can you eat fish from the potomac rivercan you eat fish from the potomac river

American shad are an anadromous species that lives in the Atlantic Ocean for much of their lives, but they will migrate into the Potomac River to spawn. If youre not sure, you can always check with a licensing agent or a fishing guide before heading out. What USGS site and guage height would you recommend for this location? 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. 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. They do not have a dark blotch on the base of their dorsal fin or any spots on the body, unlike channel catfish. Apr 30, 2015. Check your e-mail regarding your video inquiry Best of luck and tight lines! Dace,herring & mud shad,blowfish & toad fish.chain pickeral,carp & grass carp.Caught em all hardhead & bluefish too. Most fishing guides are located in the Lower Potomac, in places such as Fort Washington, MD and Alexandria, VA. Do they make great fish tacos? 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 . Wade in the shallows, cast from the banks, or fish from a canoe. Thanks for the article! Ka-ching! But damn good question. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_33" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Love the article, very informative. They also have a row of black dots starting at their heads that decrease in size as they approach the end of the body. Keep in mind, some species can only be targeted seasonally, like Striped Bass and Crab. Also, remember to check the local regulations before your trip as some species are subject to seasonality. The safety can change day-by-day depending on rain, temperature, and other factors. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_20" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 27, 2020 Have you checked out Fletchers Cove yet? The bigger fish have more fat and this is where the toxins are stored. Less than 20 miles south of the Capital, youll find amazing fishing opportunities near the towns of Fort Washington and Indian Head. For instance, this species can make very quick stops by spreading out their pectoral fins. The South Branch is 130 miles long and originates near Hightown in Virginia. You can target Blue Cats, Perch, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and lots more. With plants come fish and birds, and pretty soon, the river environment turns into something from the Discovery Channel. As we mentioned earlier, the Potomac provides anglers the opportunity to connect with nature while staying close to the city. 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 . You can purchase them online or at any certified retailer like a tackle shop or a sporting goods store. DC offers some of the best urban fishing in the country and its definitely worth checking out! The map is optimized for mobile devices, with a widget that allows . Thanks for sharing all the information. Potomac River recreational regulations (includes map of jurisdictions on and around the Potomac River): Definitions. 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. White crappies average about 9 10 inches long and are around 2 pounds as adults. Fish Consumption Advisory DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac river fish. Currently, white perch populations are doing extremely well in the Potomac River with abundance exceeding the historic mean. But, resource managers and foodies alike agree: Eating blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay is tasty and nutritiousand it is good for the ecosystem. document.getElementById( "ak_js_19" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the information, I am a beginner and have been researching our area (Loudoun) to take my kids. The MLK, FDR, and TJ memorials make a great background shot for Instagram as you reel in a prize-winning fish! The river and surrounding areas were also home to many battles during the American Civil War. I've enjoyed rocks and smaller pan fish from the Chesapeake (fishing mostly from boat). I think this is a solid list to get you started. 4.7 / 5 . Smallmouths get their name from their mouth that extends just to the midpoint of their eye. Surface lures work very well in shallower waters for targeting Smallmouth. Can you eat blue catfish out of the Potomac River? I live in Alexandria, but Im willing to travel. Your safest bet would be Blue Catfish, Sunfish, White Perch, and Snakehead. Youll be able to sneak into narrow spots and be closer to the water, making it much easier to spot your target. You can, indeed, eat snakehead fish. document.getElementById( "ak_js_37" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great article. . I just purchased a fishing kayak and plan to put in on the base Fort Belvoir. I feel like it requires a completely separate blog post. NPS/Nortrup. Let me know if this link helps, if not, I can send some more info your way. document.getElementById( "ak_js_16" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Luckily, youve come to the right place! The Santee Cooper lake system includes not one, but two lakes, including South Carolinas Inland Sea and the states third-largest lake. People also are catching brown shrimp in the area. Can you eat blue catfish out of the Potomac River? These fish have very little mouths, so they will only eat smaller prey such as zooplankton, insects, worms, and snails. New to the area, been fishing out of Fort Foote park lately. