While most Virginia waters do not have dangerous levels of contaminants, some fish in certain waters are found to contain contaminants at levels of concern.. A fish consumption advisory is not a prohibition of eating fish, but a warning about the contaminants present in a fish species. Known as the "Nation's River," the Potomac River is the fourth largest river on the East Coast of the United States, which spans about 405 miles . Perhaps the most iconic of them all is Striped Bass, locally referred to as Rockfish. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. These fish average around 7 10 inches in length and weigh less than a pound. The bigger fish have more fat and this is where the toxins are stored. When to Fish the Potomac River. document.getElementById( "ak_js_47" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for this helpful introduction to fishing the Potomac. Its impressive, isnt it? Im a first-time angler looking for on-foot action in Virginia. Keep in mind, some species can only be targeted seasonally, like Striped Bass and Crab. . 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 . Sea Catch - 1054 31st St NW. Such an amazing fishery. This species has a wider body compared to other sunfish, and these bodies are blue-green in color with black dots and white bellies. . These fish have blue-green backs and sides, and yellow or rust-colored bellies. Good luck out there! Largemouth Bass can be caught throughout the rivers tidal and southern regions while Smallmouth Bass are typically found in the Upper Potomac. There are lots of great launching points for kayak anglers. Pohick and Mattawoman are a little further down the road, but not too far. 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 336.809.6041. Blue catfish can now be found in several major rivers of Maryland, including the Potomac River, Patuxent River, and Nanticoke River. Theyre a favorite due to their strength, versatility, and last but not least, their delicious taste! Phelps saw this happen in the tidal Potomac . 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. These fish have very little mouths, so they will only eat smaller prey such as zooplankton, insects, worms, and snails. Are you looking to launch from the Upper or Lower Potomac? National Mall and Memorial Parks has installed 6 monofilament (fishing line) recycling containers in East Potomac Park, just in time for Earth Day. Size: One of the largest catfish species found in North America and can weigh near 60 pounds. These are mainly Eel, Striped Bass (Rockfish), and Carp. You should check out as many of these as possible: 1. This species closely resembles other panfish, but they have a few distinguishing characteristics. Mostly white cats around 16 inches. Thanks for the tips, much appreciated! Fishers can also continue to practise catch and release. For instance, Fletchers Boathouse has a tackle shop, along with The Orvis in Bethesda. I broil or grill it with teriyaki. You can expect a half-dozen 20- to 30-pound blue cats on a typical day on the Potomac. The short answer is yes, northern snakehead is an excellent fish to eat. The upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw. How is the fly fishing there in the region (NOVA)? Fortunately, the Potomac River has seen an increase in migratory American shad over the last few years thanks to the initiation of a commercial harvest ban in the 1980s; however, current population projections predict that the populations of American shad in the river may begin to decline once again. Looking for bass and snakehead, any tips for areas around the base and any suggested lures? Good luck out there! This is a little surprising to some people, since they're not exactly the nicest looking fish in the river. The Southern White Crawfish is an invasive species. Thats unfortunate but a very good point. In fact, they originally ended up in that Crofton, Maryland pond because they were brought here for eating. Flathead catfish primarily occupy some areas of the Potomac River and lower Susquehanna River (above and below the Conowingo Dam). 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. Thanks for reading, glad you found it useful! From here, youll be able to target lots of the same species as on the Maryland side. 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 . Feb 21, 2023 Yellow perch generally grow to about 7 10 inches long and weigh around a pound, although this species is prone to having stunted growth in areas where food is limited. 4. If not, can you recommend? As long as the weather is nice the fishing should be solid. 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. The exploding Potomac River blue cat fish population is just a short drive from New Jersey. 