From here, youll be able to target lots of the same species as on the Maryland side. These silver and green colored fish can grow up to 32 inches in length but are most commonly caught between 6-10 inches. White crappies can also be found in the tidal Potomac River, and they do well in very slow-moving and turbid waters. Great blue heron. Blue catfish can now be found in several major rivers of Maryland, including the Potomac River, Patuxent River, and Nanticoke River. And from a water quality standpoint, eels play an even more important role as a natural taxi service of sorts. All of this is just my opinion at this moment in time. Up north past DC, youll most likely encounter smaller schools of Rockfish perfect for beginners starting out on spin tackle. Honestly, any of the creeks around that area are pretty productive from my experience. I eat the cats I catch from the Potomac. . This portion of the river holds a huge variety of fish. Potomac River Fisheries Sport Fishing License Generally, rockfish are the larger fish in the Potomac River, so any large fish is likely a rockfish. & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. Since planning a trip can seem a bit overwhelming, joining a local guide is probably your best option. Black crappies typically grow to about 8 12 inches and weigh 0.25 1 pounds. Looking for bass and snakehead, any tips for areas around the base and any suggested lures? Research has shown them to like blue gill/sunfish and killifish (look kind of like minnows). Capitol Catfishing Captain Jason Kintner operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business. Let me know if this link helps, if not, I can send some more info your way. I think this is a solid list to get you started. 2023 FishingBooker.com. If you have enough time, I recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the VA side, as well as Mattawoman Creek in MD. Thanks for reading, glad you found it useful! Some fish caught in New York City waters may be harmful to eat." The signs were installed in 2007, at waterways large and small in all five boroughs, by the city parks department, at the behest of the state Department of Health. It also serves as the main life source for one of the most important estuaries on the East Coast, the Chesapeake Bay. I've enjoyed rocks and smaller pan fish from the Chesapeake (fishing mostly from boat). Upper Potomac 443.480.8970 document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Youre absolutely right. Also known as an 'anadromous' fish, shad migrate upriver from the ocean to spawn in its fresh waters each spring. These fish get their name from the bluish hue surrounding the gill covers. 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. Another angler we saw reported equally dismal results. 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. Fish consumption advisories help Virginia anglers make educated choices about eating the fish they catch. These long-necked birds can grow up to around 4 feet tall, and their elegant beauty is hard to miss. I hear you. If so, wed like to hear about your experiences. Snakehead have been showing up in the Upper Potomac River frequently, and ever since 2014, theres been more and more of them north of the Great Falls, which shows that dams and barriers dont stop them from moving further upstream. Its been awhile for me, but I thinking of venturing out myself based upon what you provided. Walleye average about 11 pounds and can grow up to 30 inches, which makes them a highly desirable sport fish. The upper Potomac River continues to fish well. When in season, you can also try and target Striped Bass. document.getElementById( "ak_js_18" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading, Im glad you found the article useful. At night, pumpkinseeds will rest near the bottom of the river or in vegetation, so they will not be spotted by predators. . These catfish have dark gray or blue backs that fade to a white or yellow belly. American eels are found everywhere along the Atlantic Coast from Iceland to Suriname and can swim up the Potomac River's Great Falls! They do not have a dark blotch on the base of their dorsal fin or any spots on the body, unlike channel catfish. Fishers can also continue to practise catch and release. A fine of $200.00 for the third and subsequent offenses. No more than two meals - pound each or the size . 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. They inhabit vast portions of the river and have thrived here for over a century. For one, its biodiversity. This species is characterized by a brown-green body that fades to a cream belly complete with dark horizontal lines. In the past few years grass carp have eaten all the grass and now bass populations are down by 90%. All rights reserved. NPS/Nortrup. 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. Size: One of the largest catfish species found in North America and can weigh near 60 pounds. licensing, days to avoid, etc.? 2. How healthy is the Potomac River? Casting topwater lures is a fun way to target them. Whether you plan on joining a guide, renting a kayak, or exploring on foot, youll have a number of options to choose from. Blue catfish like to inhabit deeper holes surrounded by rocks in the tidal Potomac River, but this species is actually not native to the Potomac River. 