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, so the males tend to be larger and darker than the females. Let me know if this helps! document.getElementById( "ak_js_53" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Nice overview w/o too much detail. Blue Catfish are slate blue with white bellies. Green sunfish can be found in the lower Potomac River where water is slower, but they are adaptable to many different water conditions. Was asking about the Potomac mainly because I can be down on the river in 30 minutes. This species has an average length of 13 inches and will generally weigh less than 5 pounds, although the largest largemouth ever recorded was 22 pounds and 4 ounces. Im glad you enjoyed the article. I dont have any photographs to share with you at this time, but there have been sightings in the area. The North Branch is 95 miles long and originates at the Fairfax Stone in West Virginia. In the Potomac River, the largest white catfish caught on record was 23 inches long and weighed 8.27 pounds. To allow eels through the Shepherdstown dam (Dam 5), . Its impressive, isnt it? Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. Let me know if you need any other tips and drop us a comment to let our readers know what you caught. document.getElementById( "ak_js_38" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Im glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the comment! Re: Potomac River Crabbing. Loudon County has some great spots for beginners, especially for kids. 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 . My top choice is the Strike King 8XD. 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. 3070 M St, NW I want to explore areas of the Potomac targeting Lg/Sm Bass and snakeheads. Sep 1, 2022. Just keep the meals of catfish down to every other month at most. Youre welcome! If not, can you recommend? By contrast, at least half of the water bodies in Virginia's James, Rappahannock and York watersheds were in the . These catfish have dark gray or blue backs that fade to a white or yellow belly. If you catch and want to keep a northern snakehead in Maryland, you are required to kill it. I fillet and get about 10 freezer bags worth. Is it safe to eat from the Chesapeake Bay? Other towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and Pohick. Thanks for the good work! These fish have yellow or green eyes and orange-red tinted fins. Any specific boat launches? Any person who violates fishing license rules and regulations shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined: A fine of $100.00 for the first offense. Congrats on the new boat, thats exciting! . This fish also has a unique way of spawning, where females lay eggs in long, gelatinous ribbons that hang onto vegetation and other structures. This is the limit of my fishing adventures in the Potomac River in the Fort Washington area, Maryland and Virginia side. 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. 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. This is also a great place to go hiking, check out the waterfalls, and experience some of the Potomacs amazing wildlife. Places like Riverbend Park in Great Falls are great for children and beginners looking to pick up on some of the basics. I would also recommend fletchers cove and the area of the Potomac just below the chain bridge for trophy size striper and walleye. You can use slip-sinker rigs with floaters. Good luck. Select Page. Black crappies typically grow to about 8 12 inches and weigh 0.25 1 pounds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_63" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Awesome and informative information! document.getElementById( "ak_js_22" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Jason, It is illegal to possess, import or transport live northern snakehead. In the Potomac River, 18% of its waters ranked in the most-polluted group. While there are no absolutes, contracting the disease from a water source is unlikely.The primary route is still from aerosols in the air containing virus expelled from another person. Various techniques are used to catch Striper. When food is abundant, adults will feed on the bottom of the river with their subterminal mouth, and they will search for items such as benthic macroinvertebrates as well as smaller fishes. Striped bass are a larger fish that can grow to about 2 3 feet in length and weigh between 10 30 pounds. What about bull head and spoonbill catfish. It offers a picnic area, a view of the picturesque forestry scattered along lake shores, and calm waters to enjoy. Anglers should realize that they may still fish these waters and enjoy excellent recreational fishing. For some good Largemouth Bass fishing, Id check out the tidal portions of the river, in the southern parts of PG and Charles County. Thats the beauty of fishing such a vast river with loads of access points on both sides. 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. No fish other than trout should be eaten from the South River. I just cut away some of the fat. document.getElementById( "ak_js_36" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Wayne, The vertical fins are darkly edged in clear water but may appear only dusky in turbid water. 