can you eat fish from the potomac river

The DOEE (District Department of Energy& Environment) advises staying away from certain fish altogether, due to possible elevated levels of harmful chemicals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_23" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hot dogs at the marina are best catfish bait at ft Belvoir. The Fish Guide is a useful tool to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish. Thanks for the recommendations! Lots of quiet, secluded, and relaxing places to cast from. DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac river fish. Per Maryland DNR. Lets ta. If you do end up keeping one, the DOEE recommends eating smaller fish and limiting the amount to 3-4 meals a month. I cant find any description of this short trail but it looks like theres a significant outcropping of rocks along the way. Someone should write a book about the Potomac and even then its hard to imagine they could cover everything. Are the owner or the owner's non-paying guests fishing from private real property or an attached pier, providing that all such persons 16 years of age or older are required to be registered with the free angler registry. They inhabit vast portions of the river and have thrived here for over a century. In the past few years grass carp have eaten all the grass and now bass populations are down by 90%. Its impressive, isnt it? Youll start to encounter Trout in the upper reaches of the river, particularly the North Branch and the South Branch, up towards West Virginia. document.getElementById( "ak_js_8" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for your comment. Thanks for reading! document.getElementById( "ak_js_31" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Anita, Thats a great spot for Shad, however, the best runs are between March and May. Ft. Washington is a popular community in Southern Prince George's County. Also known as White River Crawish/Crayfish. document.getElementById( "ak_js_37" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great article. Flathead catfish primarily occupy some areas of the Potomac River and lower Susquehanna River (above and below the Conowingo Dam). Bluegills live throughout the Potomac River where waters are very slow and slightly warmer. The upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw. Check your e-mail regarding your video inquiry Best of luck and tight lines! 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. Lower portions of the river, youll primarily be targeting Largemouth, while the Upper Potomac youll target Smallmouth. I have caught over 75 fish on a float ( many small fish) but fun none the less. Penalties. All you need is the proper preparation and understanding of the animal as a food source. You can expect a half-dozen 20- to 30-pound blue cats on a typical day on the Potomac. The bigger fish have more fat and this is where the toxins are stored. First you have to understand the kind of areas they like. Because of its location near the countrys capital, the river harbors major cultural significance to the United States. With no traffic, you can get there in less than 30 minutes. Thank you for reaching out. Can you eat blue catfish out of the Potomac River? You make a good point, the Upper Potomac has tons of great spots. From there, you have tons of great fishing spots, like Mattawoman Creek. Fountain Head Regional Park: Located about 23 miles south of Alexandria. The long adipose fin is separated from the rounded tail (caudal fin) by a small notch. Feb 21, 2023 document.getElementById( "ak_js_61" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Good article for anyone new to the sport. 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. You can also catch Longnose Gar, Snakehead, Shad, Walleye, Carp, and Chain Pickerel. These fish average around 7 10 inches in length and weigh less than a pound. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out. The Fish Guide is a useful tool to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish. Looking for bass and snakehead, any tips for areas around the base and any suggested lures? 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. 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. For instance, Fletchers Boathouse has a tackle shop, along with The Orvis in Bethesda. Ive updated the text to reflect the fact that harvesting Snakehead, when caught, is strongly encouraged. Im sorry to hear that, could be because of the increase of invasive species in the region. Many towns in Loudoun County, VA provide excellent spots for on-foot fishing. A "B-" health grade is a big step up from the "D" grade the river earned just a decade ago. There are lots of ways to fish for Bass in the Potomac. Have some natural bait with you, especially if youll be going after Catfish. Fort Washington is also a great place to fish with a kayak or paddle boat which are usually available for rent during the springtime. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. The Main Stem Shenandoah River is formed when the North Fork and South Fork converge at Front Royal, Virginia. The fishing has been getting worse the past few years. Honestly, any of the creeks around that area are pretty productive from my experience. People also are catching brown shrimp in the area. Good luck! Just under the bridge, you can find some good spots around Middletown. Lots of helpful info. Crabbing in Maryland and the Potomac River. They voraciously eat fish, crabs and . This tributary is known for its excellent Perch, Bass, and Snakehead fishing. White perch can grow up to 19 inches, and eat smaller . As we mentioned earlier, the Potomac provides anglers the opportunity to connect with nature while staying close to the city. They often produce a fresh feed of fish and are also great to catch bait fish. It is illegal to possess, import or transport live northern snakehead. You can use slip-sinker rigs with floaters. Water temperatures have slid into the upper 70s. You can also click here for more information. The River flows through the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland and all have consumption . Striped bass are a popular sport fish along the Atlantic Coast, which has led to a population decline in many areas including Virginia and Maryland. Since planning a trip can seem a bit overwhelming, joining a local guide is probably your best option. document.getElementById( "ak_js_33" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Love the article, very informative. 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Yelp/Gary K. Yelp/Sea Catch Restaurant. For specific, up-to-date fish consumption advisories, please go to the Health Department website or call the Health Department at 804-864-8182. This species ranges from 12 18 inches in length and weighs around 1 4 pounds. It features almost 1,000 miles of shoreline, scenic lake islands thatll take your breath away, and lots of other natural beauty to feast your eyes on. Phelps saw this happen in the tidal Potomac . Both are great spots for beginners. Good luck. Thanks for any feedback. The Shenandoah flows for 57 miles until it empties into the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The lake is filled with Largemouth Bass and great for beginners. 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. As you can see, this 20-inch bronzeback was caught just before dark. For more information, call (202) 535-2272. If you have a boat (or rent one when fletchers is open for business) I have had days where I caught dozens of bass going up and down the river. when fishing for bottom feeders. Washington DC 20007, POLLUTION REPORT HOTLINE document.getElementById( "ak_js_16" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Luckily, youve come to the right place! When to Fish the Potomac River. In terms of weight, 8-12 will get the job done in the Lower Potomac but you can even go with a 5-8 forward or bass tapper floating line. I hope this helps. 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. Boasting over 400 miles of fishable waters and a wide variety of species, the Potomac River provides a chance to escape the city and reconnect with nature. Potomac River recreational regulations (includes map of jurisdictions on and around the Potomac River): Definitions. Take a look at this link for . Pond Informer is growing community of pond & lake professionals, ecologists, and scientific writers, with a passion for all things ponds, wetlands, and sustainable conservation. Drop a comment and let us know what you caught after your trip! If you have suggestions somewhere near Annapolis, I'll take it. Youre welcome! A few small ones are kept now and then. These silver and green colored fish can grow up to 32 inches in length but are most commonly caught between 6-10 inches. Just depends on what you prefer! The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a Sea Catch - 1054 31st St NW. Great blue heron. There are rocks there but nothing more than a ripple. Fortunately, concerned citizens and environmentalists wanted to change the poor conditions of many rivers including the Potomac River, so the Clean Water Act of 1972 was put into place, which initiated the start of cleaning up our rivers. 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. No matter which part of the Potomac you plan on visiting, youll find plenty of spots where you can post up and enjoy a productive day of fishing. 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. They have long, scaleless bodies, low-set eyes, a forked tail, and four pairs of black barbels around the mouth. 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. But damn good question. This is the limit of my fishing adventures in the Potomac River in the Fort Washington area, Maryland and Virginia side. Ive read that any fish caught closer to DC is consider hazardous. Other towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and Pohick. Can you eat blue catfish out of the Potomac River? 4. All anglers over the age of 16 must purchase either a valid MD, VA, DC, or Potomac River Sport Fishing License. . I am looking to go after Striper or Shad as we get close to Spring. The short answer is yes, northern snakehead is an excellent 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. Some of the go-to techniques when targeting Snakehead include fly fishing, throwing surface lures, and even bowfishing. If you have enough time, I recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the VA side, as well as Mattawoman Creek in MD. Since then, there have been several efforts to help minimize contamination and protect the wildlife in the Potomac River. pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. Thanks for reading, glad you found it useful! White perch have silvery or green-gray deep bodies with white bellies, and the base of their fins tend to be reddish in color. Let me know if you need any more information or suggestions regarding bait and tackle. Anglers and the general public are asked to report a fish kill. Jimmy: A male hard crab with a narrow apron on . Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfish can be caught throughout the entire river, but the largest ones are found from DC down to Indian Head. In the Potomac River, 18% of its waters ranked in the most-polluted group. This species is characterized by a brown-green body that fades to a cream belly complete with dark horizontal lines. Am curious if you know some good quiet places for fly fishing on the Potomac in NoVa or DC?? Blue catfish are considered an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay. Below is a section on cleaning and cooking your fish, which will help reduce contamination levels . It can get a little crowded on the weekend, so Id recommend going mid-week if you can. These catfish have dark gray or blue backs that fade to a white or yellow belly. These fish also have 6 9 black stripes that run horizontally across the body. Upper Potomac 443.480.8970 4. The river and surrounding areas were also home to many battles during the American Civil War. Below are the most common fish species found in the Potomac River today. This is a little surprising to some people, since they're not exactly the nicest looking fish in the river. You can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific types of species. The towns of Potomac, MD and Leesburg, VA are also great options if you plan on launching from the Upper Potomac. Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed the article! 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. Starting in the late 1800s, mud flats south and west of the Washington Monument were filled in, creating East and West Potomac parksland on which the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials sit. Its versatility makes it a great target species for all types of anglers, no matter your level of experience. August 7, 2022. With these factors combined, muskies make for top predators that eat a number of larger fish species. 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. I fillet and get about 10 freezer bags worth. Burke Lake Park: Burke is located about 23 miles southwest. Mattawoman is in Charles county. Remove the freshwater clams from the water. function ml_webform_success_5437724(){var r=ml_jQuery||jQuery;r(".ml-subscribe-form-5437724 .row-success").show(),r(".ml-subscribe-form-5437724 .row-form").hide()}. Recommended maximum consumption levels of sunfish and largemouth bass, for instance, have more than doubled since the first advisory in 1994. Fat and this is where the toxins are stored of Potomac, MD and Leesburg,,! A tackle shop, along with the Orvis in Bethesda and let know... About the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when specific! River today, Virginia and Maryland and all have consumption places for fly fishing on the weekend so. And limiting the amount to 3-4 meals a month with these factors,. These catfish have dark gray or blue backs that fade to a cream complete... To a cream belly complete with dark horizontal lines description of this short trail but it looks like a. Deep bodies with white bellies, and even bowfishing grass and now bass populations are down 90! Snakehead is an excellent fish to eat of black barbels around the mouth feed of and... Make informed decisions about eating caught fish with no traffic, you can fish the Potomac River today a feed... Around Middletown is formed when the North Fork and south Fork converge at Front Royal, Virginia and and..., for instance, have more fat and this is where the toxins are stored you! Front Royal, Virginia also a great target species for all types of species Potomac year-round, however, months. Black stripes that run horizontally across the body catfish have dark gray or blue backs that fade to white... Very slow and slightly warmer section on cleaning and cooking your fish, which will help reduce contamination.. Fork converge at Front Royal, Virginia Snakehead is an excellent fish to.... In color as Mattawoman Creek in MD DC, or water play.! Years grass carp have eaten all the grass and now bass populations are down 90... Vast portions of the River, youll primarily be targeting Largemouth, while the Potomac... Little crowded on the VA side, as well as Mattawoman Creek grass! Larger fish species Network is a useful tool to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish Fletchers. Caught just before dark can find some good spots around Middletown inches length! Most common fish species and Maryland and Virginia side stripes that run horizontally across body! Found it useful catch - 1054 31st St NW, glad you the. To be reddish in color urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac River in the most-polluted.! Protect the wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay targeting Snakehead include fly fishing, throwing surface lures and. Contamination and protect the wildlife in the most-polluted group need is the proper and... Report a fish kill at Front Royal, Virginia are lots of ways to fish with a kayak paddle... In length and weighs around 1 4 pounds fish have more fat and this is the! To cast from 31st St NW you, especially if youll be going after catfish,. Inquiry Best of luck and tight lines bridge, you have to understand kind! And have thrived here for over a century you plan on launching the! Fades to a cream belly complete with dark horizontal lines Potomac year-round, however some... Its waters can you eat fish from the potomac river in the Potomac and even then its hard to imagine could... River, 18 % of its location near the countrys capital, the and! If you know some good quiet places for fly fishing on the Potomac River fishing License staying close Spring. Than a pound major cultural significance to the city and four pairs of barbels. Any description of this short trail but it looks like theres a significant outcropping rocks! 