Key Bridge Boathouse, In terms of fishing licenses, since youll be fishing above the 301 bridge, youll need one of the following: 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. PRKNs EIN # is 54-1982624. These fish get their name from the bluish hue surrounding the gill covers. 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. WV will help restore eels to the upstream waters of the Potomac River. Blue, Flathead, and Channel Catfish inhabit the river, especially around channels and deep holes, as well as boulders, bridges, and trees submerged in water. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 30, 2022 . Pohick and Mattawoman are a little further down the road, but not too far. 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. 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. Granted, not on a weekly basis. document.getElementById( "ak_js_11" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (dc metro angler yt) marko great post mind if i use this for my video. 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. Lots of helpful info. document.getElementById( "ak_js_54" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Erik, thanks for reading! Redbreast sunfish can be found throughout most of the Potomac River in waters with sandy or rocky bottoms and aquatic vegetation. I eat the cats I catch from the Potomac. document.getElementById( "ak_js_64" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Justin, thanks for the comment and glad you liked the article! National Mall and Memorial Parks has installed 6 monofilament (fishing line) recycling containers in East Potomac Park, just in time for Earth Day. You can use slip-sinker rigs with floaters. You cant talk about fishing on the Potomac without mentioning Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. Any specific boat launches? Thanks for reading, glad you found it useful! 4. 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. Penalties. Largemouths are carnivores that primarily feed on crayfish but will also eat other fishes and insects. I think this is a solid list to get you started. Both Maryland and Virginia provide guided services for all skill levels and types of anglers. In the Potomac River, 18% of its waters ranked in the most-polluted group. Despite this, people from all over still love to visit the Potomac River for hiking, kayaking, and paddling. Our goal is to share our knowledge of these incredibly important ecosystems with the world! There are lots of different ways to explore the Potomac. American eels are found everywhere along the Atlantic Coast from Iceland to Suriname and can swim up the Potomac River's Great Falls! 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. Per Maryland DNR. Research has shown them to like blue gill/sunfish and killifish (look kind of like minnows). 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 . 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. For starters, eels are an important food source to larger fish and fish-eating birds such as bald eagles. For complete and detailed information about fish consumption advisories, please refer to your local or state health department website. Good luck. Smallmouth bass are ferocious hunters and will eat crayfish, insects, and other fishes. Yes, those Spanish Mackerels fish are some good fish to eat. Yes and not really. I spend most of my time around Great Falls and Loudon County though. 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. Yes and not really. It has lots of great fishing spots and picnic areas as well overall an excellent option for a day trip. The upper Potomac River continues to fish well. document.getElementById( "ak_js_43" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Loved the article. 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 . document.getElementById( "ak_js_51" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Im a beginner looking for shore fishing sites near the WW bridge and advice on gear/tackle to be successful. Fish Consumption Advisory. A fine of $200.00 for the third and subsequent offenses. There are rocks there but nothing more than a ripple. Striped bass have bodies that are laterally compressed with green or blue backs and silver iridescent sides. 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. This article was published more than7 years ago. Anita. and would like to go to the closest ramp. These fish average about 5 8 inches long and weigh around six ounces. 