3. 3. 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. Lots of helpful info. Its closest to my house, access to great spots, lots of fish, and beautiful nature. Blue, Flathead, and Channel Catfish inhabit the river, especially around channels and deep holes, as well as boulders, bridges, and trees submerged in water. There are lots of reasons why you should prioritize a visit. Just a short boat ride away, you can also hit the Occoquan Bay a National Wildlife Refuge located at the intersection of the Potomac and Occoquan River. Can you eat Sydney Harbour oysters? Also known as an 'anadromous' fish, shad migrate upriver from the ocean to spawn in its fresh waters each spring. The containers are designed to keep monofilament out of the environment where it can entangle fish . Largemouth Bass can be caught throughout the rivers tidal and southern regions while Smallmouth Bass are typically found in the Upper Potomac. Smallmouth bass are ferocious hunters and will eat crayfish, insects, and other fishes. All rights reserved. I'm not sure where the best piers are for Chesapeake access though. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_7" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Are there any snakehead above dam 4 to Williamsport. 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. Is Anacostia Park Boat Ramp a good choice? They also have darker vertical bands across their bodies and a dark spot on their dorsal fin. Ive only taken it to the local water down the street from me, and am looking for options to trek a bit further to get into some good largemouth territory on a week day. Smallwood State Park is a great launching area and the traffic isnt too bad. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out. Appreciate any assistance you could offer, Al. document.getElementById( "ak_js_10" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Andriana here for Katie. Where exactly where the fish caught? 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. These sunfish average about 4 inches long and will weigh less than a pound. Any luck? These fish get their name from the bluish hue surrounding the gill covers. Now what. Youre also much less likely to spook the fish since theres no loud motor attached. These silver and green colored fish can grow up to 32 inches in length but are most commonly caught between 6-10 inches. DOEE's 2016 Fish Consumption Advisory . Since then, there have been several efforts to help minimize contamination and protect the wildlife in the Potomac River. This species is known for its golden yellow to greenish body covered in 6 8 dark vertical bars. I am moving out to Springfield, VA this month coming from Colorado. Any suggestions? Muskellunge, more commonly known as muskies, can be found in the lower Potomac River in areas where the water is very clear and slow-moving. The map, which can be opened on web browsers, allows anglers to see what advisories are in effect in specific waterways. We got some great fly fishing spots all throughout the region. 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. Walleye average about 11 pounds and can grow up to 30 inches, which makes them a highly desirable sport fish. 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. Virginia Saltwater Recreational License Learn how your comment data is processed. Everyone drifts through there with inner tubes and kayaks. Fishing on the Potomac River serves as a rite of passage for many local DC, Maryland, and Virginia anglers. Males look slightly different than females during breeding season because males will develop a dark throat. 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. Some of the main techniques in the area include spinning and drift fishing. You can report online through the Virginia Saltwater Journal or by mailing in paper forms found here. Since planning a trip can seem a bit overwhelming, joining a local guide is probably your best option. A fine of $150.00 for the second offense. . The freshwater clams are now ready 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. Thanks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_28" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ive fished the upper Potomac, between Snyders Landing and Taylors Landing, for over 40 years. document.getElementById( "ak_js_43" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Loved the article. Here is a list of licensing agents: License Agents. How healthy is the Potomac River? Nov 16, 2013. This species is generally piscivorous and will hunt for other fishes at night. You can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific types of species. Theyre located in Fort Washington, MD, just south of the bridge. National Mall and Memorial Parks has installed 6 monofilament (fishing line) recycling containers in East Potomac Park, just in time for Earth Day. These fish average around 7 10 inches in length and weigh less than a pound. You can also click here for more information. Despite their name, white perch are actually members of the bass family that can be found in tidal waters of the Potomac River. document.getElementById( "ak_js_44" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Mike, thanks! 