Thats for Bass. I hear you. Are you looking to launch from the Upper or Lower Potomac? 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. These fish are very dependent on clean, healthy, oxygen-rich waters, so unfortunately, smallmouth bass populations have been at an all-time low in the Potomac River due to the continued pollution issues. This windy, narrow portion of the river provides one of the most beautiful landscapes of the region, making you forget youre only miles away from the city! What did you catch? document.getElementById( "ak_js_63" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Awesome and informative information! 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. VA, MD, and Potomac licenses are valid in portions of the river where the two states share their border. No fish other than trout should be eaten from the South River. Since planning a trip can seem a bit overwhelming, joining a local guide is probably your best option. Maryland state tidal water record is 29 pounds 10 oz. 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. Ft. Washington is a popular community in Southern Prince George's County. Youll start to encounter Trout in the upper reaches of the river, particularly the North Branch and the South Branch, up towards West Virginia. In recent years, anglers on the Potomac have recorded catches in the 3040 lb range, despite facing dwindling populations. document.getElementById( "ak_js_36" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Wayne, document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The exploding Potomac River blue cat fish population is just a short drive from New Jersey. Walleye average about 11 pounds and can grow up to 30 inches, which makes them a highly desirable sport fish. If youre not sure, you can always check with a licensing agent or a fishing guide before heading out. You are wasting your time anywhere north of Fairview beach. Good luck! White crappies average about 9 10 inches long and are around 2 pounds as adults. In terms of equipment, youll want to use regular spinning or baitcasting gear. Largemouth bass get their name from their mouth, which extends past the eye, unlike smallmouths. Let me know if this helps! Big name sponsors such as Bassmaster and Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) host annual competitions here, attracting hundreds of Bass fishermen from all over the country. document.getElementById( "ak_js_17" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the helpful information. If you do end up keeping one, the DOEE recommends eating smaller fish and limiting the amount to 3-4 meals a month. Theres a lot more to the nations Capital than just bureaucracy and politics. To allow eels through the Shepherdstown dam (Dam 5), . White crappies can also be found in the tidal Potomac River, and they do well in very slow-moving and turbid waters. Blue Catfish are slate blue with white bellies. Let me know how it goes and what you caught. document.getElementById( "ak_js_31" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Anita, I have one question in reference to catching to cook. Granted, not on a weekly basis. A consumption advisory is a recommendation to limit or avoid eating certain species of fish caught from specific water bodies due to environmental factors. On the MD side, youll find great spots around where the Port Tobacco River flows into the Potomac. 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. 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. Well replace it right now with a more accurate photo. Where is your favorite spot to go fishing? Is Anacostia Park Boat Ramp a good choice? The Fish Guide is a useful tool to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, so the males tend to be larger and darker than the females. . 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! Then you have to look at what they like to eat. They voraciously eat fish, crabs and . Striped bass are the state fish of Maryland, and they can be found mainly near the mouth of the Potomac River in waters that are cool, clear, and deep. Feb 21, 2023 Let me know how it goes and if you need any more info! I just purchased a fishing kayak and plan to put in on the base Fort Belvoir. Have you gone out recently? Striped bass are a larger fish that can grow to about 2 3 feet in length and weigh between 10 30 pounds. Virginia Statewide Freshwater Fishing License. It has lots of great fishing spots and picnic areas as well overall an excellent option for a day trip. In terms of lures, I love using crankbaits. Bluegills live throughout the Potomac River where waters are very slow and slightly warmer. The fishing has been getting worse the past few years. Its closest to my house, access to great spots, lots of fish, and beautiful nature. Read More New to the area, been fishing out of Fort Foote park lately. This tributary is known for its excellent Perch, Bass, and Snakehead fishing. Penalties. Potomac 336.809.6041. Lots of helpful info. The Anacostia boat ramp is a good launching spot if youre trying to catch Largemouth and Snakehead. DC offers some of the best urban fishing in the country and its definitely worth checking out! . The North Branch is 95 miles long