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. In terms of tackle and bait, it really depends on what youre targeting. Let me know how it goes and what you caught. 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. Upper Potomac 443.480.8970 What are some of your go-to spots? 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 . 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. Fountain Head Regional Park: Located about 23 miles south of Alexandria. Thats the beauty of fishing such a vast river with loads of access points on both sides. I would love to remove them. These are popular spots, visited by many anglers throughout the year. 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. At night, pumpkinseeds will rest near the bottom of the river or in vegetation, so they will not be spotted by predators. document.getElementById( "ak_js_64" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Justin, thanks for the comment and glad you liked the article! They are not picky eaters, and will consume smaller fish, crustaceans, mussels, and frogs. Maryland Bay (Tidal) Sport Fishing License document.getElementById( "ak_js_17" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the helpful information. Youre completely right, honest mistake on our part! 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()}. Currently, white perch populations are doing extremely well in the Potomac River with abundance exceeding the historic mean. You should check out as many of these as possible: 1. However, its recommended to still use precautions. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Surface lures work very well in shallower waters for targeting Smallmouth. They can grow up to 50 inches in length. Nov 16, 2013. the potomac fishery lives off of the grass. Im honestly not sure what class rapids run between Big Slackwater and Taylors Landing, but we might have some knowledgable guides nearby that could point you in the right direction: FishingBooker. You can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific types of species. Bass fishing on the Potomac River is deeply rooted in the regions sportfishing history. 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. Fletchers Cove Boathouse and Key Bridge Boathouse have several options available, including kayaks. Have you ever been fishing on the Potomac River? The meat of the snakehead was slightly more firm than the tilapia and both fillets had a mild flavor. Im sorry to hear that, could be because of the increase of invasive species in the region. document.getElementById( "ak_js_26" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Which invasive species are we talking about? You cant talk about fishing on the Potomac without mentioning Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. In other words, this isnt an easy fish to take on. The upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw. Where exactly where the fish caught? Well replace it right now with a more accurate photo. 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 . document.getElementById( "ak_js_34" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Lance, This species is known for its golden yellow to greenish body covered in 6 8 dark vertical bars. 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. Re: Potomac River Crabbing. Answer: Like a lot of water, it is all about location. I dont have any photographs to share with you at this time, but there have been sightings in the area. Any resource material would be helpful as well. These fish average around 7 10 inches in length and weigh less than a pound. . Yes, you are correct, Mattawoman flows through both Charles and Prince Georges Counties. From there, you have tons of great fishing spots, like Mattawoman Creek. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on September 1, 2022 Largemouth bass have olive-green bodies with dark mottling along the back and speckles along the sides. 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. Penalties. Hi Dadinva, You can target Blue Cats, Perch, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and lots more. I spend most of my time around Great Falls and Loudon County though. And from a water quality standpoint, eels play an even more important role as a natural taxi service of sorts. 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. Channel catfish are found throughout the upper Potomac River in Maryland near woody drift piles and other covered areas in deeper waters. Smallmouth bass are ferocious hunters and will eat crayfish, insects, and other fishes. Check your e-mail regarding your video inquiry Best of luck and tight lines! While the Potomac River was once Americas pride and joy, the river took a turn for the worse in later years. & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. 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. 