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. Sightings of dolphin pods in the area are becoming more common. . Whether youre looking to go fly fishing, bow hunting, or spend several relaxing hours on the water, youll be able to find the guide thats right for you. The upper Potomac River continues to fish well. They were introduced to several rivers on Virginia's Western Shore decades ago. White crappies can also be found in the tidal Potomac River, and they do well in very slow-moving and turbid waters. These fish have a blueish-gray back that fades to a white belly, and they possess no spots. Appreciate any assistance you could offer, Al. Longear sunfish inhabit the lower Potomac River where waters are very clear and there is plenty of vegetation. Have you gone out recently? document.getElementById( "ak_js_18" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading, Im glad you found the article useful. Largemouth bass have olive-green bodies with dark mottling along the back and speckles along the sides. What about bull head and spoonbill catfish. Anglers are encouraged to harvest snakeheads when caught. In terms of lures, I love using crankbaits. Check out some of our guides in the DC area. But many aspects of these fish remain poorly understood. Fort Washington is also a great place to fish with a kayak or paddle boat which are usually available for rent during the springtime. Try Scuba . I hope this helps. I feel like it requires a completely separate blog post. The towns of Potomac, MD and Leesburg, VA are also great options if you plan on launching from the Upper Potomac. 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. I live in Dover de. 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_34" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Lance, It is important to follow these advisories to protect yourself and your family from health risks from eating contaminated fish caught in local waters. I live in the DC area and I am looking for someone who either guides or knows the Potomac River out side DC (Fletchers Boat House) to go out with. 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. 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. 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! Fountainhead Regional Park is a good spot if you live in the Alexandria/Springfield area. Let me know how it goes and what you caught. You can also get some great on-foot action smack dab in the middle of the city. Here, you can also catch Bass and Catfish, as well as Perch, Crappie, and more. . Ive read that any fish caught closer to DC is consider hazardous. In terms of equipment, youll want to use regular spinning or baitcasting gear. 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. I've enjoyed rocks and smaller pan fish from the Chesapeake (fishing mostly from boat). 3. No more than two meals - pound each or the size . Sep 1, 2022. You can use slip-sinker rigs with floaters. The Potomac is famous for its easy accessibility on foot. If you have enough time, I recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the VA side, as well as Mattawoman Creek in MD. . Anglers and the general public are asked to report a fish kill. Read More Mattawoman is in Charles county. Thanks. I would love to remove them. Oh, and did we mention you can win upwards of tens of thousands of dollars? . Have you ever been fishing on the Potomac River? This is also arguably the most picturesque part of DC. document.getElementById( "ak_js_41" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for the helpful reply. . Are Potomac River fish safe to eat? Other towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and Pohick. Primarily bass unless you head inland towards the Shenandoah? Are Potomac River fish safe to eat? document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on September 1, 2022 Any specific boat launches? For complete and detailed information about fish consumption advisories, please refer to your local or state health department website. This is the limit of my fishing adventures in the Potomac River in the Fort Washington area, Maryland and Virginia side. Lets ta. Yelp/Gary K. Yelp/Sea Catch Restaurant. 3070 M St, NW document.getElementById( "ak_js_58" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Ed, glad you liked it and thanks for your comment! Thank you for reaching out. Since youll probably be targeting lots of Smallmouth, youll want to have lures handy, such as jigs. Luckily, you got some great boat rental options right in that area. document.getElementById( "ak_js_62" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi John, thanks for the comment and glad you liked it! document.getElementById( "ak_js_10" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Andriana here for Katie. 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. Feb 8, 2021. Fishers can also continue to practise catch and release. Snakehead is an invasive species that was originally introduced to the region in the early 2000s. You can fish them whenever you want and they can be caught throughout the entire river and connecting creeks, such as Mattawoman and Pomonkey. You can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific types of species. Yes, those Spanish Mackerels fish are some good fish to eat. '. Fish Consumption Advisory. . I would also recommend fletchers cove and the area of the Potomac just below the chain bridge for trophy size striper and walleye. Check your e-mail regarding your video inquiry Best of luck and tight lines! There are rocks there but nothing more than a ripple. Blue catfish have jaws lined with tiny teeth that help them eat just about anything they can catch including insects, fishes, worms, and crustaceans. Good luck! Location: Fredericksburg Virginia. Also known as White River Crawish/Crayfish. I hope this helps. DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac river fish. Would that still apply to fish being caught on the southern end of the Potomac River area of fort Washington Fort Hunt VA area. They also have darker vertical bands across their bodies and a dark spot on their dorsal fin. Below is a section on cleaning and cooking your fish, which will help reduce contamination levels . These long-necked birds can grow up to around 4 feet tall, and their elegant beauty is hard to miss. 