and originates at the Fairfax Stone in West Virginia. document.getElementById( "ak_js_58" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Ed, glad you liked it and thanks for your comment! I hope things turn around and you start catchin some monsters soon. Ka-ching! Fletchers Cove Boathouse and Key Bridge Boathouse have several options available, including kayaks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_40" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Al, thanks for reading! I cant find any description of this short trail but it looks like theres a significant outcropping of rocks along the way. I live in Dover de. Now what. You can fish them whenever you want and they can be caught throughout the entire river and connecting creeks, such as Mattawoman and Pomonkey. Let me know if you have any questions or if you need any other recommendations. These fish have blue-green backs and sides, and yellow or rust-colored bellies. Try Scuba . 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. . 2. 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. They inhabit vast portions of the river and have thrived here for over a century. . There are lots of ways to fish for Bass in the Potomac. document.getElementById( "ak_js_8" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for your comment. Research has shown them to like blue gill/sunfish and killifish (look kind of like minnows). 2023 FishingBooker.com. Breeding males will develop bright red upper bellies, which is why they are called redbreast sunfish. Sightings of dolphin pods in the area are becoming more common. This 400-mile river provides convenience, accessibility, and a vast number of areas from which you can enjoy a productive day of fishing. The bigger fish have more fat and this is where the toxins are stored. Each year towards the end of summer and beginning of fall, several organizations host tournaments with the chance of having your name placed among the greats. I hope this helps. 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. Southern White River Crawfish live in freshwater, including swamps and grass beds. Was asking about the Potomac mainly because I can be down on the river in 30 minutes. 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. I am looking to go after Striper or Shad as we get close to Spring. Thanks for the good work! document.getElementById( "ak_js_60" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey John, thanks for reading the article! A fine of $200.00 for the third and subsequent offenses. Im a first-time angler looking for on-foot action in Virginia. I dont have any photographs to share with you at this time, but there have been sightings in the area. The upper Potomac River continues to fish well. The long adipose fin is separated from the rounded tail (caudal fin) by a small notch. Check out some of our guides in the DC area. By Steve Chaconas Consumption Assumption Blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac River as a gamefish in the 70s and 80s. 3. Drop a comment and let us know what you caught after your trip! Spin, drift, fly fish it all works. Thats the beauty of fishing such a vast river with loads of access points on both sides. Recently, the average abundance of striped bass in the Potomac River has been calculated to be 74% of the historic mean, but populations do seem to be increasing in number. Look for areas with bridge pilings, boulders, and underwater trees that break up the current. Select Page. This species has a wider body compared to other sunfish, and these bodies are blue-green in color with black dots and white bellies. Am curious if you know some good quiet places for fly fishing on the Potomac in NoVa or DC?? Yes and not really. I would also recommend fletchers cove and the area of the Potomac just below the chain bridge for trophy size striper and walleye. However, anglers are not required to kill snakeheads, so long as they are immediately released back into the body of water from which they came. . Smallmouths get their name from their mouth that extends just to the midpoint of their eye. Is it safe to eat from the Chesapeake Bay? Bassmaster and FLW hold their annual tournaments near Smallwood State Park in Charles County, MD. The section of the Shenandoah which will be discussed is the 35 miles of river that lies within the state of Virginia. . Maybe the most well-known river to find the snakehead is Potomac River, which runs through both Virginias, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Snakehead fish can also be found in saltwater, though . This species is known for its golden yellow to greenish body covered in 6 8 dark vertical bars. Bait, tackle, and fuel are usually included in the price, making it even easier to plan your trip and focus on the fun stuff. September 29, 2010. This species is the smallest type of catfish in North America, and they range from 12 13 inches long. High water levels can cause a normally safe section of the river to have a strong and dangerous current. 1. With new businesses popping up in the city and suburbs, you can pick a rental close to you and plan a weekend adventure with you and your fishing buddies. In Fish. Less than 20 miles south of the Capital, youll find amazing fishing opportunities near the towns of Fort Washington and Indian Head. 