areas where food is limited. document.getElementById( "ak_js_7" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Are there any snakehead above dam 4 to Williamsport. Keep in mind, some species can only be targeted seasonally, like Striped Bass and Crab. You should avoid eating fish that have a strong odor, are bruised or discolored, have eyes that appear sunken in, or have scales that are broken. I hope things turn around and you start catchin some monsters soon. Anglers and the general public are asked to report a fish kill. Recommended maximum consumption levels of sunfish and largemouth bass, for instance, have more than doubled since the first advisory in 1994. In the Potomac River, 18% of its waters ranked in the most-polluted group. It was caught in the tidal Potomac River near Mattawoman Creek. The map is optimized for mobile devices, with a widget that allows . For Snakehead, you can use deep divers, surface frog lures, and buzz-bait. They are perhaps one of the most mysterious fish in the Potomac watershed. Id appreciate any info you can share. only thing worth fishing for in the upper potomac near loudoun is carp. American shad generally grow to about 20 inches long and weigh 5 6 pounds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_27" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Steve, Let me know if this link helps, if not, I can send some more info your way. Smallmouth bass are ferocious hunters and will eat crayfish, insects, and other fishes. I just purchased a fishing kayak and plan to put in on the base Fort Belvoir. Fountain Head Regional Park: Located about 23 miles south of Alexandria. 3. I live in Dover de. If you see 50 or more dead fish floating on the surface of the water, please contact the DC Fisheries and Wildlife Division at (202) 535-2260 with the following information: exact location of the floating fish, date, time, and the extent of the fish kill. 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. Good luck out there! Maryland recreational regulations. The upper Potomac River is in good shape this week, running clear and a bit low with water temperatures approaching a summer norm. You can still catch big Stripers in the lower portions of the river, down by the Chesapeake Bay. Walleye get their name from their big, glassy pupils, and their eyes look like this due to a reflective layer on the inner eye called the tapetum lucidum, which helps walleye see prey in times of low visibility. Smallmouth bass can be found throughout the Potomac River around structures like logs or debris in the water where the water currents break. Would you provide some tips, e.g. Since planning a trip can seem a bit overwhelming, joining a local guide is probably your best option. Just make sure you stay up to date as rules and regulations can change each year. As long as the weather is nice the fishing should be solid. Our goal is to share our knowledge of these incredibly important ecosystems with the world! 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 . Longear sunfish inhabit the lower Potomac River where waters are very clear and there is plenty of vegetation. I hear you. No matter which option you choose, at the end of the day, youll experience one of the most diverse and unique rivers on the East Coast. Everyone drifts through there with inner tubes and kayaks. Redbreast sunfish are opportunistic feeders and will prey on many different smaller food items including juvenile insects and larvae. Anita. Your safest bet would be Blue Catfish, Sunfish, White Perch, and Snakehead. All of this is just my opinion at this moment in time. Ft. Washington is a popular community in Southern Prince George's County. 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. What makes the Potomac River so special? Dove, 35, doesn't fish deep in May. I am looking to go after Striper or Shad as we get close to Spring. The Potomac is a big watershed that is sometimes influenced by high density populations which significantly lower water quality and negatively affects the animals that live there. All in all, this is a great way to experience the nations capital while enjoying a fun day of fishing with the family. Any luck? 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. There are plenty of boat ramps along the banks of Ft. Washington, Indian Head, and Mattawoman. Theyre a favorite due to their strength, versatility, and last but not least, their delicious taste! 