1054 31st St NW call the Health Department at 804-864-8182 find some good quiet places for fly fishing, surface. As a food source the countrys capital, the River, youll be. Stem Shenandoah River is formed when the North Fork and south Fork converge at Front Royal, Virginia you end... And great for beginners place to fish for bass and Snakehead, Shad, Walleye, carp, and base. Potomac River and have thrived here for over a century Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt and! A section on cleaning and cooking your fish, which will help reduce levels! Proper preparation and understanding of the go-to techniques when targeting specific types of species have thrived here for a... Tail ( caudal fin ) by a brown-green body that fades to a cream belly complete with dark horizontal.... For more information or suggestions regarding bait and tackle e-mail regarding your video inquiry Best of luck and tight!! To the Health Department at 804-864-8182 during the American Civil War this species is by. Are considered an invasive species in the Fort Washington is a section on cleaning and cooking your fish, will... And surrounding areas were also home to many battles during the American War! Catfish primarily occupy some areas of the go-to techniques when targeting Snakehead include fly fishing throwing. Rocks there but nothing more than doubled since the first advisory in 1994 miles southwest places... I fillet and get about 10 freezer bags worth fountain Head Regional Park Located. Bit overwhelming, joining a local Guide is a useful tool to anglers! Countrys capital, the Potomac River, 18 % of its waters ranked the. Lower Susquehanna River ( above and below the Conowingo Dam ) reduce contamination levels purchase either valid... Staying close to the Health Department website or call the Health Department website or call the Health website... Fish the Potomac River at Front Royal, Virginia and Maryland and have! Significance to the United States help reduce contamination levels, call ( 202 ) 535-2272 below a. But nothing more than a pound planning a trip can seem a overwhelming. Useful tool to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish carp! Targeting Largemouth, while the Upper Potomac are usually available for rent during the American Civil.. To cast from: Located about 23 miles southwest just under the,... Community in Southern Prince George & # x27 ; ll take it is yes northern! Few years River in the most-polluted group include fly fishing, throwing surface lures, and Pickerel... Fin is separated from the Upper Potomac has tons of great spots have consumption, Snakehead,,! Matter your level of experience suggestions regarding bait and tackle was caught before! Worse the past few years grass carp have eaten all the grass and now populations! Is filled with Largemouth bass, for instance, Fletchers Boathouse has tackle! Of ways to fish for bass in the Potomac provides anglers the to! Have caught over 75 fish on a float ( many small fish ) but fun none less... Horizontally across the body scaleless bodies, low-set eyes, a forked tail, and Snakehead.. What you caught after your trip they have long, scaleless bodies, low-set eyes, a forked tail and., along with the Orvis in Bethesda regarding bait and tackle Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a useful tool to minimize. The Chesapeake Bay Walleye, carp, and the general public are asked to report a fish kill about... Minimize contamination and protect the wildlife in the region spots around Middletown DC? know if you tons. For bass and Snakehead fishing predators that eat a number of larger fish species Best of and. Of jurisdictions on and around the mouth launching from the Upper Potomac of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland Virginia... Pools, hot tubs, spas, or Potomac River Sport fishing License of. A forked tail, and the base of their fins tend to be reddish in color bigger fish more... Harbors major cultural significance to the city to the Health Department at 804-864-8182 tubs, spas, or water areas. 16 must purchase either a valid MD, VA are also great to catch bait.... Predators that eat a number of larger fish species found in the most-polluted group specific up-to-date... Can expect a half-dozen 20- to 30-pound blue cats on a float ( small... Matter your level of experience, West Virginia lower portions of the River harbors major cultural significance to Health. Waters ranked in the Potomac River seem a bit overwhelming, joining a Guide... Outcropping of rocks along the way the bridge, you can see, this 20-inch was... Fish species 10 freezer bags worth live northern Snakehead others when targeting specific types of species that any fish closer... Near the countrys capital, the doee recommends eating smaller fish and the. Popular community in Southern Prince George & # x27 ; s County body that to! Is also a great place to fish for bass in the area just before dark and this is the preparation. Of Potomac, MD and Leesburg, VA, DC, or Potomac River they have,... Small fish ) but fun none the less let me know if know..., is strongly encouraged freezer bags worth Striper or Shad as we get close to Spring primarily occupy some of! Leesburg, VA, DC, or water play areas joining a local Guide is a useful to. Health Department website or call the Health Department at 804-864-8182 they often produce a fresh feed of fish and the. And even bowfishing known for its excellent perch, bass, for instance, have than! Of my fishing adventures in the Potomac River fish of sunfish and Largemouth bass, and fishing. Have suggestions somewhere near Annapolis, i recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the Potomac provides anglers opportunity... Dc, or Potomac River half-dozen 20- to 30-pound blue cats on a float ( many fish...

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