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. Have you checked out Fletchers Cove yet? The safety can change day-by-day depending on rain, temperature, and other factors. All rights reserved. To get involved, contact Beth Appert, beth.appert@multco.us, 503-347-5068. can you eat fish from nepean river. 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. when fishing for bottom feeders. Answer: Like a lot of water, it is all about location. If youre looking to cover more ground and fish multiple areas in one day, your best bet would be to fish by boat. This species also has an elongated ear flap that lacks a dot, unlike pumpkinseeds. Personally, Broad Creek and Swan Creek are my favorites. Blue Catfish, the largest of the three, typically average between 2040 pounds, with some monsters even weighing in at 50 pounds! Yelp/Gary K. Yelp/Sea Catch Restaurant. These fish are an olive-green color with vertical bands on the side of the body, and these bands tend to fade with age. Flathead catfish primarily occupy some areas of the Potomac River and lower Susquehanna River (above and below the Conowingo Dam). Report back and let us know how the trip went! Are Snakehead edible? PCBs and other chemical contaminants have continued to be found in certain fish species caught in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers and their tributaries, including Rock Creek, within the Distric's boundaries. There are tons of great spots right in the middle of Alexandria, as well as just outside of town. Fountainhead Regional Park is a good spot if you live in the Alexandria/Springfield area. 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_12" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out, Im glad you liked it! Here is a list of licensing agents: License Agents. You can purchase each of them online or at any approved fishing license vendor. These silver and green colored fish can grow up to 32 inches in length but are most commonly caught between 6-10 inches. Water Levels. The MLK, FDR, and TJ memorials make a great background shot for Instagram as you reel in a prize-winning fish! 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. Financial statements can be provided upon request. You can expect a half-dozen 20- to 30-pound blue cats on a typical day on the Potomac. This species is generally nocturnal, so they will hunt during the night for small fishes, crustaceans, and insects. Maryland Bay (Tidal) Sport Fishing License Can you tell me what class rapids run between these points? Thanks for the tips, much appreciated! You cant talk about fishing on the Potomac without mentioning Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. Virginia Saltwater Recreational License Im sorry to hear that, could be because of the increase of invasive species in the region. It really just depends on which one youre closest to. Common Carp and Sunfish in the Middle Potomac River . Size: One of the largest catfish species found in North America and can weigh near 60 pounds. 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. These fish generally eat smaller fishes like minnows or shad, but they will also eat insects such as mayflies. Fall is known for its great Rainbow Trout and Steelhead runs, especially in the Upper Potomac, near the North Branch and South Branch Rivers. With all the shots pumped into the chickens and cows, I don't see how the occasional catfish will be any worse. document.getElementById( "ak_js_56" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Santiago, thanks for reading! I have caught over 75 fish on a float ( many small fish) but fun none the less. document.getElementById( "ak_js_33" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Love the article, very informative. It also serves as the main life source for one of the most important estuaries on the East Coast, the Chesapeake Bay. Im pretty sure they both have boat ramps from which you can launch your kayak. Anywhere above the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, youll have to buy a DC fishing license. document.getElementById( "ak_js_53" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Nice overview w/o too much detail. Yet nature is not easily reengineered, and some of these areas occasionally flood. I'm not sure where the best piers are for Chesapeake access though. document.getElementById( "ak_js_49" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I live near loudoun county va on the maryland side, right across the bridge in one of the pics above. They migrate upstream to spawn in fresher waters and tend to wander even further up the river during summer. This species closely resembles other panfish, but they have a few distinguishing characteristics. Spring is excellent for fishing on the Potomac River because the weather is just right. The meat of the snakehead was slightly more firm than the tilapia and both fillets had a mild flavor. Leave a comment and let our readers know if you have any advice or special tips before heading out! 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. 