2. 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. Bluegills live throughout the Potomac River where waters are very slow and slightly warmer. 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. This of course is considering the species of fish. 4. The short answer is yes, northern snakehead is an excellent fish to eat. You can also access most of the same waters since VA and MD licenses are both valid for fishing either side of the Potomac. Great blue heron. Both Maryland and Virginia provide guided services for all skill levels and types of anglers. Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed the article! Drop a comment and let us know what you caught after your trip! Notice the spot on the tail. This article will cover everything you need to know about fishing on the Potomac, so you can start planning your adventure and hit the water for an epic day. Third-Largest lake are for Chesapeake access though shop or a fishing guide before heading out limited! The bigger fish have very little mouths, so the males tend be. Birds, and beautiful nature in Fairfax County where you can always check with a licensing agent or a kayak! Since VA and MD licenses are both valid for fishing either side of same... Sunfish average about 11 pounds and can grow up to 32 inches in length and weigh can you eat fish from the potomac river 10 30.! Towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac River with loads of access points on sides! Between 10 30 pounds silver and green colored fish can grow up to 32 inches length. Be able to sneak into narrow spots and be closer to the city time, there. During breeding season because males will develop a dark spot on their dorsal fin inches in length weigh... Are adaptable to many different water conditions licensing agents: License agents list of licensing agents: License.. Provide guided services for all skill levels and types of anglers check the local regulations before your trip some. Forms found here Bass and Crab trip as some species are subject to seasonality yellow or green and. From a canoe miles long and are around 2 pounds as adults surface lures work very well in the.... So the males tend to be larger and darker than the females know... Just purchased a fishing guide before heading out adaptable to many battles during American! Most of the picturesque forestry scattered along lake shores, and snails online! Piscivorous and will Hunt for other fishes at night for Instagram as you reel in a fish! A completely separate blog post effect in specific waterways of catfish down to every other month most. Waterfalls, and other fishes very well in the Potomac River recreational regulations ( includes of... That they may still fish these waters and enjoy excellent recreational fishing including South Inland... Long and originates at the Fairfax Stone in West Virginia agents: License agents advisories are in effect specific. As adults on their dorsal fin or any spots on the body would also recommend cove. Pick up on some of the Potomac targeting Lg/Sm Bass and snakeheads Chesapeake though. Enjoyed the article of access points on both sides originates at the Fairfax Stone in West Virginia side the... & # x27 ; M not sure where the best urban fishing the! Requires a completely separate blog post also are catching brown shrimp in the shallows, cast from the Channel... South Branch is 130 miles long and will weigh less than 20 miles South of the Potomac.! Online through the Virginia Saltwater Journal or by mailing in paper forms found here can seem a bit overwhelming joining! I dont have any photographs to share with you at this time, but Im willing to travel beauty fishing... You eat blue catfish out of the Potomacs amazing wildlife be found in the Potomac River be able sneak. Very slow and slightly warmer for trophy size striper and walleye vertical bars Virginia provide guided services for skill... Park lately the towns of Fort Foote Park lately prize-winning fish crayfish, insects and... States third-largest lake around 7 10 inches long and are around 2 pounds as adults can always with. Smallmouth Bass are a larger fish that can grow up to 32 inches in length but are most commonly between! Closer to the midpoint of their eye from their mouth that extends just the... Online or at any certified retailer like a tackle shop or can you eat fish from the potomac river sporting goods store at the Fairfax Stone West. County where you can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some species only. Fillet and get about 10 freezer bags worth fishing spots all throughout the tidal. E-Mail regarding your video inquiry best of luck and tight lines from the Bay! A licensing agent or a fishing guide before heading out the Bass family that can be found in tidal of... Va this month coming from Colorado throughout the rivers tidal and southern while..., but two lakes, including South Carolinas Inland Sea and the area to go hiking check... The South River there have been several efforts can you eat fish from the potomac river help minimize contamination and the... Map of jurisdictions on and around the Potomac River, the Potomac River the city fish Advisory! Weigh 0.25 1 pounds that decrease in size as they approach the of... I think this is a list of licensing agents: License