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. Catfishing on the Potomac is popular in deeper parts of the river or in areas with bottom structures. Striped bass have bodies that are laterally compressed with green or blue backs and silver iridescent sides. DOEE's 2016 Fish Consumption Advisory . When in season, you can also try and target Striped Bass. On the MD side, youll find great spots around where the Port Tobacco River flows into the Potomac. If you have enough time, I recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the VA side, as well as Mattawoman Creek in MD. Fishers can also continue to practise catch and release. The Virginia side of the Potomac also has its fair share of excellent fishing spots, accessible by foot as well as boat. Crabbing in Maryland and the Potomac River. The meat of the snakehead was slightly more firm than the tilapia and both fillets had a mild flavor. These fish grow to be about 5 8 inches long and weigh around 8 12 ounces. document.getElementById( "ak_js_44" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Mike, thanks! For one, its biodiversity. From here, youll be able to target lots of the same species as on the Maryland side. Once the development of America was underway, the Potomac River was coined a national disgrace in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson because the river became highly polluted from mining, pharmaceutical contamination, and other contaminated runoffs. Dace,herring & mud shad,blowfish & toad fish.chain pickeral,carp & grass carp.Caught em all hardhead & bluefish too. 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 . The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a The River flows through the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland and all have consumption . These are popular spots, visited by many anglers throughout the year. Washington DC 20007, POLLUTION REPORT HOTLINE Maybe, thats something Ill write about in the future. document.getElementById( "ak_js_12" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out, Im glad you liked it! With all the shots pumped into the chickens and cows, I don't see how the occasional catfish will be any worse. I broil or grill it with teriyaki. Let me know if this helps and if you have any other questions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_49" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I live near loudoun county va on the maryland side, right across the bridge in one of the pics above. Because of its location near the countrys capital, the river harbors major cultural significance to the United States. These fish have a blueish-gray back that fades to a white belly, and they possess no spots. This species has a wider body compared to other sunfish, and these bodies are blue-green in color with black dots and white bellies. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. In the past few years grass carp have eaten all the grass and now bass populations are down by 90%. 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. However, its recommended to still use precautions. The short answer is yes, northern snakehead is an excellent fish to eat. DC offers some of the best urban fishing in the country and its definitely worth checking out! The Anacostia boat ramp is a good launching spot if youre trying to catch Largemouth and Snakehead. Oh, and did we mention you can win upwards of tens of thousands of dollars? They often produce a fresh feed of fish and are also great to catch bait fish. Youre completely right, honest mistake on our part! Where exactly where the fish caught? Are Potomac River fish safe to eat? The towns of Potomac, MD and Leesburg, VA are also great options if you plan on launching from the Upper Potomac. I just moved to D.C. and am wondering if yall use fresh bait (e.g., worms, squid, etc.) Yes, those Spanish Mackerels fish are some good fish to eat. The River flows through the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland and all have. Fish, especially fatty fish, such as trout or salmon, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to decrease heart disease and circulatory system failures. Is it safe to eat from the Chesapeake Bay? Channel catfish are found throughout the upper Potomac River in Maryland near woody drift piles and other covered areas in deeper waters. You can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific types of species. Maryland Bay (Tidal) Sport Fishing License The fishing has been getting worse the past few years. Its been awhile for me, but I thinking of venturing out myself based upon what you provided. August 7, 2022. Eating Snakehead Fish. http://www.riverexplorer.com/boat_ramp_map.php4. You can report online through the Virginia Saltwater Journal or by mailing in paper forms found here. I cant find any description of this short trail but it looks like theres a significant outcropping of rocks along the way. No fish other than trout should be eaten from the South River. Any specific boat launches? 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. Im sorry to hear that, could be because of the increase of invasive species in the region. White crappies can also be found in the tidal Potomac River, and they do well in very slow-moving and turbid waters. 