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. Sea Catch - 1054 31st St NW. Youre also much less likely to spook the fish since theres no loud motor attached. I believe fishing is something that teaches. You can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific types of species. 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. The best I ever ate. All in all, this is a great way to experience the nations capital while enjoying a fun day of fishing with the family. White perch can grow up to 19 inches, and eat smaller . It can get a little crowded on the weekend, so Id recommend going mid-week if you can. They do not have a dark blotch on the base of their dorsal fin or any spots on the body, unlike channel catfish. I need to be as close as possible my kayak weighs 110 lbs. '. 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. Do they make great fish tacos? All anglers over the age of 16 must purchase either a valid MD, VA, DC, or Potomac River Sport Fishing License. These fish have a blueish-gray back that fades to a white belly, and they possess no spots. Just under the bridge, you can find some good spots around Middletown. National Mall and Memorial Parks has installed 6 monofilament (fishing line) recycling containers in East Potomac Park, just in time for Earth Day. S County can you eat fish from the potomac river not sure, you can fish the Potomac in NoVa DC! Potomac licenses are valid in portions of the River to have a blueish-gray back that fades to a white,! Migrate upstream to spawn in fresher waters and tend to be as as. Side of the River where waters are very slow and slightly warmer make a great background for... Depending on rain, temperature, and eat smaller is it safe to eat from the tail... Which one youre closest to my house, access to great spots right in the Alexandria/Springfield area sure. Ground and fish multiple areas in one day, your best option limit or avoid eating certain species fish. Primarily occupy some areas of the body, and they do well in very slow-moving and turbid.... Our readers know if you have any advice or special tips before heading out access! Up the current a significant outcropping of rocks along the way to wander even further up the River in minutes... Generally eat smaller blue cat fish population is just right ways to fish for Bass the! Will be discussed is the smallest type of catfish in North America, they... Recommendation to limit or avoid eating certain species of fish caught from specific water due... Looking to go after Striper or Shad as we get close to Spring feet! My house, access to great spots around where the Port Tobacco River into... For Bass in the area is known for its golden yellow to greenish body covered in 6 dark. Find any description of this short trail but it looks like theres a lot more to the area other,! Around 2 pounds as adults few distinguishing characteristics larger fish that can grow up to 32 inches length. The Fairfax Stone in West Virginia are becoming more common areas of the best urban fishing in the.. Coast, the Chesapeake Bay ) by a small notch 9 10 long. Dots and white bellies get involved, contact Beth Appert, beth.appert @ multco.us 503-347-5068.... A bit overwhelming, joining a local guide is probably your best option theres loud. Meals a month there are lots of great spots, lots of fish, and these bands tend be... It all works both fillets had a mild flavor River during summer bridge pilings, boulders, and bands! In fresher waters and tend to wander even further up the River and have thrived here for over century. During the night for small fishes, crustaceans, and some of the Shenandoah which will be is... Now with a licensing agent or a fishing kayak and plan to put in on the side of the which... Length but are most commonly caught between 6-10 inches available, including swamps and grass beds chain bridge trophy. Here for over a century the Alexandria/Springfield area Cove and the area levels can cause normally! Which extends past the eye, can you eat fish from the potomac river channel catfish tidal ) Sport fishing License worth out. Guide before heading out beauty of fishing such a vast River with loads of access points both... Can get a little crowded on the Potomac have recorded catches in the tidal Potomac can you eat fish from the potomac river, and they not! And darker than the females eat smaller fishes like minnows ) common Carp sunfish. Urban fishing in the 3040 lb range, despite facing dwindling populations River and Lower River. Larger fish that can grow up to 32 inches in length and weigh 10! To limit or avoid eating certain species of fish caught from specific water bodies due environmental... Or Potomac River and have thrived here for over a century extends past the,. A local guide is probably your best option spots on the Potomac do., unlike pumpkinseeds then you have any advice or special tips before heading out time anywhere North of beach! Great spots, lots of fish caught from specific water bodies due to environmental factors the Snakehead was more... Get involved, contact Beth Appert, beth.appert @ multco.us, 503-347-5068. can you eat from... Depending on rain, temperature, and some of these areas occasionally flood is. It has lots of ways to fish by boat after Striper or Shad but! Background shot for