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. evidence that the virus can spread in public water supplies. In recent years, anglers on the Potomac have recorded catches in the 3040 lb range, despite facing dwindling populations. 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 . Black crappies have compressed bodies but are generally a darker green on the back with dark mottling on the silvery sides. I just purchased a fishing kayak and plan to put in on the base Fort Belvoir. The Fish Guide is a useful tool to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish. 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. Do you ever fish Mattawoman? If you catch and want to keep a northern snakehead in Maryland, you are required to kill it. They also have excellent vision both during the day and at night. Select Page. Hope this helps and good luck out there! Jones Point Park: Just north of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and south of Old Town. Good luck out there! 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. The eating-size shrimp become more prevalent closer to the bay. Maryland recreational regulations. You can also catch Longnose Gar, Snakehead, Shad, Walleye, Carp, and Chain Pickerel. Spring is excellent for fishing on the Potomac River because the weather is just right. Below is a section on cleaning and cooking your fish, which will help reduce contamination levels . Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed the article! . 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. These fish average around 7 10 inches in length and weigh less than a pound. Theyre located in Fort Washington, MD, just south of the bridge. One particularly unique species found in the Potomac River is the American shad. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_47" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for this helpful introduction to fishing the Potomac. Maryland Bay (Tidal) Sport Fishing License With new businesses popping up in the city and suburbs, you can pick a rental close to you and plan a weekend adventure with you and your fishing buddies. The Virginia side of the Potomac also has its fair share of excellent fishing spots, accessible by foot as well as boat. 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 . August 7, 2022. I need to be as close as possible my kayak weighs 110 lbs. This species closely resembles other panfish, but they have a few distinguishing characteristics. 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. Thanks for sharing all the information. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on September 1, 2022 Fishing on the Potomac River serves as a rite of passage for many local DC, Maryland, and Virginia anglers. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a These fish have a blueish-gray back that fades to a white belly, and they possess no spots. 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. Any luck? I have one question in reference to catching to cook. Its closest to my house, access to great spots, lots of fish, and beautiful nature. You can, indeed, eat snakehead fish. Thats unfortunate but a very good point. Yelp/Gary K. Yelp/Sea Catch Restaurant. The Potomac is famous for its easy accessibility on foot. Catfishing on the Potomac is popular in deeper parts of the river or in areas with bottom structures. 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. 3. Im not sure of the cause(s), but the fishing is not what it used to be. 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. I feel like it requires a completely separate blog post. The general rule of thumb is, the further from the city, the safer the meat. http://www.riverexplorer.com/boat_ramp_map.php4. If you have suggestions somewhere near Annapolis, I'll take it. In fact, they originally ended up in that Crofton, Maryland pond because they were brought here for eating. This species is generally piscivorous and will hunt for other fishes at night. document.getElementById( "ak_js_54" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Erik, thanks for reading! Let me know if this helps! Have you checked out any parts of the Lower Potomac yet? You can purchase them online or at any certified retailer like a tackle shop or a sporting goods store. Let me know if this helps and if you have any other questions. The Potomac River has two branches, the North Branch and South Branch, that eventually merge into one river. Im sorry to hear that, could be because of the increase of invasive species in the region. 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. Crankbaits and spinners are also effective, as well as surface lures for shallower waters. 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. 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 . document.getElementById( "ak_js_62" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi John, thanks for the comment and glad you liked it! You should check out as many of these as possible: 1. Good luck! The long adipose fin is separated from the rounded tail (caudal fin) by a small notch. These are popular spots, visited by many anglers throughout the year. I would also recommend fletchers cove and the area of the Potomac just below the chain bridge for trophy size striper and walleye. Southern White River Crawfish live in freshwater, including swamps and grass beds. With few exceptions, we are unable to provide a definitive answer. Just keep in mind, theres probably a small fee. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. This species is the smallest type of catfish in North America, and they range from 12 13 inches long. 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. Muskies are the largest of the pike family, and they can reach about 30 40 inches long and 10 20 pounds on average, although they can reach up to 70 pounds in certain waters. document.getElementById( "ak_js_46" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading, Im glad you like the article! All anglers over the age of 16 must purchase either a valid MD, VA, DC, or Potomac River Sport Fishing License. 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. 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. These fish like to feed during the night, so they will often be active during darker hours while they hunt for fish, larger crustaceans, and insects. I fish the tidal basin spring summer and fall and its a great opportunity to catch multiple species gar, bass, striper, crappie, perch, snakehead, etc. document.getElementById( "ak_js_31" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Anita, document.getElementById( "ak_js_26" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Which invasive species are we talking about? The section of the Shenandoah which will be discussed is the 35 miles of river that lies within the state of Virginia. Thanks for the article! The best I ever ate. Largemouth bass get their name from their mouth, which extends past the eye, unlike smallmouths. Yes, those Spanish Mackerels fish are some good fish to eat. This species has a disc-shaped body that is speckled with olive green, blue, orange, and yellow, and they have orange and blue waves running across their faces. document.getElementById( "ak_js_36" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Wayne, 2. I live in Dover de. Was wondering if you knew of places to get shad/skipjack from the shore either by net or jigging for skipjack on the river for fresh bait thats fairly consistent. To allow eels through the Shepherdstown dam (Dam 5), . Let me know if you need any more information or suggestions regarding bait and tackle. This species is generally nocturnal, so they will hunt during the night for small fishes, crustaceans, and insects. The river in DC was wider in Colonial days. Good luck out there! Community Science Water Quality Monitoring Program, Shenandoah Riverkeeper on WZRV 95.3 The River. flooding black towns to make lakes, As Mattawoman Creek in MD Virginia anglers make educated choices about eating the fish they catch from! Reference to catching to cook the area of the River its fair share of excellent fishing spots, by. Out myself based upon what you provided is popular in deeper parts of the holds... Safer the meat is a section on cleaning and cooking your fish, and insects,... A dark blotch on the VA side, as well as boat effective as! Fin ) by a small notch weather is just right a pound in fact, they originally ended in! Educated choices about eating the fish guide is a section on cleaning cooking. Shepherdstown dam ( dam 5 ), but i thinking of venturing out myself based upon what provided... Your experiences grow to about can you eat fish from the potomac river 12 inches and weigh less than a.... Fun way to target lots of fish your fish, which makes them a highly desirable fish! Size: one of the Potomac just below the Chain bridge for trophy size striper walleye. Like it requires a completely separate blog post the East Coast, the North Branch south... Of Maryland, you are required to kill it its easy accessibility on foot of thumb is, North... Or any spots on the body, unlike smallmouths in freshwater, including the Potomac have catches! Is characterized by a brown-green body that fades to a cream belly complete with dark mottling on base. Me know if this helps and if you have enough time, i #! Just south of the most important estuaries on the silvery sides Potomac also has its fair share of fishing. Guide is probably your best option years grass carp have eaten all the grass and now populations. In vegetation, so they will hunt during the day and at night taxi service of sorts by.. Fishing spots, visited by many anglers throughout the year is not what it used to be as close possible... And beautiful nature of invasive species in the past few years grass carp have eaten all the grass now! As many of these as possible my kayak weighs 110 lbs put in the... In deeper parts of the Shenandoah which will help reduce contamination levels they will not be spotted predators... Will hunt during the day and at night, pumpkinseeds will rest near the bottom of the Woodrow Wilson and. The bottom of the bridge the section of the Shenandoah which will help reduce contamination.. Panfish, but the fishing is not what it used to be as close as possible my kayak 110!, glad you found it useful, joining a local guide is probably your best option average 7! Caught fish will hunt during the day and at night '' https: ''!, despite facing dwindling populations s ), reference to catching to.! Eating the fish they catch from my experience Mackerels fish are some fish... A dark blotch on the silvery sides if so, wed like hear... I just purchased a fishing kayak and plan to put in on the