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. Lower portions of the river, youll primarily be targeting Largemouth, while the Upper Potomac youll target Smallmouth. Both are great spots for beginners. Maryland and Virginia have ramped up efforts to combat overfishing and help restore this historic fishery. 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. Largemouths are carnivores that primarily feed on crayfish but will also eat other fishes and insects. I prefer the cats/bass less than 20" long. Yes and not really. A lovely waterfront community is Tantallon which offers beautiful luxury homes and . 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. Southern White River Crawfish live in freshwater, including swamps and grass beds. These silver and green colored fish can grow up to 32 inches in length but are most commonly caught between 6-10 inches. American shad are an anadromous species that lives in the Atlantic Ocean for much of their lives, but they will migrate into the Potomac River to spawn. Fish Consumption Advisory DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac river fish. In my previous column, I wrote what inspired me about fishing. In 1990 's I would catch and keep a few for dinner now and then. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_25" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Mike, document.getElementById( "ak_js_27" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Steve, Water temperatures have slid into the upper 70s. 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. Let me know if you need any other tips and drop us a comment to let our readers know what you caught. Youll be able to sneak into narrow spots and be closer to the water, making it much easier to spot your target. Let me know if you need any more information or suggestions regarding bait and tackle. It has lots of great fishing spots and picnic areas as well overall an excellent option for a day trip. I agree, its hard to cover every detail in a blog article. Id appreciate any info you can share. I need to be as close as possible my kayak weighs 110 lbs. The Santee Cooper lake system includes not one, but two lakes, including South Carolinas Inland Sea and the states third-largest lake. PRKNs EIN # is 54-1982624. It can get a little crowded on the weekend, so Id recommend going mid-week if you can. Personally, Broad Creek and Swan Creek are my favorites. Dove, 35, doesn't fish deep in May. document.getElementById( "ak_js_30" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Steve, were looking for a short family and fishing kayak trip thinking between Big Slackwater and Taylors Landing. But damn good question. Places like Riverbend Park in Great Falls are great for children and beginners looking to pick up on some of the basics. Any suggestions? They also have a row of black dots starting at their heads that decrease in size as they approach the end of the body. document.getElementById( "ak_js_43" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Loved the article. They can be brown, brown-red, green, and blue and they have red-tipped claws. 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. 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. These fish average about 5 8 inches long and weigh around six ounces. The last thing you want is to be slapped with a fine for not having a license or targeting something that isnt in season. Re: Potomac River Crabbing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_61" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Good article for anyone new to the sport. Bluegills are a main source of food for many larger fish such as largemouth bass, so they have adapted to be maneuverable. If you catch and want to keep a northern snakehead in Maryland, you are required to kill it. Let me know if you need any more info! This 400-mile river provides convenience, accessibility, and a vast number of areas from which you can enjoy a productive day of fishing. Overall, a positive attitude, patience, and extra elbow grease are key for a successful battle against this river monster! Everyone drifts through there with inner tubes and kayaks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_39" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A friend is planning a fishing trip to the Metro D.C. area. These fish generally eat smaller fishes like minnows or shad, but they will also eat insects such as mayflies. Just keep in mind, theres probably a small fee. What did you catch? So now that you have a sense of what to expect from a Potomac River fishing experience, its important to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations. Catfishing is best in the winter. 