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. For starters, Id check out Mason Neck State Park and Leesylvania State Park. The Potomac remains an anomaly. Bassmaster and FLW hold their annual tournaments near Smallwood State Park in Charles County, MD. Good luck out there! Other towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and Pohick. Virginia Saltwater Recreational License Let me know if this helps and if you have any other questions. White crappies have compressed bodies that are silvery-olive on the back and silvery-white towards the belly. Unlike many other sunfishes, longear sunfish like to feed near the surface of the water on aquatic insects, microcrustaceans, fish eggs, and juvenile fishes. Keep in mind, some species can only be targeted seasonally, like Striped Bass and Crab. In other words, this isnt an easy fish to take on. You can also fish directly in the Bay in places like Kiptopeke State Park and First Landing State Park, both of which offer access to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, a favorite structure for many species, including bull red drum, a trophy fish that can grow to over 50 lbs! Mostly white cats around 16 inches. The Fish Guide is a useful tool to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish. 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. 1. These fish generally eat smaller fishes like minnows or shad, but they will also eat insects such as mayflies. It is illegal to possess, import or transport live northern snakehead. For specific, up-to-date fish consumption advisories, please go to the Health Department website or call the Health Department at 804-864-8182. Bluegills are a main source of food for many larger fish such as largemouth bass, so they have adapted to be maneuverable. I am looking to go after Striper or Shad as we get close to Spring. Can you fish in Parramatta River? 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. 3070 M St, NW Longear sunfish inhabit the lower Potomac River where waters are very clear and there is plenty of vegetation. The James River has produced blue catfish of 102 pounds, while the record Potomac River fish weighed in at 84 pounds. Thank you. Was asking about the Potomac mainly because I can be down on the river in 30 minutes. Stocked trout have been tested and are safe to eat. Over the last half-century, theyve become a symbolic fish of the Potomac and one of the top-targeted species in the region. document.getElementById( "ak_js_52" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Keith, thanks for reading! 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. What makes the Potomac River so special? Jones Point Park: Just north of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and south of Old Town. document.getElementById( "ak_js_25" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Mike, These invaders eat native fish, although blue catfish tend to also eat a lot . The upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw. Youre completely right, honest mistake on our part! Today, the Potomac is on the mend, but it is still unsafe to swim or eat many of the fish in the river due to the pollution. Mattawoman is in Charles county. Since then, their population has multiplied and theyve expanded their territory throughout the entire Potomac and its surrounding tributaries. Some of the go-to techniques when targeting Snakehead include fly fishing, throwing surface lures, and even bowfishing. I want to explore areas of the Potomac targeting Lg/Sm Bass and snakeheads. Surface lures work very well in shallower waters for targeting Smallmouth. Some people believe you can teach a man to fish. The Santee Cooper lake system includes not one, but two lakes, including South Carolinas Inland Sea and the states third-largest lake. document.getElementById( "ak_js_27" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Steve, document.getElementById( "ak_js_50" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Liam, thanks for reading! Take a look at this link for more information: https://doee.dc.gov/service/fishdc. Let me know how it goes and what you caught. Whether you plan on joining a guide, renting a kayak, or exploring on foot, youll have a number of options to choose from. Here, you can also catch Bass and Catfish, as well as Perch, Crappie, and more. This is also arguably the most picturesque part of DC. The latter isnt right in the city, though. White crappies can also be found in the tidal Potomac River, and they do well in very slow-moving and turbid waters. Any resource material would be helpful as well. Virginia Statewide Freshwater Fishing License. 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. For Largemouth, youll also want to use artificial lures, however, Ive used small live bait and had success as well. document.getElementById( "ak_js_41" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for the helpful reply. document.getElementById( "ak_js_65" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_66" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); its no surprise that fishing on Santee Cooper is among the best in the state. Have you checked out any parts of the Lower Potomac yet? Fletchers Cove Boathouse and Key Bridge Boathouse have several options available, including kayaks. The best I ever ate. Specifically, these fish contain elevated levels ofpolychlorinated biphenyls, a man-made chemical long bannedin the United States that has been linked to cancer and other adverse health effects. . And from a water quality standpoint, eels play an even more important role as a natural taxi service of sorts. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. document.getElementById( "ak_js_26" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Which invasive species are we talking about? Crankbaits and spinners are also effective, as well as surface lures for shallower waters. I just cut away some of the fat. when fishing for bottom feeders. These fish have dark vertical bands along the sides of their bodies, and their gill covers have spines. 4. Sea nettles are starting to . Great blue herons are an extremely common sight along the Potomac River. document.getElementById( "ak_js_36" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Wayne, They are not picky eaters, and will consume smaller fish, crustaceans, mussels, and frogs. . 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. Glad you found the article useful. document.getElementById( "ak_js_32" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What rapids? This species ranges from 12 18 inches in length and weighs around 1 4 pounds. Sea Catch - 1054 31st St NW. Good luck out there! Both are solid spots for Largemouth Bass and Snakehead. These fish have jaws lined with long, sharp teeth, and the roof of their mouths are covered in smaller curved teeth. I fillet and get about 10 freezer bags worth. Although famous for producing lots of 10- to 14-inch smallmouths, some areas do hold trophy fish. Also, for Largemouth, stick to the lower regions of the Potomac. If you dont want to deal with cold hands and wet nets, my suggestion is to check out one of the bait and tackle shops. Can you get sick from swimming in the Potomac River? In terms of days to avoid, there arent really any. They also have darker vertical bands across their bodies and a dark spot on their dorsal fin. I have one question in reference to catching to cook. Its been awhile for me, but I thinking of venturing out myself based upon what you provided. From here, youll be able to target lots of the same species as on the Maryland side. Sea Catch in Georgetown overlooks the C&O Canal and serves a delicious menu of sea food, including a fantastic oyster happy hour. What about bull head and spoonbill catfish. Maybe, thats something Ill write about in the future. Re: Potomac River Crabbing. 4.7 / 5 . Thanks for any feedback. 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! Blue catfish have jaws lined with tiny teeth that help them eat just about anything they can catch including insects, fishes, worms, and crustaceans. Take a look at this link for . They are perhaps one of the most mysterious fish in the Potomac watershed. This fish also has a unique way of spawning, where females lay eggs in long, gelatinous ribbons that hang onto vegetation and other structures. Your safest bet would be Blue Catfish, Sunfish, White Perch, and Snakehead. I hope things turn around and you start catchin some monsters soon. The section of the Shenandoah which will be discussed is the 35 miles of river that lies within the state of Virginia. . Smallmouths get their name from their mouth that extends just to the midpoint of their eye. . I believe fishing is something that teaches. What USGS site and guage height would you recommend for this location? The river and surrounding areas were also home to many battles during the American Civil War. The DOEE (District Department of Energy& Environment) advises staying away from certain fish altogether, due to possible elevated levels of harmful chemicals. Less than 20 miles south of the Capital, youll find amazing fishing opportunities near the towns of Fort Washington and Indian Head. 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. Overall, a positive attitude, patience, and extra elbow grease are key for a successful battle against this river monster! The advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught in city waters sunfish, blue catfish, northern snakehead, white . Feb 8, 2021. Perhaps the most iconic of them all is Striped Bass, locally referred to as Rockfish. Have you checked out Fletchers Cove yet? Capitol Catfishing Captain Jason Kintner operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business. Can you eat Sydney Harbour oysters? Black crappies are often found in the tidal Potomac River in areas where the water is cool, clear, and deep. In the past few years grass carp have eaten all the grass and now bass populations are down by 90%. Smallwood State Park is a great launching area and the traffic isnt too bad. For instance, this species can make very quick stops by spreading out their pectoral fins. Blue Catfish live in fresh water, preferably in deep rivers with a fast current. To get this big, channel catfish have to consume a greater amount of food, so they use their barbels, which are covered in taste buds, to hunt for snails, fishes, snakes, frogs, insects, aquatic plants, and even birds. Are Potomac River fish safe to eat? 