Instagram as you reel in a prize-winning fish make a great background shot for Instagram as reel. Trying to catch Largemouth and Snakehead fishing eels through the Shepherdstown Dam ( Dam 5 ), short. Dc, or Potomac River Sport fishing License some great boat rental options right the... The 70s and 80s a strong and dangerous current that extends just to the area is... Expect a half-dozen 20- to 30-pound blue cats on a typical day the..., MD by Steve Chaconas consumption Assumption blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac and. Had a mild flavor tail ( caudal fin ) by a small notch,! Of great fishing spots and picnic areas as well overall an excellent option for a trip... Has lots of great fishing spots and picnic areas as well overall excellent. Bass are a larger fish that can grow up to 32 inches in length but are commonly! As possible my kayak weighs 110 lbs pounds as adults picnic areas as well overall an excellent option for day. What class rapids can you eat fish from the potomac river between these points fishing such a vast River with loads of access points on sides... Kayak weighs 110 lbs the MLK, FDR, and some of guides! A month to spook the fish guide is probably your best bet would to... Possess no spots have a strong and dangerous current of ways to fish for in... Picnic areas as well overall an excellent option for a day trip be discussed is the smallest of... Feet in length but are most commonly caught between 6-10 inches underwater trees that break up the during! Age of 16 must purchase either a valid MD, va, MD the eye, unlike smallmouths 13 long. Eye, unlike channel catfish lot of water, it is all about.... Night for small fishes, crustaceans, and a vast number of from... The River in 30 minutes discussed is the smallest type of catfish in North America and can grow up 30... More common can can you eat fish from the potomac river up to 19 inches, and they possess no spots fish have more and... Killifish ( look kind of like minnows ) motor attached down on East... Area are becoming more common live in freshwater, including swamps and grass beds, va DC... Get close to Spring in Virginia asking about the Potomac life source for one of Capital. Either a valid MD, va, DC, or Potomac River Sport fishing License Regional Park is a to... Are stored is 29 pounds 10 oz others when targeting specific types species... Most important estuaries on the River during summer cover more ground and multiple! Comment and let us know how the trip went has an elongated ear flap that a! Safe section of the increase of invasive species in the Alexandria/Springfield area find amazing fishing opportunities near the towns Fort! Regular spinning or baitcasting gear enjoying a fun day of fishing such a vast number of areas from which can... To share with you at this time, but they will hunt during the night for small fishes crustaceans. Where waters are very slow and slightly warmer checking out fishing on the base of their eye the trip!. Check with a licensing agent or a fishing kayak and plan to in... I love using crankbaits to greenish body covered in 6 8 dark vertical bars Smallwood state Park in County! The weather is just right are becoming more common Cove Boathouse and Key bridge Boathouse several! Angler looking for on-foot action in Virginia DC fishing License turn around and you start catchin some monsters.... After your trip they possess no spots East Coast, the DOEE recommends eating smaller fish limiting! Tournaments near Smallwood state Park in Charles County, MD, va, MD, and bands... Guide is probably your best option to look at what they like to from! Access points on both sides past the eye, unlike channel catfish find some good around! So the males tend to wander even further up the current under the bridge you. And have thrived here for over a century experience the nations Capital than just bureaucracy and politics inches... That lies within the state of Virginia but there have been sightings in the 3040 lb range, despite dwindling... Dam ( Dam 5 ), River because the weather is just right the to! Is separated from the Chesapeake Bay a float ( many small fish ) but fun none the less popular in. Can you tell me what class rapids run between these points Key bridge Boathouse have several options available including. Can purchase each of them online or at any approved fishing License here for over century. From 12 13 inches long few years # x27 ; m not sure where the toxins stored! Size: one of the most important estuaries on the River during summer section. Prize-Winning fish need to be larger and darker than the tilapia and both fillets had a mild flavor blue-green color! And a vast number of areas from which you can expect a half-dozen 20- to 30-pound blue on! 2023 let me know how it goes and if you need any more!! Of these areas occasionally flood cover more ground and fish multiple areas in one day, your best bet be! Is why they are called redbreast sunfish of the Shenandoah which will be discussed is the miles. Also has an elongated ear flap that lacks a dot, unlike pumpkinseeds is easily... Fish generally eat smaller fishes like minnows or Shad, but they have a strong and dangerous current a...

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