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. For Smallmouth, go up north and hit the Upper Potomac. New to the area, been fishing out of Fort Foote park lately. All rights reserved. [The Facts], 10 Best Potted Plants for Texas Heat 2023 [Updated], List of Fish Species in Becharof Lake 2023 (ID + Pics), List of Turtle Species in Washington State 2023 (ID + Pics), How to Plant & Grow White Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton camtschatcensis). Its closest to my house, access to great spots, lots of fish, and beautiful nature. Currently, white perch populations are doing extremely well in the Potomac River with abundance exceeding the historic mean. Both are solid spots for Largemouth Bass and Snakehead. Virginia Saltwater Recreational License document.getElementById( "ak_js_53" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Nice overview w/o too much detail. More reason to target Carp then, I guess! Thanks for any feedback. document.getElementById( "ak_js_50" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Liam, thanks for reading! 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. are there leeches in the potomac riverthe hardy family acrobats 26th February 2023 / in was forest whitaker in batteries not included / by / in was forest whitaker in batteries not included / by First you have to understand the kind of areas they like. . Of course, you can also use the time [], Santee Cooper Fishing: The Complete Guide, Fishing in Lake Hartwell: The Complete Guide, Fishing in Calaveras Lake: The Complete Guide. You make a good point, the Upper Potomac has tons of great spots. Take a look at this link for . document.getElementById( "ak_js_17" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the helpful information. Below are the most common fish species found in the Potomac River today. document.getElementById( "ak_js_21" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great read! The section of the Shenandoah which will be discussed is the 35 miles of river that lies within the state of Virginia. 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. Read more about us here. With these factors combined, muskies make for top predators that eat a number of larger fish species. The most popular fish species you can target are Striped Bass, Bluefish, and White Perch. The containers are designed to keep monofilament out of the environment where it can entangle fish . Any resource material would be helpful as well. This species is the smallest type of catfish in North America, and they range from 12 13 inches long. Can you eat fish from the Potomac River? What are some of your favorite places on the Upper Potomac? People also are catching brown shrimp in the area. Fall is also a good time to target Striped Bass, especially in the Lower Potomac region. Well replace it right now with a more accurate photo. When food is abundant, adults will feed on the bottom of the river with their subterminal mouth, and they will search for items such as benthic macroinvertebrates as well as smaller fishes. This article was published more than7 years ago. "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. As you can see, this 20-inch bronzeback was caught just before dark. 1. You can fish them whenever you want and due to their rapidly increasing numbers, the vast majority of anglers here choose to harvest these fish when reeled in. This of course is considering the species of fish. The long adipose fin is separated from the rounded tail (caudal fin) by a small notch. Penalties. Key Bridge Boathouse, In terms of fishing licenses, since youll be fishing above the 301 bridge, youll need one of the following: While the Potomac River was once Americas pride and joy, the river took a turn for the worse in later years. However, its recommended to still use precautions. It offers a picnic area, a view of the picturesque forestry scattered along lake shores, and calm waters to enjoy. Capitol Catfishing Captain Jason Kintner operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business. Good luck out there! Your safest bet would be Blue Catfish, Sunfish, White Perch, and Snakehead. The map is optimized for mobile devices, with a widget that allows . 2023 FishingBooker.com. 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. Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed the article! Striped bass are a larger fish that can grow to about 2 3 feet in length and weigh between 10 30 pounds. Our goal is to protect the health and well-being of our residents, the agencys director,Tommy Wells, said in a statement. A fine of $200.00 for the third and subsequent offenses. In terms of tackle and bait, it really depends on what youre targeting. You can purchase each of them online or at any approved fishing license vendor. For Snakehead, you can use deep divers, surface frog lures, and buzz-bait. document.getElementById( "ak_js_56" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Santiago, thanks for reading! 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. Let me know if this link helps, if not, I can send some more info your way. document.getElementById( "ak_js_16" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Luckily, youve come to the right place! Despite this, people from all over still love to visit the Potomac River for hiking, kayaking, and paddling. Remove the freshwater clams from the water. Almost half of all game fish in the Chesapeake Bay's freshwater lakes, rivers and streams may be unsafe to eat, because of high levels of mercury, according to a recent study by the United States Geological Survey. Aug 30, 2022. A Potomac River sport fishing license is not required if you: Are less than 16 years of age. Do you ever fish Mattawoman? Some of the main techniques in the area include spinning and drift fishing. Bluegills live throughout the Potomac River where waters are very slow and slightly warmer. The freshwater record is 27.92 pounds and was caught in the upper Potomac River. Look for areas with bridge pilings, boulders, and underwater trees that break up the current. They voraciously eat fish, crabs and . 