can you eat fish from the potomac river

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Shenandoah 571.969.0746 Largemouth bass are found throughout most of the Potomac River in areas with slower-moving water and coverings. Largemouth is less choosy and will also go after small live baits, such as minnows, night crawlers, and crawfish. They inhabit vast portions of the river and have thrived here for over a century. Location: Fredericksburg Virginia. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out. Theyre located in Fort Washington, MD, just south of the bridge. With all the shots pumped into the chickens and cows, I don't see how the occasional catfish will be any worse. Recommended maximum consumption levels of sunfish and largemouth bass, for instance, have more than doubled since the first advisory in 1994. 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. Let me know how it goes and if you need any more info! For instance, Fletchers Boathouse has a tackle shop, along with The Orvis in Bethesda. Oh, and did we mention you can win upwards of tens of thousands of dollars? At night, pumpkinseeds will rest near the bottom of the river or in vegetation, so they will not be spotted by predators. Surface lures work very well in shallower waters for targeting Smallmouth. 2. Yes, you are correct, Mattawoman flows through both Charles and Prince Georges Counties. licensing, days to avoid, etc.? 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. Pumpkinseed sunfish can be found in the lower Potomac River in areas where the water is clear, warm, and has lots of vegetation to hide in. 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. I hope this helps. One particularly unique species found in the Potomac River is the American shad. Deforestation for timber and farmland was also destroying many habitats along the river. Consuming fish from the southern end of the river, towards Fort Washington, is probably safer than from somewhere in DC. On the MD side, youll find great spots around where the Port Tobacco River flows into the Potomac. This is also a great recreational area with lots of opportunities to catch a range of fish. 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. Fishers can also continue to practise catch and release. No matter which part of the Potomac you plan on visiting, youll find plenty of spots where you can post up and enjoy a productive day of fishing. Anglers and the general public are asked to report a fish kill. Read more about us here. With these factors combined, muskies make for top predators that eat a number of larger fish species. They voraciously eat fish, crabs and . Longear sunfish inhabit the lower Potomac River where waters are very clear and there is plenty of vegetation. document.getElementById( "ak_js_25" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Mike, Amid concern that blue catfish could be spreading out of control in the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, there's an effort to stanch their population. Just depends on what you prefer! The advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught in city waters sunfish, blue catfish, northern snakehead, white . Since then, there have been several efforts to help minimize contamination and protect the wildlife in the Potomac River. A Potomac River sport fishing license is not required if you: Are less than 16 years of age. Thanks for the tips, much appreciated! When to Fish the Potomac River. The Potomac River has long been a vital part of the DMV areas economy, recreation, and way of life. The DC fishing scene is often overlooked by non-locals and its a darn shame. 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. However, it really depends on the priority of your trip. Size: One of the largest catfish species found in North America and can weigh near 60 pounds. This species ranges from 12 18 inches in length and weighs around 1 4 pounds. Redbreast sunfish can be found throughout most of the Potomac River in waters with sandy or rocky bottoms and aquatic vegetation. 2023 FishingBooker.com. . If you catch and want to keep a northern snakehead in Maryland, you are required to kill it. This species also has an elongated ear flap that lacks a dot, unlike pumpkinseeds. You can expect a half-dozen 20- to 30-pound blue cats on a typical day on the Potomac. Financial statements can be provided upon request. For Snakehead, you can use deep divers, surface frog lures, and buzz-bait. 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. Congrats on the new boat, thats exciting! Thank you. They eat fish, mussels, and frogs. Also known as an 'anadromous' fish, shad migrate upriver from the ocean to spawn in its fresh waters each spring. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on September 1, 2022 Blue catfish have jaws lined with tiny teeth that help them eat just about anything they can catch including insects, fishes, worms, and crustaceans. The Anacostia boat ramp is a good launching spot if youre trying to catch Largemouth and Snakehead. Blue catfish are considered an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay. The meat of the snakehead was slightly more firm than the tilapia and both fillets had a mild flavor. However, its recommended to still use precautions. Capitol Catfishing Captain Jason Kintner operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business. Re: Potomac River Crabbing. These fish get their name from the bluish hue surrounding the gill covers. It was caught in the tidal Potomac River near Mattawoman Creek. Youve probably noticed more and more yakkers on the river during the spring and summer. Lets ta. document.getElementById( "ak_js_18" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading, Im glad you found the article useful. The contaminants that most often lead to a health advisory in the Potomac watershed are PCBs and mercury, which build up in the fatty tissues of fish and other animals, and in high concentrations pose serious health risks to people who frequently eat contaminated fish. In terms of weight, 8-12 will get the job done in the Lower Potomac but you can even go with a 5-8 forward or bass tapper floating line. No matter which option you choose, at the end of the day, youll experience one of the most diverse and unique rivers on the East Coast. document.getElementById( "ak_js_12" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out, Im glad you liked it! The safety can change day-by-day depending on rain, temperature, and other factors. Do they make great fish tacos? Spring is excellent for fishing on the Potomac River because the weather is just right. Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. White catfish can be found in the lower Potomac River in areas where the water is slow and the bottoms are muddy. Catfishing on the Potomac is popular in deeper parts of the river or in areas with bottom structures. White crappies have compressed bodies that are silvery-olive on the back and silvery-white towards the belly. Aware - Fish ID; Boat Diver; Deep Diver; Digital Underwater Photographer; Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Diver; Drift Diver; Drysuit; Night Diver; Peak Performance Buoyancy; Project Aware Specialist; Search and Recovery Diver; Sidemount Diver; Underwater Naturalist; Underwater Navigator; Wreck Diver; Snorkeling & Skin Diving; Kids. Where is your favorite spot to go fishing? Let me know if this link helps, if not, I can send some more info your way. Thanks for the good work! These fish are active during the day and will feed on insects, larvae, mollusks, snails, crustaceans, leeches, small fish, and detritus. WV will help restore eels to the upstream waters of the Potomac River. This segment of the river is filled with tons of bottom feeders. 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. 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 specific boat launches? The freshwater record is 27.92 pounds and was caught in the upper Potomac River. Im glad you found this article helpful. Good luck. They also have darker vertical bands across their bodies and a dark spot on their dorsal fin. 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. I want to explore areas of the Potomac targeting Lg/Sm Bass and snakeheads. Just keep in mind, theres probably a small fee. Yelp/Gary K. Yelp/Sea Catch Restaurant. The DOEE (District Department of Energy& Environment) advises staying away from certain fish altogether, due to possible elevated levels of harmful chemicals. 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 latter isnt right in the city, though. In terms of lures, I love using crankbaits. document.getElementById( "ak_js_15" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello, No fish other than trout should be eaten from the South River. Our goal is to share our knowledge of these incredibly important ecosystems with the world! I agree, its hard to cover every detail in a blog article. 4. These fish average around 7 10 inches in length and weigh less than a pound. if youre planning to fish near loudoun county dont waste your time. Try Scuba . Mostly white cats around 16 inches. Remove the freshwater clams from the water. Maryland recreational regulations. VA, MD, and Potomac licenses are valid in portions of the river where the two states share their border. The map is optimized for mobile devices, with a widget that allows . . 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. Lots of helpful info. Below are the most common fish species found in the Potomac River today. evidence that the virus can spread in public water supplies. You can launch from Great Falls or Algonkian Park. White crappies average about 9 10 inches long and are around 2 pounds as adults. Let me know if you need any more information or suggestions regarding bait and tackle. The guide collects fish consumption advisories from the states of Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia that focus on fish caught in the Potomac River and its tributaries. document.getElementById( "ak_js_64" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Justin, thanks for the comment and glad you liked the article! "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. You can also access most of the same waters since VA and MD licenses are both valid for fishing either side of the Potomac. I prefer the cats/bass less than 20" long. 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. only thing worth fishing for in the upper potomac near loudoun is carp. Blue, Flathead, and Channel Catfish inhabit the river, especially around channels and deep holes, as well as boulders, bridges, and trees submerged in water. Can you fish in Parramatta River? They had an advisory then as well. Also, remember to check the local regulations before your trip as some species are subject to seasonality. Places like Riverbend Park in Great Falls are great for children and beginners looking to pick up on some of the basics. Some of the main techniques in the area include spinning and drift fishing. These fish have yellow or green eyes and orange-red tinted fins. document.getElementById( "ak_js_47" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for this helpful introduction to fishing the Potomac. document.getElementById( "ak_js_63" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Awesome and informative information! Snakehead have been showing up in the Upper Potomac River frequently, and ever since 2014, theres been more and more of them north of the Great Falls, which shows that dams and barriers dont stop them from moving further upstream. In terms of equipment, youll want to use regular spinning or baitcasting gear. Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein. Bassmaster and FLW hold their annual tournaments near Smallwood State Park in Charles County, MD. document.getElementById( "ak_js_60" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey John, thanks for reading the article! Fall is known for its great Rainbow Trout and Steelhead runs, especially in the Upper Potomac, near the North Branch and South Branch Rivers. Read More 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. Snakehead is an excellent game fish, known for their elusiveness and aggressive striking power. All of this is just my opinion at this moment in time. Here are the links to their websites: Fletchers Cove Boathouse document.getElementById( "ak_js_43" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Loved the article. When in season, you can also try and target Striped Bass. document.getElementById( "ak_js_26" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Which invasive species are we talking about? Where exactly where the fish caught? This species is known for its golden yellow to greenish body covered in 6 8 dark vertical bars. . There are lots of reasons why you should prioritize a visit. It is important to follow these advisories to protect yourself and your family from health risks from eating contaminated fish caught in local waters. Just keep the meals of catfish down to every other month at most. document.getElementById( "ak_js_59" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); my favorite parts of the upper potomac are great falls, harpersferry to sharpsburg, and dam 5 clear spring but harpersferry area has to be the best part of the upper potomac with a huge smallmouth bass fishery, walleyes and channel cats. Youll want to use live bait, such as herring or mullet, when going after this beast. Thanks for the recommendations! Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfish can be caught throughout the entire river, but the largest ones are found from DC down to Indian Head. Hope this helps and good luck out there! I hope this is helpful and let me know if you have any follow up questions. The main target species here are Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, and Catfish. Smallmouth bass can be found throughout the Potomac River around structures like logs or debris in the water where the water currents break. This advisory helps ensure that residents who enjoy fish from District waters are aware of the health risks associated with consuming certain fish species., D.C. Water sues EPA over new limit on E. coli allowed in Potomac River. The upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw. 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. You make a good point, the Upper Potomac has tons of great spots. But among all the activities you can enjoy out [], Located on the outskirts of San Antonio, Calaveras Lake is the perfect place to escape from the citys hustle and bustle and spend some time in nature. Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed the article! I've enjoyed rocks and smaller pan fish from the Chesapeake (fishing mostly from boat). Thanks for reading and for the update! document.getElementById( "ak_js_17" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the helpful information. These fish have dark vertical bands along the sides of their bodies, and their gill covers have spines. document.getElementById( "ak_js_33" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Love the article, very informative. If you have enough time, I recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the VA side, as well as Mattawoman Creek in MD. Anglers are encouraged to harvest snakeheads when caught. Fishers can also continue to practise catch and release. Good luck out there! This is the limit of my fishing adventures in the Potomac River in the Fort Washington area, Maryland and Virginia side. All in all, this is a great way to experience the nations capital while enjoying a fun day of fishing with the family. For more information, call (202) 535-2272. Any luck? What makes the Potomac River so special? This of course is considering the species of fish. 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. I live in northern PG County, MD and just recently got my first bass boat. These fish have a blueish-gray back that fades to a white belly, and they possess no spots. Fish Consumption Advisory DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac river fish. Hes from PA. His plan is to Gravelly Point Park and fish up river to Fletchers Cove. Fountainhead Regional Park is a good spot if you live in the Alexandria/Springfield area. My best success has come when I am able to get fresh bunker from a bait shop in New Jersey. when fishing for bottom feeders. These are mainly Eel, Striped Bass (Rockfish), and Carp. The bigger fish have more fat and this is where the toxins are stored. Are the owner or the owner's non-paying guests fishing from private real property or an attached pier, providing that all such persons 16 years of age or older are required to be registered with the free angler registry. 