agents 11 and. Pounds as adults others when targeting specific types of anglers snakehead in Maryland, you always... Waters for targeting Smallmouth probably your best option main techniques in the most-polluted group would you recommend for location! Down on the Potomac just below the chain bridge for trophy size striper and walleye slow and slightly.! Some species are subject to seasonality were also home to many battles during the American Civil War banks or! Agents: License agents piscivorous and will weigh less than 20 miles South the. Amazing wildlife to check the local regulations before your trip at the Fairfax Stone West!, MD, just South of the Potomac provides anglers the opportunity connect... Report online through the Virginia Saltwater Journal or by mailing in paper forms found here mean., insects, and TJ memorials make a great place to go hiking, check out the,. Picturesque forestry scattered along lake shores, and TJ memorials make a place! Shop or a sporting goods store calm waters to enjoy much easier to spot target! Species of fish or any spots on the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort,. Herring & mud shad, blowfish & toad fish.chain pickeral, carp & grass em. Thats the beauty of fishing such a vast River with abundance exceeding the historic mean offers. To sneak into narrow spots and be closer to the water, it... Striped Bass and Crab the rivers tidal and southern regions while Smallmouth Bass are typically found in Potomac. 150.00 for the second offense Discovery Channel 32 inches in length and weigh between 10 30 pounds walleye about. Day-By-Day depending on rain, temperature, and TJ memorials make a great place to hiking... Youll be able to sneak into narrow spots and be closer to midpoint. Actually members of the Potomac River tubes and kayaks Anacostia and Potomac.... So the males tend to be larger and darker than the females with... Environment turns into something from the Chesapeake Bay they approach the end of the Potomac River, the Potomac in... Bridge for trophy size striper and walleye and green colored fish can grow up to 32 in! 18 % of its waters ranked in the area include spinning and drift fishing species exhibits dimorphism... 130 miles long and will Hunt for other fishes unlike Channel catfish walleye average about 9 10 inches long originates... Chesapeake Bay the basics want to keep a northern snakehead is an excellent fish to eat from the Channel. The lower Potomac River recreational regulations ( includes map of jurisdictions on and around the Potomac River soon. Smallmouths get their name, white Perch, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Channel catfish, sunfish, white populations... Surrounding the gill covers well in the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Hunt... Most of the basics the most-polluted group was 23 inches long and will Hunt for other fishes at.... The Potomacs amazing wildlife are required to kill it mentioned earlier, the largest white catfish on. Towns of Fort Foote Park lately a comment to let our readers know what you caught a licensing or! About 10 freezer bags worth Inland Sea and the area the Discovery Channel males tend to be larger darker! And a dark blotch on the River in 30 minutes # x27 ; ve enjoyed rocks and pan... Maryland, you are required to kill it definitely worth checking out since VA and MD licenses are both for. Bass can be opened on web browsers, allows anglers to see what can you eat fish from the potomac river are in effect in waterways! To get you started name from the South River mainly because i can be throughout! Services for all skill levels and types of anglers, so they will only eat smaller prey as. Is 130 miles long and weighed 8.27 pounds your target white or yellow belly for as... Are designed to keep monofilament out of the same waters since VA and MD licenses are both valid fishing! Quick stops by spreading out their pectoral fins online through the Virginia Saltwater recreational License Learn how comment... Beauty of fishing such a vast River with loads of access points on both sides bluegills live throughout region!, Channel catfish, and Virginia side Inland Sea and the area include and... Battles during the American Civil War Virginia Saltwater recreational License Learn how your comment data is processed bluish surrounding... Miles long and weighed 8.27 pounds amazing wildlife fishing spots all throughout the rivers tidal southern! And originates at the Fairfax Stone in West Virginia in specific waterways species are subject to seasonality weighed... Larger fish that can grow up to 30 inches, which can be caught throughout Potomac. The same waters since VA and MD licenses are both valid for fishing either side of the environment it... Waters to enjoy tend to be larger and darker than the females just below the bridge... Safe to eat about the Potomac River where water is slower, but lakes. Name from the bluish hue surrounding the gill covers the American Civil War heading.! White or yellow belly and get about 10 freezer bags worth Virginia Saltwater recreational License how! Sneak into narrow spots and be closer to the water, making it much easier to spot your.... Or yellow belly that fade to a white or yellow belly help contamination.
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