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. This species also has a projected jaw with small, pointed teeth that helps them eat other fishes, eggs, larvae, insects, crustaceans, 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. Theres a lot more to the nations Capital than just bureaucracy and politics. document.getElementById( "ak_js_24" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the article! 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. 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()}. Im not sure of the cause(s), but the fishing is not what it used to be. If youre not sure, you can always check with a licensing agent or a fishing guide before heading out. Blue catfish are considered an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay. Both Maryland and Virginia provide guided services for all skill levels and types of anglers. Maryland recreational regulations. Let me know if this helps! 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. 4.7 / 5 . You can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific types of species. In Fish. Just depends on what you prefer! Per Maryland DNR. Recommended maximum consumption levels of sunfish and largemouth bass, for instance, have more than doubled since the first advisory in 1994. The advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught in city waters sunfish, blue catfish, northern snakehead, white . I just cut away some of the fat. Director, Tommy Wells, said in a blog article in a statement fishing should be solid and around! The states third-largest lake and these bodies are blue-green in color with black dots starting at their that... Tidal and southern regions while Smallmouth Bass are typically found in North America and can weigh near 60 pounds feet... Below the chain bridge for trophy size striper and walleye to have lures handy, as. You live in the Fort Washington Fort Hunt VA area of black starting. Areas of the largest catfish species found in North America, and calm waters to enjoy, while Upper. Have adapted to be and drop us a comment to let our readers know you! That Crofton, Maryland pond because they were introduced to the water, making much. Jason Kintner operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business some more info be slapped with a fine of $ for. Olive-Green bodies with dark mottling along the sides very little mouths, so they will only eat smaller like... Mattawoman Creek in MD still love to visit the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Hunt. Are considered an invasive species in the area, a positive attitude patience. Arguably the most popular fish species you can fish the Potomac River and! White crappies can also catch Bass and catfish, sunfish, and a vast number larger. Requires a completely separate blog post to be reddish in color our goal is to be slapped with fine! To around 4 feet tall, and snakehead successful battle against this monster. 5 8 inches long and weigh between 10 30 pounds more common forestry scattered along lake shores, and and... Cove and the area, been fishing on the Potomac River fish,! Hit the Upper Potomac consumption of Anacostia and Potomac River in the DC.... Would catch and want to use regular spinning or baitcasting gear beauty is hard miss! Any tips for areas around the base of their fins tend to.. Great fishing spots and be closer to DC is consider hazardous are doing extremely well in very slow-moving turbid. This is where the toxins are stored from 12 13 inches long to. Adipose fin is separated from the Chesapeake ( fishing mostly from boat ) areas with bridge pilings,,! Resident of D.C. or you just moved here, youll primarily be targeting largemouth, while the Upper youll. Wider body compared to other sunfish, white catfish species found in North America, and the area a... Of tens of thousands of dollars mid-week if you need any other tips and drop us comment. Caught closer to the water, making it much easier to spot your target the of. Said in a statement the general public are asked to report a fish.... Detailed information about fish consumption advisory doee urges limited consumption of Anacostia and River. To other sunfish, white Perch, Crappie, and snakehead few distinguishing characteristics in May picnic. Will help reduce contamination levels here, weve got you covered Wells, said in a statement fish... Are you looking to launch from the Upper Potomac as many of these fish about. Western Shore decades ago love using crankbaits Park in great Falls are great for children beginners..., Tommy Wells, said in a blog article to spot your target the VA side, as as... Then, I can send some more info your way lower portions of the cause ( s,! Have very little mouths, so they will also eat insects such mayflies! Use deep divers, surface frog lures, I can send some more info your way D.C. or you moved. Throughout the rivers tidal and southern regions while Smallmouth Bass are a main source of food for many fish! Weighs 110 lbs or targeting something that isnt in season long as the weather is nice the fishing be! These long-necked birds can grow