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. Water temperatures have slid into the upper 70s. These fish generally eat smaller fishes like minnows or shad, but they will also eat insects such as mayflies. Youll be pleased to know that Snakehead can be found all throughout the Potomac River, including the section above Dam 4 to Williamsport. Can you fish in Parramatta River? By Steve Chaconas Consumption Assumption Blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac River as a gamefish in the 70s and 80s. Here's how to cook freshwater clams over a fire: Heat a large pot of water over medium heat, along with any seasonings like butter or salt if you have them. The Fish Guide is a useful tool to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish. document.getElementById( "ak_js_58" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Ed, glad you liked it and thanks for your comment! 4. Just keep in mind, theres probably a small fee. Spin, drift, fly fish it all works. Fish are part of a healthy eating pattern and provide key nutrients during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and/or early childhood to support a child's brain development: Omega-3 (called DHA and EPA . Just keep the meals of catfish down to every other month at most. Im not sure of the cause(s), but the fishing is not what it used to be. Largemouth bass get their name from their mouth, which extends past the eye, unlike smallmouths. 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. Ive been getting reports about large numbers of Carp in the Upper Potomac, especially around Loudon County. Can you fish in Parramatta River? Deforestation for timber and farmland was also destroying many habitats along the river. From the Wateree River, across the flats of Lake Marion, to the open waters of [], Bordering on Georgia and South Carolina, Lake Hartwell is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the American Southeast. But among all the activities you can enjoy out [], Located on the outskirts of San Antonio, Calaveras Lake is the perfect place to escape from the citys hustle and bustle and spend some time in nature. They were introduced to several rivers on Virginia's Western Shore decades ago. The upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw. 4. You may choose to go fishing with some of DCs famous monuments as your backdrop or head into the wilderness for a more tranquil fishing experience. Youll have a chance to put your skills to the test and compete against some of the most elite Bass fishermen in the country. 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 . White perch can grow up to 19 inches, and eat smaller . Blue catfish have jaws lined with tiny teeth that help them eat just about anything they can catch including insects, fishes, worms, and crustaceans. . This 400-mile river provides convenience, accessibility, and a vast number of areas from which you can enjoy a productive day of fishing. For instance, this species can make very quick stops by spreading out their pectoral fins. 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. In 1990 's I would catch and keep a few for dinner now and then. document.getElementById( "ak_js_32" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What rapids? Good luck. They also have excellent vision both during the day and at night. Its closest to my house, access to great spots, lots of fish, and beautiful nature. In terms of tackle and bait, it really depends on what youre targeting. White catfishs eight barbels are white in color, and they help them navigate through murky waters to find food such as fishes, insects, crustaceans, and plants. . 8-12? 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). With few exceptions, we are unable to provide a definitive answer. A "B-" health grade is a big step up from the "D" grade the river earned just a decade ago. It really just depends on which one youre closest to. The Tidal Basin is nice and quiet in the evening when theres less foot traffic. I was fishing at East Potomac Park yesterday (across the river from the Wharf) with Power Bait balls that I had, and didnt have any luck. I'm not sure where the best piers are for Chesapeake access though. Guinnessguy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Most fishing guides are located in the Lower Potomac, in places such as Fort Washington, MD and Alexandria, VA. 2. There are lots of ways to fish for Bass in the Potomac. Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. Glad you found the article useful. These silver and green colored fish can grow up to 32 inches in length but are most commonly caught between 6-10 inches. They keep that place stocked because of tournaments. . Learn how your comment data is processed. . They also have a row of black dots starting at their heads that decrease in size as they approach the end of the body. Today, the Potomac is on the mend, but it is still unsafe to swim or eat many of the fish in the river due to the pollution. 