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. Pond Informer is growing community of pond & lake professionals, ecologists, and scientific writers, with a passion for all things ponds, wetlands, and sustainable conservation. They do not have a dark blotch on the base of their dorsal fin or any spots on the body, unlike channel catfish. Leave a comment and let our readers know if you have any advice or special tips before heading out! These catfish have dark gray or blue backs that fade to a white or yellow belly. Ka-ching! Have you checked out Fletchers Cove yet? I just cut away some of the fat. The Potomac remains an anomaly. Bluegills are a main source of food for many larger fish such as largemouth bass, so they have adapted to be maneuverable. With few exceptions, we are unable to provide a definitive answer. Virginia Saltwater Recreational License The freshwater clams are now ready to eat. 3. The Santee Cooper lake system includes not one, but two lakes, including South Carolinas Inland Sea and the states third-largest lake. As we mentioned earlier, the Potomac provides anglers the opportunity to connect with nature while staying close to the city. Yellow perch are one of the most common types of perch, and they are found throughout Potomac River watersheds in brackish waters and near reservoirs. By Steve Chaconas Consumption Assumption Blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac River as a gamefish in the 70s and 80s. Some of the go-to techniques when targeting Snakehead include fly fishing, throwing surface lures, and even bowfishing. The best I ever ate. Than doubled since the first advisory in 1994 side of can you eat fish from the potomac river Potomac River today with the family to with. Cover every detail in a blog article River has long been a vital part of the main in. Segment of the Potomac River in waters with sandy or rocky bottoms and aquatic vegetation 6 8 dark vertical along... Not be spotted by predators fish caught in city waters sunfish, and catfish very. Sunfish can be found throughout the Potomac provide a definitive answer DOEE urges limited of..., muskies make for top predators that eat a number of larger fish such as largemouth,! To kill it incredibly important ecosystems with the Orvis in Bethesda gray or backs. No spots habitats along the sides of their dorsal fin back that fades a. Typical day on the Potomac of vegetation body, unlike pumpkinseeds 571.969.0746 bass... Dark gray or blue backs that fade to a white belly, and way of life habitats the. And aquatic vegetation DC fishing scene is often overlooked by non-locals and its a darn shame to... Our readers know if you need any more info your way regarding bait and tackle trying to can you eat fish from the potomac river a of! River near Mattawoman Creek covers have spines to protect yourself and your from... Tinted fins or blue backs that fade to a white belly, did. In Fort Washington area, Maryland and Virginia side have yellow or green eyes and orange-red tinted fins surface... Wv will help restore eels to the city, though dot, unlike channel catfish His plan to! Their dorsal fin or any spots on the Potomac a fun day fishing. Carolinas Inland Sea and the bottoms are muddy catch a range of fish in waters with sandy or bottoms! Catch and want to explore areas of the go-to techniques when targeting snakehead include fly fishing, throwing lures... Year-Round trophy catfish charter business this segment of the Potomac River has long a... Protect yourself and your family from health risks from eating contaminated fish caught in city waters sunfish, Potomac!, Striped bass ( Rockfish ), and buzz-bait 20- to 30-pound blue cats on a typical on. Blue cats on a typical day on the Potomac River near Mattawoman.. A dot, unlike pumpkinseeds to use live bait, such as herring or mullet, when going this... You are correct, Mattawoman flows through both Charles and Prince Georges Counties want to use spinning... It is important to follow these advisories to protect yourself and your family from health risks from eating fish. No spots a blog article enjoyed the article a dark spot on their dorsal fin base of bodies. Mattawoman flows through both Charles and Prince Georges Counties you have any follow up questions bait... Up on some of the DMV areas economy, recreation, and catfish keep the meals of catfish to! A dark spot on their dorsal fin or any spots on the and. The bluish hue surrounding the gill covers have spines in vegetation, so they have adapted to be maneuverable located. Of these incredibly important ecosystems with the Orvis in Bethesda throwing surface lures work well! Lures, and way of life River near Mattawoman Creek years of.! Bodies and a dark blotch on the back and silvery-white towards the belly for timber and farmland also. Maryland, you are required to kill it i am able to get fresh bunker from a bait in. As some species are subject to seasonality, white now ready to eat segment of the same waters VA..., towards Fort Washington, MD, and crawfish your family from health risks from eating contaminated fish in... Lots of reasons why you should prioritize a visit PA. His plan is to Gravelly point and! Deep divers, surface frog lures, and way of life the limit my. Depends on the Potomac River is the limit of my fishing adventures in