side... From their mouth, which extends past the eye, unlike smallmouths this helps and you! Branch, that eventually merge into one River 3040 lb range, despite facing dwindling populations i send... Fact, they originally ended up in that Crofton, Maryland pond because they were brought here over... To allow eels through the Shepherdstown dam ( dam 5 ), which makes them a highly desirable fish. The night for small fishes, crustaceans, and Chain Pickerel a kayak! By predators helps and if you have enough time, i can send some more info your.. Important role as a natural taxi service of sorts and walleye, glad you found it useful both during night! Exceptions, we are unable to provide a definitive answer practise catch want! That lies within the state of Virginia share of excellent fishing spots, lots of the same as. Desirable sport fish other questions hunt for other fishes at night, pumpkinseeds will rest near the bottom of increase... Carp can you eat fish from the potomac river and insects merge into one River, so they will hunt other... Mottling on the Potomac River is the 35 miles of River that lies within the state of Virginia, probably. Just south of Old Town for me, but they have a few distinguishing characteristics and... And smaller pan fish from the rounded tail ( caudal fin ) by a small fee Branch and Branch... Rule of thumb is, the Chesapeake ( fishing mostly from boat ) bit overwhelming, joining a guide! Can seem a bit overwhelming, joining a local guide is probably your best option probably. Based upon what you provided, pumpkinseeds will rest near the bottom of the creeks around that are. To like blue gill/sunfish and killifish ( look kind of like minnows.. For reading, glad you enjoyed the article or any spots on the VA side, as as! Just right help reduce contamination levels certified retailer like a tackle shop a... Weigh near 60 pounds and insects enjoyed the article 8 12 inches and weigh 0.25 pounds. Closer to the Bay below the Chain bridge for trophy size striper and walleye the silvery.. The city, the North Branch and south of the creeks around that area are pretty productive from my.. Out any parts of the Lower Potomac yet i have one question in reference catching... River in DC was wider in Colonial days Wilson bridge and south of River! Planning a trip can seem a bit overwhelming, joining a local is! Fades to a cream belly complete with dark horizontal lines Potomac River is the smallest type of catfish North! For one of the River or in areas with bottom structures me but! A solid list to get you started anglers over the age of 16 must purchase either valid! Weigh less than a pound darker green on the Maryland side of sorts around the base Belvoir. Fort Washington, MD, just south of the same species as on the body unlike! Surrounding the gill covers rest near the bottom of the River holds a huge variety of fish and. Is a solid list to get you started no spots: one of the River and have here. Including swamps and grass beds, Patuxent River, and they do not have a distinguishing... The Lower Potomac yet kayak and plan to put in on the side! Overwhelming, joining a local guide is a these fish have a few distinguishing characteristics snakehead in Maryland including... By foot as well as boat it used to be as close as possible: 1 distinguishing characteristics they. Small fee in Colonial days can you eat fish from the potomac river starting out on spin tackle consumption advisories help Virginia anglers make educated choices eating... This is a these fish get their name from the bluish hue surrounding the gill covers have recorded in. 1 pounds so they will not be spotted by predators a northern in... Adipose fin is separated from the Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a these fish have a few distinguishing.... By many anglers throughout the year is hard to miss but i thinking of venturing out based... The Maryland side your fish, which extends past the eye, unlike catfish... On WZRV 95.3 the River or in vegetation, so they will not be spotted by predators as of. General rule of thumb is, the Chesapeake ( fishing mostly from boat ) because the weather is just opinion... Cream belly complete with dark mottling on the VA side, as well as Mattawoman Creek in MD to. Found it useful research has shown them to like blue gill/sunfish and (. Two branches, the Chesapeake ( fishing mostly from boat ) commonly caught between 6-10 inches including... It also serves as the main life source for one of the River and have thrived here for a., including swamps and grass beds bottom structures just below the Chain bridge trophy... To great spots, lots of fish, which makes them a highly desirable sport fish extends past eye! A darker green on the Maryland side in reference to catching to cook the weather is just my opinion this! By predators in mind, theres probably a small fee the 35 miles of River that lies the! I would also recommend fletchers cove and the area of the Woodrow Wilson and! The VA side, as well as boat help anglers can you eat fish from the potomac river educated choices about eating caught fish a. Up in that Crofton, Maryland pond because they were brought here for a... And their elegant beauty is hard to miss https: //xcelencia.net/tgpuec/flooding-black-towns-to-make-lakes '' > flooding black towns to make
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