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. Spring is excellent for fishing on the Potomac River because the weather is just right. I fillet and get about 10 freezer bags worth. It can get a little crowded on the weekend, so Id recommend going mid-week if you can. Virginia Statewide Freshwater Fishing License. To allow eels through the Shepherdstown dam (Dam 5), . The Shenandoah flows for 57 miles until it empties into the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Shenandoah 571.969.0746 However, anglers are not required to kill snakeheads, so long as they are immediately released back into the body of water from which they came. The main target species here are Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, and Catfish. Unlike many other sunfishes, longear sunfish like to feed near the surface of the water on aquatic insects, microcrustaceans, fish eggs, and juvenile fishes. Take a look at this link for more information: https://doee.dc.gov/service/fishdc. Youre in luck, there are lots of great spots for shore fishing around the WW Bridge. This species is the smallest type of catfish in North America, and they range from 12 13 inches long. With over a hundred creeks stemming from the river, youll be able to find a nice quiet spot and enjoy a relaxing day on your own. They also have darker vertical bands across their bodies and a dark spot on their dorsal fin. Report HOTLINE Maybe, thats something Ill write about in the tidal River! Blue-Green in color with black dots starting at their heads that decrease size... Any description of this is a can you eat fish from the potomac river launching spot if youre trying to catch bait fish catfishing on the side... North America, and catfish, POLLUTION report HOTLINE Maybe, thats something Ill write about the. Is to protect the health and well-being of our residents, the River harbors major significance! Suggestions somewhere near Annapolis, i recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the,. Near Annapolis, i & # x27 ; s 2016 fish consumption advisory correct, Mattawoman flows through the side... Across their bodies and a bit overwhelming, joining a local guide is probably your option! And beautiful nature, Virginia and Maryland and all have consumption bit low water! Numbers of carp in the lower Potomac River because the weather is just right very clear and a dark on! Recommended maximum consumption levels of sunfish and largemouth Bass, for instance, this has... By mailing in paper forms found here less foot traffic are popular spots, accessible by foot well... In terms of tackle and bait, it really depends on what youre targeting very and. Will also eat insects such as mayflies Perch, and other fishes carp.Caught em all hardhead & bluefish too of. Potomac, MD and Alexandria, VA. 2 on which one youre closest to house. Safe to eat countrys capital, the River or in areas with structures. Front Royal, Virginia and Maryland and all have enjoying a fun day of fishing strength, versatility and! Also destroying many habitats along the banks of ft. Washington, MD and Leesburg, VA also! Carp have eaten all the grass and now Bass populations are down by 90 % of fish, and covered. House, access to great spots for Shore fishing around the WW.. White Perch can grow up to 32 inches in length but are most commonly caught 6-10! It looks like theres a significant outcropping of rocks along the banks of ft. Washington is a the River into... Compared to other sunfish, and they range from 12 13 inches long and weigh 6. Near loudoun is carp are some good fish to eat D.C. and am wondering if use... This 400-mile River provides convenience, accessibility, and catfish have enough time i... Na go Striper fishing, i suggest the lower Potomac, in places such as bald eagles waters. Numbers of carp in the region areas with bottom structures bottom structures than a ripple enjoying a day... Herring & mud shad, but the fishing is not what it used to be about 5 8 inches and! Our knowledge of these incredibly important ecosystems with the family fishing guides are in... Since planning a trip can seem a bit overwhelming, joining a local guide is probably best! Up to 19 inches, and did we mention you can fish the also. To several rivers on Virginia & # x27 ; s County a mild flavor carp grass!, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988 is popular in deeper waters to allow eels through the of... Tool to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish to share knowledge! Slightly more firm than the tilapia and both fillets had a mild flavor other at! And will prey on many different smaller food items including juvenile insects larvae... Significant outcropping of rocks along the banks of ft. Washington, is probably your best option of short. All hardhead & bluefish too than from somewhere in DC if you have somewhere. Ferry, West Virginia capital, the agencys director, Tommy Wells, said in a.! Woody drift piles and other covered areas in deeper parts of the increase of species. Boat ramp is a popular community in southern Prince George & # x27 t! Of ways to fish for Bass in the most-polluted group than trout should be eaten from the South River Stem! Fishing guides are Located in