What are some of your go-to spots? Anglers typically troll or drift from a boat and cast live baits or lures from the banks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_42" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Al, thats awesome, Im glad to he enjoyed himself! In terms of equipment, youll want to use regular spinning or baitcasting gear. This species is one of the larger catfish species in America, and the largest individual caught in the upper Potomac River weighed 27.92 pounds! document.getElementById( "ak_js_64" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Justin, thanks for the comment and glad you liked the article! It also serves as the main life source for one of the most important estuaries on the East Coast, the Chesapeake Bay. I live in Alexandria, but Im willing to travel. Thanks. Can you eat fish from the Potomac River? Thanks for the tips, much appreciated! Each tournament has an entrance fee and you can register online on each of the organizations websites or by visiting Maryland Department of Natural Resources. 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. 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. The map is optimized for mobile devices, with a widget that allows . This spot is perfect for getting started and is located right in the city. Its versatility makes it a great target species for all types of anglers, no matter your level of experience. We dont currently work with any kayak guides in the area, but there are plenty of rentals on the Upper Potomac. Let me know if this helps! The short answer is yes, northern snakehead is an excellent fish to eat. document.getElementById( "ak_js_25" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Mike, This species is generally piscivorous and will hunt for other fishes at night. 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. . Youll be pleased to know that Snakehead can be found all throughout the Potomac River, including the section above Dam 4 to Williamsport. & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. Water temperatures have slid into the upper 70s. Like all catfish, the channel catfish does not have scales and has barbels on the upper and lower jaw; however, the channel catfish can be distinguished by its deeply forked tail, silvery body, and overbite. They eat fish, mussels, and frogs. The fish return to the river to spawn and provide anglers like Karoum with endless hours of enjoyment, especially in the area of the Potomac close to Fletcher's Cove. Also known as an 'anadromous' fish, shad migrate upriver from the ocean to spawn in its fresh waters each spring. These fish are energetic and strong hunters, so anglers love to fish for them in the Potomac River. As you can see, this 20-inch bronzeback was caught just before dark. Oh, and did we mention you can win upwards of tens of thousands of dollars? Ive read that any fish caught closer to DC is consider hazardous. 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 . Where exactly where the fish caught? Maryland recreational regulations. Is Anacostia Park Boat Ramp a good choice? These fish have yellow or green eyes and orange-red tinted fins. Not only are more people being drawn into the area, but the wildlife that was once dwindling in numbers are returning too, including several fish species. While the Potomac River was once Americas pride and joy, the river took a turn for the worse in later years. Bluegills average around 7.5 inches in length, and weigh around half a pound as adults. Potomac Riverkeeper 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. Can you get sick from swimming in the Potomac River? The Fish Guide is a useful tool to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish. document.getElementById( "ak_js_39" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A friend is planning a fishing trip to the Metro D.C. area. Maybe the most well-known river to find the snakehead is Potomac River, which runs through both Virginias, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Snakehead fish can also be found in saltwater, though . The upper Potomac River is in good shape this week, running clear and a bit low with water temperatures approaching a summer norm. It is important to follow these advisories to protect yourself and your family from health risks from eating contaminated fish caught in local waters. The Anacostia boat ramp is a good launching spot if youre trying to catch Largemouth and Snakehead. Ft. Washington is a popular community in Southern Prince George's County. Habitat: These fish are very aggressive and will outcompete native fish species for food such as crayfish, fish eggs, insects, and smaller fishes. If you have enough time, I recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the VA side, as well as Mattawoman Creek in MD. What are some of your favorite places on the Upper Potomac? Im pretty sure they both have boat ramps from which you can launch your kayak. document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Youre absolutely right. The river in DC was wider in Colonial days. Hi Dadinva, document.getElementById( "ak_js_41" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for the helpful reply. All you need is the proper preparation and understanding of the animal as a food source. 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. You can also access most of the same waters since VA and MD licenses are both valid for fishing either side of the Potomac. You shouldnt leave PG County without checking out Mattawoman Creek. The upper Potomac River continues to fish well. Boat rentals are usually open from dawn to dusk, so just double-check the hours. Do they make great fish tacos? Any specific boat launches? New to the area, been fishing out of Fort Foote park lately. Thats unfortunate but a very good point. By Steve Chaconas Consumption Assumption Blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac River as a gamefish in the 70s and 80s. Am curious if you know some good quiet places for fly fishing on the Potomac in NoVa or DC?? Overall, a positive attitude, patience, and extra elbow grease are key for a successful battle against this river monster! The DOEE (District Department of Energy& Environment) advises staying away from certain fish altogether, due to possible elevated levels of harmful chemicals. Green sunfish can be found in the lower Potomac River where water is slower, but they are adaptable to many different water conditions. . document.getElementById( "ak_js_7" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Are there any snakehead above dam 4 to Williamsport. '. Snakehead is an excellent game fish, known for their elusiveness and aggressive striking power. These fish generally eat smaller fishes like minnows or shad, but they will also eat insects such as mayflies. . Creating a market for snakehead meat is probably one of . 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. Are Potomac River fish safe to eat? Thank you. You make a good point, the Upper Potomac has tons of great spots. Research has shown them to like blue gill/sunfish and killifish (look kind of like minnows). My best success has come when I am able to get fresh bunker from a bait shop in New Jersey. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on September 1, 2022 Here are the links to their websites: Fletchers Cove Boathouse Read more about us here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_13" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); For both owners you need to be careful when you go to some of these Titian outlets on the Potomac like Moana or other side of Virginia and case of rocks Highlands and other things youll find it could be dangerous you need to be aware of your surroundings when you take the Potomac it is the title Waters is worth in going going Tides. From there, you have tons of great fishing spots, like Mattawoman Creek. The Commanders used the franchise tag on Daron Payne. 3. Guinnessguy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Potomac River Fisheries Sport Fishing License We got guides on both the Maryland and Virginia side, but mostly Maryland. One particularly unique species found in the Potomac River is the American shad. 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. Here is a list of licensing agents: License Agents. If you catch and want to keep a northern snakehead in Maryland, you are required to kill it. Recommended maximum consumption levels of sunfish and largemouth bass, for instance, have more than doubled since the first advisory in 1994. Answer: Like a lot of water, it is all about location. 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. If youre a competitive angler looking to win some cash (and bragging rights), the Potomac should definitely be on your radar. It is illegal to possess, import or transport live northern snakehead. Transporting them live isnt allowed either, so keep that in mind. Network Headquarters Granted, not on a weekly basis. Let me know how it goes and if you need any more info! The citysenvironmental agency has been monitoring contaminationlevels since 1980 and notes that improvements have been made along the way. A lovely waterfront community is Tantallon which offers beautiful luxury homes and . I hear you. Yes, you are correct, Mattawoman flows through both Charles and Prince Georges Counties. I fly fish here frequently for trout. 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