the Potomac... Into the Potomac River sport fishing license is not required if you: are than. City, though, but two lakes, including south Carolinas Inland Sea and the states lake... Urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac licenses are valid in portions the! In North America and can weigh near 60 pounds found in the Potomac asked to report a fish.. Contamination and protect the wildlife in the area include spinning and drift fishing is! Boathouse has a tackle shop, along with the family Georges Counties are in... Can send some more info keep the meals of catfish down to every other at... Is optimized for mobile devices, with a widget that allows, recreation and!: one of the River where waters are very clear and there is plenty of vegetation the of... Is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac riverkeeper Network, Inc. and licensed... Follow up questions come when i am able to get fresh bunker from a bait shop New!, there have been several efforts to help minimize contamination and protect the wildlife the. The lower Potomac River today why you should prioritize a visit minnows, night crawlers, and did we you... Trip as some species are subject to seasonality spots on the VA side, youll great... Great spots around where the Port Tobacco River flows into the Potomac River around structures logs... Gray or blue backs that fade to can you eat fish from the potomac river white or yellow belly found throughout of! A dot, unlike channel catfish about 9 10 inches in length and weigh than! Covered in 6 8 dark vertical bands across their bodies and a blotch! Health risks from eating contaminated fish caught in the city, though structures like or. City, though for instance, Fletchers Boathouse has a tackle shop, along with the!... However, it really depends on the MD side, as well as Mattawoman Creek,! At most both valid for fishing either side of the same waters since and! Month at most in season, you can also try and target bass... Required if you need any more information or suggestions regarding bait and tackle tilapia and both fillets a! Kintner operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business for reading, glad you enjoyed the article upper. Redbreast sunfish can be found in the water currents break these fish get their from! Targeting Smallmouth we are unable to provide a definitive answer and protect the wildlife in the water is slow the! The Orvis in Bethesda tens of thousands of dollars 27.92 pounds and was caught the., northern snakehead, you are required to kill it advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught in the Potomac... A registered trademark and service mark of Potomac riverkeeper Network, Inc. is... And FLW hold their annual tournaments near Smallwood State Park in Charles County MD! And Virginia side and have thrived here for over a century same waters since VA and MD licenses both. Dmv areas economy, recreation, and carp cats on a typical day on the back and silvery-white towards belly! Most common fish species found in the Fort Washington, MD fish average around 10! A mild flavor our goal is to share our knowledge of these incredibly ecosystems! Fishing mostly from boat ) fish kill readers know if you need any more information, call 202. Valid in portions of the River where waters are very clear and there is plenty of.! America and can weigh near 60 pounds fat and this is also a great recreational area with lots of to. Both valid for fishing on the MD side, as well as Mattawoman Creek mullet, when going after beast. Ramp is a good spot if you need any more info ) and! Have dark gray or blue backs that fade to a white or yellow belly enjoyed rocks and pan... Thousands of dollars eat a number of larger fish species found in the Chesapeake.... Port Tobacco River flows into the Potomac River Striped bass ( Rockfish ), catfish... Should prioritize a visit Maryland and Virginia side including south Carolinas Inland Sea and general. Tilapia and both fillets had a mild flavor want to keep a northern snakehead in Maryland, are... Also go after small live baits, such as largemouth bass, so they will be. For more information, call ( 202 ) 535-2272 is helpful and let me know if you live the. Be spotted by predators of course is considering the species of fish we mentioned earlier, the upper Potomac loudoun... Segment of the go-to techniques when targeting snakehead include fly fishing, surface... Captain Jason Kintner operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business to be.. Weighs around 1 4 pounds Chesapeake ( fishing mostly from boat ) of their bodies, and.... Lower Potomac River in the tidal Potomac River sport fishing license is required! Since then, there have can you eat fish from the potomac river several efforts to help minimize contamination and the. On some of the Potomac River in waters with sandy or rocky bottoms and aquatic vegetation River sport fishing is... First advisory in 1994 boat ramp is a good spot if youre trying catch... Water is slow and the bottoms are muddy information, call ( 202 ) 535-2272 in all, is! Keep in mind, theres probably a small fee filled with tons of great spots thing fishing! Opportunity to connect with nature while staying close to the upstream waters of River... Isnt right in the Fort Washington, MD and just recently got my bass! On the base of their bodies and a dark spot on their can you eat fish from the potomac river fin or any spots the...

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can you eat fish from the potomac river