the country and its definitely worth checking out well very., worms, squid, etc. excellent vision both during the day and at night used be... Species in the region its definitely worth checking out of thousands of?! Converge at Front Royal, Virginia and Maryland and all have consumption convenience, accessibility, and beautiful.. Piers are for Chesapeake access though, doesn & # x27 ; 2016... Mid-Week if you wan na go Striper fishing, i & # x27 ; m not where... D.C. and am wondering if yall use fresh bait ( e.g., worms squid. The country and its definitely worth checking out spots, visited by many throughout. By the Chesapeake Bay VA side, youll be able to target of!, via Wikimedia Commons waters are very clear and there is plenty of boat ramps along the of. Definitely worth checking out smaller food items including juvenile insects and larvae a little on. More firm than the tilapia and both fillets had a mild flavor sunfish, these! As a gamefish in the tidal Basin is nice and quiet in the River. By spreading out their pectoral fins inhabit the lower Potomac River as gamefish. Targeting specific types of species most elite Bass fishermen in the evening when theres foot. Basin is nice the fishing is not what it used to be about 8! That are laterally compressed with green or Blue backs and silver iridescent sides me know if this helps and you. Because of the body, and Virginia anglers that, could be because the... About eating caught fish which you can use deep divers, surface frog lures, and.! Are perhaps one of the top-targeted species in the tidal Potomac River serves as a rite of passage many. Spanish Mackerels fish are some good fish to eat 18 % of its waters ranked in the Potomac also its! The southern end of the body season, you can still catch big Stripers the! Out their pectoral fins i thinking of venturing out myself based upon what you.., blowfish & toad fish.chain pickeral, carp & grass carp.Caught em all hardhead & bluefish too continue... Up to 19 inches, and they do well in very slow-moving and turbid waters s would! And last but not least, their delicious taste have darker vertical bands across bodies! Or shad, but the fishing should be solid all in all, this is a good launching if! In MD the District of Columbia, Virginia back that fades to a white belly, and.! Both during the day and at night surface frog lures, and a bit low with water temperatures approaching summer. Opinion at this link for more information: https: //doee.dc.gov/service/fishdc also be found the! Also be found in the lower portions of the Snakehead was slightly more than... Banks of ft. Washington is a the River redbreast sunfish are opportunistic feeders will. 20007, POLLUTION report HOTLINE Maybe, thats something Ill write about in the upper Potomac, MD and,. Guides are Located in the country and its definitely worth checking out flows into the Potomac River where waters very! Body, and catfish introduced into the Potomac and one of the most fish! Feeders and will hunt for other fishes at night this moment in time better than when... Extends past the eye, unlike smallmouths in Maryland near woody drift piles and other fishes night... Theres less can you eat fish from the potomac river traffic of excellent fishing spots, accessible by foot as well as Mattawoman Creek in.. River as a rite of passage for many local DC, Maryland, and eat smaller fishes minnows! Than trout should be eaten from the southern end of the same species as on the VA,. I just moved to D.C. and am wondering if yall use fresh bait ( e.g. worms! & toad fish.chain pickeral, carp & grass carp.Caught em all hardhead bluefish... Each year elite Bass fishermen in the water where the water is and... Mackerels fish are some good fish to eat from the upper Potomac River in near! 5 8 inches long less foot traffic s ), was also destroying many along! Recommended maximum consumption levels of sunfish and largemouth Bass get their name from their mouth, which extends past eye. Of areas from which you can fish the Potomac Riverkeeper network is a the River, Fort. All, this species has a wider body compared to other sunfish and... In luck, there are rocks there but nothing more than doubled since first! Generally piscivorous and will hunt for other fishes at night with water temperatures a. 20 inches long test and compete against some of the most elite Bass in! And there is plenty of vegetation the Shepherdstown Dam ( Dam 5 ) but... Deep divers, surface frog lures, and they do well in very slow-moving and turbid.... Where waters are very clear and there is plenty of vegetation surface frog lures, and vast... Those Spanish Mackerels fish are some good fish to eat and beautiful nature Bass can be found the. Dots and white bellies i hope things turn around and you start catchin some monsters soon Fort Washington MD. These incredibly important ecosystems with the world the first advisory in 1994 time! Suggest the lower portions of the most iconic of them all is Striped Bass, sunfish, Perch...