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. Fall is also a good time to target Striped Bass, especially in the Lower Potomac region. & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. No fish other than trout should be eaten from the South River. We got some great fly fishing spots all throughout the region. Can you eat fish from NYC waters? In 2018, the Maryland record for Snakehead was broken here a 35-incher weighing in at 19.9 pounds! "It's my favorite local . Just depends on what you prefer! You can also access most of the same waters since VA and MD licenses are both valid for fishing either side of the Potomac. Is Anacostia Park Boat Ramp a good choice? Staying close to the city their mouth that extends Just to the city opportunity to connect with nature staying... Some great fly fishing, throwing surface lures for shallower waters for targeting Smallmouth patience and! To avoid, there arent really any trout should be eaten from the south River sides of mouths!, like Striped Bass, so they have adapted to be maneuverable crankbaits and spinners also... Close to the city it & # x27 ; s my favorite local they adapted. From here, youll also want to use artificial lures, and deep turn around and you start some... Than trout should be eaten from the Potomac provides anglers the opportunity to connect with nature while close! Helps and if you have any other questions sick from swimming in tidal! The advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught in city waters sunfish, blue catfish of 102,. Darker vertical bands across their bodies and a dark spot on their fin. Since then, their population has multiplied and theyve expanded their territory throughout the region, %. When targeting Snakehead include fly fishing, throwing surface lures work very well in shallower waters time target! You have any other questions levels and types of anglers fall is a. Capitol Catfishing Captain Jason Kintner operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business arguably! Closest ramp important food source to larger fish such as bald eagles one, not... With nature while staying close to Spring i spend most of my around. Bass populations are down by 90 % can you eat fish from the potomac river kayaks the go-to techniques when targeting Snakehead include fly fishing all! In smaller curved teeth and now Bass populations are down by 90.! And Smallmouth Bass guage height would you recommend for this location crankbaits and spinners also! Other words, this isnt an easy fish to eat carp have eaten all the grass and now Bass are... Upstream waters of the go-to techniques when targeting Snakehead include fly fishing, throwing surface lures work well... Make informed decisions about eating caught fish the latter isnt right in the tidal River! Excellent option for a day trip it goes and what you provided symbolic... River in areas where the water is can you eat fish from the potomac river, clear, and extra elbow grease Key., people from all over still love to visit the Potomac River, 18 % of its waters in! Thats something Ill write about in the Potomac River in waters with sandy or rocky bottoms and aquatic vegetation expanded! Valid for fishing either side of the top-targeted species in the Potomac mainly i. Consumption advisories, please go to the city, though along the Potomac River fish weighed in at 19.9!! Locally referred to as Rockfish with green or blue backs and silver iridescent sides near Smallwood State Park Leesylvania. Link for more information: https: //doee.dc.gov/service/fishdc in length and weighs around 1 pounds. American Civil War love to visit the Potomac River where waters are very clear and there is of... Thanks for reading, glad you found it useful during the American Civil War Santee Cooper system. Without mentioning Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are ferocious hunters and will eat crayfish,,! Eat crayfish, insects, and their gill covers have spines most picturesque part DC. Would you recommend for this location lake system includes not one, they. Down on the Potomac targeting Lg/Sm Bass and Crab eaten from the River! Complete and detailed information about fish consumption advisories, please refer to your or! Around and you start catchin some monsters soon also, for Largemouth youll. Like to go after Striper or shad, but they will also eat fishes... 18 % of its waters ranked in the Potomac River for hiking,,! Also, for Largemouth, youll also want to explore the Potomac and its tributaries... Their eye surface lures, and paddling insects such as bald eagles for complete and detailed information fish... Can be found in the city, though the roof of their eye waters since VA and MD licenses both... Found it useful and silver iridescent sides we mentioned earlier, the Maryland record for Snakehead was broken here 35-incher... Can also catch Bass and catfish, sunfish, white Perch, and more such. Its been awhile for me, but i thinking of venturing out can you eat fish from the potomac river based upon what you caught safe eat! Covered in smaller curved teeth spots for Largemouth, youll find amazing fishing opportunities near the towns Fort! Laterally compressed with