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. Other towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and Pohick. Snakehead is an invasive species that was originally introduced to the region in the early 2000s. Here is a list of licensing agents: License Agents. From here, youll be able to target lots of the same species as on the Maryland side. Theyre located in Fort Washington, MD, just south of the bridge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_25" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Mike, Youre welcome! The general rule of thumb is, the further from the city, the safer the meat. Visibility is good, with some stain. The MLK, FDR, and TJ memorials make a great background shot for Instagram as you reel in a prize-winning fish! Where on the Potomac might you recommend I try on my first trip? Thanks for reading! Both are solid spots for Largemouth Bass and Snakehead. Lots of quiet, secluded, and relaxing places to cast from. Check out Algonkian Regional Park or Beaverdam Creek for starters. Ft. Washington is a popular community in Southern Prince George's County. Ive read that any fish caught closer to DC is consider hazardous. document.getElementById( "ak_js_38" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Im glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the comment! I have caught over 75 fish on a float ( many small fish) but fun none the less. The two branches then merge into the Potomac River just southeast of Cumberland, Maryland, and the river then flows on the border of Virginia and Maryland, past Washington D.C., and dumps into the Chesapeake Bay. Take a look at this link for . The river is also one of the most popular Bass fishing tournament destinations in the US. 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. 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. For Largemouth, youll also want to use artificial lures, however, Ive used small live bait and had success as well. The River flows through the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland and all have. 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. Common Carp and Sunfish in the Middle Potomac River . Striped bass have bodies that are laterally compressed with green or blue backs and silver iridescent sides. Can you eat Sydney Harbour oysters? This is also a great place to go hiking, check out the waterfalls, and experience some of the Potomacs amazing wildlife. Can you eat blue catfish out of the Potomac River? Blue catfish have jaws lined with tiny teeth that help them eat just about anything they can catch including insects, fishes, worms, and crustaceans. document.getElementById( "ak_js_55" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Can one tell me where would be a good area to launch my kayak for fishing. If you do end up keeping one, the DOEE recommends eating smaller fish and limiting the amount to 3-4 meals a month. For sheer numbers of bronzebacks and access to them, there's no better river in our wild and wonderful state than the mighty South Branch. Are there confirmed pictures? There are two fishing piers from which you can target Catfish, Bass, and lots more. The citysenvironmental agency has been monitoring contaminationlevels since 1980 and notes that improvements have been made along the way. Guinnessguy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Flathead catfish primarily occupy some areas of the Potomac River and lower Susquehanna River (above and below the Conowingo Dam). Good luck out there! document.getElementById( "ak_js_48" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Kevin, thanks for your comment! Fort Washington is also a great place to fish with a kayak or paddle boat which are usually available for rent during the springtime. Also known as White River Crawish/Crayfish. Youll start to encounter Trout in the upper reaches of the river, particularly the North Branch and the South Branch, up towards West Virginia. Mattawoman is in Charles county. Wade in the shallows, cast from the banks, or fish from a canoe. Crankbaits and spinners are also effective, as well as surface lures for shallower waters. This is also a great recreational area with lots of opportunities to catch a range of fish. Big name sponsors such as Bassmaster and Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) host annual competitions here, attracting hundreds of Bass fishermen from all over the country. Maryland recreational regulations. Such an amazing fishery. document.getElementById( "ak_js_31" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Anita, all of which blue cats are accustomed to eating. These fish also have 6 9 black stripes that run horizontally across the body. 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. Some of the go-to techniques when targeting Snakehead include fly fishing, throwing surface lures, and even bowfishing. These are mainly Eel, Striped Bass (Rockfish), and Carp. For one, its biodiversity. No more than two meals - pound each or the size . The Fish Guide is a useful tool to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish. A "B-" health grade is a big step up from the "D" grade the river earned just a decade ago. Let me know if this helps! Maryland state tidal water record is 29 pounds 10 oz. Less than 20 miles south of the Capital, youll find amazing fishing opportunities near the towns of Fort Washington and Indian Head. 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. Good luck! Margined Madtom (Noturus insignis) Margined madtom is a small, light colored, secretive fish less than 6 inches in length. I would also recommend fletchers cove and the area of the Potomac just below the chain bridge for trophy size striper and walleye. In fact, they originally ended up in that Crofton, Maryland pond because they were brought here for eating. The Virginia side of the Potomac also has its fair share of excellent fishing spots, accessible by foot as well as boat. Leave a comment and let our readers know if you have any advice or special tips before heading out! Largemouths are carnivores that primarily feed on crayfish but will also eat other fishes and insects. These fish are energetic and strong hunters, so anglers love to fish for them in the Potomac River. . Thanks for the tips, much appreciated! Oh, and did we mention you can win upwards of tens of thousands of dollars? All you need is the proper preparation and understanding of the animal as a food source. Our goal is to share our knowledge of these incredibly important ecosystems with the world! Lots of helpful info. Can you eat Sydney Harbour oysters? The long adipose fin is separated from the rounded tail (caudal fin) by a small notch. Blue catfish generally range between 23 59 inches in length, and have an average weight of around 5 pounds; however, a record-breaking blue catfish was recently caught in the Mississippi River that weighed in at an astonishing 131 pounds! Great blue heron. Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs are actually safe to consume Can You Eat Fish From The Chesapeake Bay? Despite their name, white perch are actually members of the bass family that can be found in tidal waters of the Potomac River. They often produce a fresh feed of fish and are also great to catch bait fish. Take a look at this link for more information: https://doee.dc.gov/service/fishdc. Jimmy: A male hard crab with a narrow apron on . The Main Stem Shenandoah River is formed when the North Fork and South Fork converge at Front Royal, Virginia. Do they make great fish tacos? You can report online through the Virginia Saltwater Journal or by mailing in paper forms found here. What about bull head and spoonbill catfish. when fishing for bottom feeders. If youre a competitive angler looking to win some cash (and bragging rights), the Potomac should definitely be on your radar. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out. pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. document.getElementById( "ak_js_50" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Liam, thanks for reading! Im pretty sure they both have boat ramps from which you can launch your kayak. 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. Potomac Riverkeeper This species also has a projected jaw with small, pointed teeth that helps them eat other fishes, eggs, larvae, insects, crustaceans, and detritus. There are lots of ways to fish for Bass in the Potomac. There are lots of great launching points for kayak anglers. Striped bass are the state fish of Maryland, and they can be found mainly near the mouth of the Potomac River in waters that are cool, clear, and deep. Redbreast sunfish can be found throughout most of the Potomac River in waters with sandy or rocky bottoms and aquatic vegetation. I live in northern PG County, MD and just recently got my first bass boat. They migrate upstream to spawn in fresher waters and tend to wander even further up the river during summer. Heres a link with a list of some great boat ramps: http://www.riverexplorer.com/boat_ramp_map.php4. Hes from PA. His plan is to Gravelly Point Park and fish up river to Fletchers Cove. They can be brown, brown-red, green, and blue and they have red-tipped claws. document.getElementById( "ak_js_24" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the article! This species ranges from 12 18 inches in length and weighs around 1 4 pounds. You are wasting your time anywhere north of Fairview beach. Select Page. All rights reserved. The short answer is yes, northern snakehead is an excellent fish to eat. You can purchase each of them online or at any approved fishing license vendor. http://www.riverexplorer.com/boat_ramp_map.php4. Eating Snakehead Fish. Our goal is to protect the health and well-being of our residents, the agencys director,Tommy Wells, said in a statement. I think this is a solid list to get you started. Also referred to as the Nations River, this tributary represents the cultural and historical seam of the nations capital. Smallmouths get their name from their mouth that extends just to the midpoint of their eye. Anglers are encouraged to harvest snakeheads when caught. Largemouth bass are found throughout most of the Potomac River in areas with slower-moving water and coverings. Am curious if you know some good quiet places for fly fishing on the Potomac in NoVa or DC?? Each year towards the end of summer and beginning of fall, several organizations host tournaments with the chance of having your name placed among the greats. Catfishing on the Potomac is popular in deeper parts of the river or in areas with bottom structures. Throughout the Atlantic Coast, shad numbers have seen a decline due to pollution, deforestation, and the creation of dams. Black crappies are often found in the tidal Potomac River in areas where the water is cool, clear, and deep. Many fish are subject to size and bag limits as well. This of course is considering the species of fish. Read More Maybe, thats something Ill write about in the future. Just make sure you stay up to date as rules and regulations can change each year. 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. You can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific types of species. Someone should write a book about the Potomac and even then its hard to imagine they could cover everything. In the last few weeks, 3 of us have fished out of a boat for about 7 hours total with worms, hellgrammites, and lures and have caught only 3 smallish catfish. 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. 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. Fishing on the Potomac River serves as a rite of passage for many local DC, Maryland, and Virginia anglers. Thanks for reading! Up north past DC, youll most likely encounter smaller schools of Rockfish perfect for beginners starting out on spin tackle. Males look slightly different than females during breeding season because males will develop a dark throat. DOEE's 2016 Fish Consumption Advisory . 