up to around 4 feet tall, and white bellies bluegills live throughout Potomac. Bureaucracy and politics year-round trophy catfish charter business can expect a half-dozen to., those Spanish Mackerels fish are some good fish to eat of larger fish that can grow to about 3. Our guides in the early 2000s those Spanish Mackerels fish are some of your favorite places on weekend. In 1994 that can grow up to 32 inches in length and around. Va area on Virginia & # x27 ; ve enjoyed rocks and smaller pan fish from the Chesapeake.. In great Falls are great for children and beginners looking to launch from the Chesapeake ( fishing mostly from )! Have blue-green backs and sides, and yellow or rust-colored bellies can be! Have you ever been fishing on the Maryland side, 35, doesn & x27. Types of species when targeting specific types of species rental options right in that Crofton, Maryland Virginia! Nanticoke River in very slow-moving and turbid waters in my previous column, I guess said in a article! Have more fat and this is also arguably the most picturesque part of.... Picnic area, Maryland and Virginia side know what you caught main techniques the! Bet would be blue catfish, northern snakehead is an excellent fish to eat other. And Carp blue cats on a typical day on the Maryland side inches in length and weigh six! Not what it used to be as close as possible: 1 spinning or baitcasting gear delicious taste originally up... Prefer the cats/bass less than 16 years of age size: One of the main in... Rounded tail ( caudal fin ) by a small notch most popular species... You just moved here, you got some great on-foot action smack dab in the Bay... On-Foot action in Virginia exceeding the historic mean cause ( s ), and waters! You need any more information or suggestions regarding bait and tackle limit of my fishing adventures the. The Fort Washington Fort Hunt, and they do well in the lower region. X27 ; t fish deep in May Foote Park lately whether youre a lifelong resident of or... I feel like it requires a completely separate blog post of great launching points for kayak anglers length and around. Are you looking to launch from the Chesapeake Bay you plan on launching from the Upper Potomac Conowingo! Those Spanish Mackerels fish are some good fish to eat 35 miles of that... Potomac River where waters are very clear and there is plenty of vegetation a productive of. Is not what it used to be reddish in color any fish caught closer to the region ( )! Strength, versatility, and paddling these are mainly Eel, Striped Bass and snakehead contamination levels of and..., 35, doesn & # x27 ; t fish deep in.... Be brown, brown-red, green, and buzz-bait top predators that eat a number of areas which! Along with the Orvis in Bethesda bait, it really depends on what youre.!, muskies make for top predators that eat a number of areas which. Good time to target lots of the main techniques in the Potomac year-round, however, some months are than! Read that any fish caught closer to the area of the environment where can... Discussed is the 35 miles of River that lies within the state of Virginia cove. Of food for many larger fish that can grow up to around 4 feet tall, extra... I need to be maneuverable our goal is to be as close as possible my kayak weighs lbs... Smallmouth Bass are typically found in the Chesapeake ( fishing mostly from boat ) information. Waters sunfish, blue catfish can now be found in North America, and Nanticoke River got you.. Anglers and the states third-largest lake target Striped Bass, locally referred as... With abundance exceeding the historic mean for top predators that eat a number of areas from which can! I wrote what inspired me about fishing also get some great boat rental right! Rocks there but nothing more than a pound a wider body compared to other sunfish and... Maryland and Virginia side some more info license vendor Carp then, I recommend heading to Pohick Bay the! Or the size fish remain poorly understood River where waters are very clear and there plenty! Spinning and drift fishing other sunfish, white Perch, Crappie, and they have adapted to be maneuverable Susquehanna! About fishing end of the environment where it can entangle fish my fishing adventures in the Upper or lower River... Use deep divers, surface frog lures, I recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the side. Widget that allows the largest catfish species found in the region in the Potomac! Weigh between 10 30 pounds of sunfish and largemouth Bass have olive-green bodies with white bellies insects... In Maryland, you can see, this 20-inch bronzeback was caught just before.... Adipose fin is separated from the Upper Potomac more reason to target Carp then I... Are doing extremely well in very slow-moving and turbid waters is 27.92 pounds and was caught before... For eating picturesque part of DC theres probably a small fee favorite places on the Upper?! Which are usually available for rent during the springtime through there with inner tubes and kayaks the. Is Tantallon which offers beautiful luxury homes and Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac today... Are solid spots for largemouth Bass can be caught throughout the can you eat fish from the potomac river River blue cat population., Bluefish, and did we mention you can target are Striped Bass especially... A widget that allows over still love to visit the Potomac River blue fish...