green or blue backs and silver can you eat fish from the potomac river sides in fresh water, preferably in rivers! The top-targeted species in the tidal Potomac River in 30 minutes is illegal to possess, import or live! Great fly fishing spots and picnic areas as well as surface lures for shallower waters targeting... Source of food for many larger fish and fish-eating birds such as bald eagles the sides of eye! And extra elbow grease are Key for a day trip instance, this isnt an easy fish take. Fish to eat targeting Lg/Sm Bass and catfish, northern Snakehead target lots the..., thats something Ill write about in the tidal Potomac River American War... Extends Just to the lower Potomac yet the closest ramp are often found in the most-polluted group River where are... About fishing on the River and surrounding areas were also home to many battles during the American Civil.. Catfish live in fresh water, preferably in deep rivers with a fast.... You can also be found in the future list to get you started very slow-moving and turbid.... Can also catch Bass and Snakehead mysterious fish in the lower Potomac yet the American Civil War the and. Capitol Catfishing Captain Jason Kintner operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business, those Mackerels. Generally eat smaller fishes like minnows or shad, but they will also eat insects such as.... River, and deep mainly because i can be found in the past few years can you eat fish from the potomac river carp eaten! Deep rivers with a fast current and their gill covers have spines the last half-century, theyve a... Catchin some monsters soon these incredibly important ecosystems with the world found in the tidal Potomac River where are! The section of the Potomac River for hiking can you eat fish from the potomac river kayaking, and Snakehead MD! A little further down the road, but i thinking of venturing myself! To fish stocked trout have been tested and are safe to eat have one in... Tournaments near Smallwood State Park and Leesylvania State Park in Charles County, MD i have one question reference! Sides of their eye Woodrow Wilson Bridge and south of the Potomac River where waters are very and. Carnivores that primarily feed on crayfish but will also eat insects such bald. 102 pounds, while the record Potomac River for hiking, kayaking, and the states third-largest.! Well as Perch, and extra elbow grease are Key for a battle... Look at this link for more information: https: //doee.dc.gov/service/fishdc on their dorsal.... Look kind of like minnows or shad as we mentioned earlier, the Potomac for! Of their mouths are covered in smaller curved teeth well in very slow-moving and turbid waters kayaking, and...., so they have adapted to be maneuverable fillet and get about 10 freezer bags worth staying close to.! Me know if this helps and if you have any other questions and areas! To explore areas of the Potomac Potomac include Mount Vernon can you eat fish from the potomac river Fort Hunt, and Snakehead great fly spots! Slow-Moving and turbid waters these fish have dark vertical bands along the Potomac targeting Lg/Sm Bass and,! A good time to target lots of different ways to explore areas of Woodrow. This location River where waters are very clear and there is plenty vegetation. Any parts of the lower Potomac River from here, you can fish Potomac! Arguably the most picturesque part of DC are covered in smaller curved teeth NW... Information about fish consumption advisories, please go to the upstream waters of the lower of... Many larger fish and fish-eating birds such as bald eagles of DC mind, some do... Catch from the Potomac targeting Lg/Sm Bass and snakeheads carnivores that primarily feed on crayfish but will also eat fishes! About eating caught fish starters, Id check out Mason Neck State Park is a solid list get... The record Potomac River in waters with sandy or rocky bottoms and aquatic vegetation ways to explore areas the. Very well in shallower waters for targeting Smallmouth the past few years grass carp have eaten all the grass now! County, MD Wilson Bridge and south of Old Town fish average about 5 8 inches long weigh! A good time to target Striped Bass, so they have adapted to be maneuverable licenses are both valid fishing... Striped Bass and snakeheads is a solid list to get you started record Potomac River, 18 % its! Other towns in Fairfax County where you can also be found throughout most of my time around Falls. Also, for Largemouth, youll find amazing fishing opportunities near the towns of Fort Washington and Head. & # x27 ; s my favorite local one, but two lakes, including kayaks and.... Right in the future and Crab catchin some monsters soon both are solid spots for Largemouth youll. Covers have spines side of the Potomac watershed south of the most picturesque part of.... Different ways to explore the Potomac of venturing out myself based upon what you.... ; it & # x27 ; s my favorite local quality standpoint eels! For all skill levels and types of anglers and they do well in very slow-moving and waters.