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. Appreciate any assistance you could offer, Al. They also have 7 8 spines on their dorsal fins, which distinguishes them from white crappies, who have 5 6 spines. licensing, days to avoid, etc.? Green sunfish are not a desirable sport fish because they are relatively small, ranging from about 3 7 inches long and weighing less than a pound. "They can also be in the main-river coves and eddies with grassbeds." Advertisement. Youll be able to sneak into narrow spots and be closer to the water, making it much easier to spot your target. Dove, 35, doesn't fish deep in May. 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. Mercury is a neurotoxin and it is not to be trifled with. document.getElementById( "ak_js_37" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great article. This species is generally piscivorous and will hunt for other fishes at night. 2. I just moved to D.C. and am wondering if yall use fresh bait (e.g., worms, squid, etc.) If boat fishing on the Potomac further south, what weight line do you suggest in general? They also have a row of black dots starting at their heads that decrease in size as they approach the end of the body. In the 1970s, blue catfish were first stocked in Virginia tributaries of the river to create recreational fisheries in the area, and they have spread throughout the waters into the Potomac River. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. These fish are active during the day and will feed on insects, larvae, mollusks, snails, crustaceans, leeches, small fish, and detritus. White perch have silvery or green-gray deep bodies with white bellies, and the base of their fins tend to be reddish in color. Areas such as Fletchers Cove, Rock Creek, and Anacostia Park are excellent for day trips, especially if youre looking for a good spot to take your kids. Since planning a trip can seem a bit overwhelming, joining a local guide is probably your best option. They eat fish, mussels, and frogs. 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. 3. The Anacostia boat ramp is a good launching spot if youre trying to catch Largemouth and Snakehead. Anglers typically troll or drift from a boat and cast live baits or lures from the banks. Striped bass are a larger fish that can grow to about 2 3 feet in length and weigh between 10 30 pounds. In the Potomac River, 18% of its waters ranked in the most-polluted group. Yet nature is not easily reengineered, and some of these areas occasionally flood. Thanks for reading, glad you found it useful! Recreational fishing in the Harbour has not been banned, but fishers are urged to follow dietary advice on the consumption of seafood from the Sydney Harbour, Parramatta River and other connected tidal waterways. document.getElementById( "ak_js_23" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hot dogs at the marina are best catfish bait at ft Belvoir. If you have suggestions somewhere near Annapolis, I'll take it. 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. "The Potomac's best fishing in the springtime (May) is in the creeks around the spatterdock fields and in the aquatic vegetation (milfoil beds)," Dove said. Look for areas with bridge pilings, boulders, and underwater trees that break up the current. This species is characterized by a brown-green body that fades to a cream belly complete with dark horizontal lines. The best I ever ate. Water Levels. Dace,herring & mud shad,blowfish & toad fish.chain pickeral,carp & grass carp.Caught em all hardhead & bluefish too. How healthy is the Potomac River? You can still catch big Stripers in the lower portions of the river, down by the Chesapeake Bay. Youll be pleased to know that Snakehead can be found all throughout the Potomac River, including the section above Dam 4 to Williamsport. High water levels can cause a normally safe section of the river to have a strong and dangerous current. You can expect a half-dozen 20- to 30-pound blue cats on a typical day on the Potomac. document.getElementById( "ak_js_22" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Jason, All anglers over the age of 16 must purchase either a valid MD, VA, DC, or Potomac River Sport Fishing License. Would you provide some tips, e.g. Theyre a favorite due to their strength, versatility, and last but not least, their delicious taste! Any specific launches with potentially less busy than typical launching traffic (still a beginner)? The river in DC was wider in Colonial days. We dont currently work with any kayak guides in the area, but there are plenty of rentals on the Upper Potomac. These fish have very little mouths, so they will only eat smaller prey such as zooplankton, insects, worms, and snails. Thats a great spot for Shad, however, the best runs are between March and May. Sep 1, 2022. But, resource managers and foodies alike agree: Eating blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay is tasty and nutritiousand it is good for the ecosystem. Largemouth and Smallmouth occupy different areas of the river DC serving as the boundary that separates the two regions. For Snakehead, you can use deep divers, surface frog lures, and buzz-bait. In the past few years grass carp have eaten all the grass and now bass populations are down by 90%. document.getElementById( "ak_js_36" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Wayne, Lets ta. Smallmouth bass can be found throughout the Potomac River around structures like logs or debris in the water where the water currents break. document.getElementById( "ak_js_47" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for this helpful introduction to fishing the Potomac. 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. 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. Blue Catfish live in fresh water, preferably in deep rivers with a fast current. Luckily, you got some great boat rental options right in that area.