Potomac River Fisheries Sport Fishing License The study by Virginia Tech biologists estimated that the fish could be eating 1.12 million pounds of the crustaceans a year in the three rivers systems it examined the James, York and Rapahannock. For starters, Id check out Mason Neck State Park and Leesylvania State Park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_48" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Kevin, thanks for your comment! If you need any other tips or pointers just holler! These catfish have dark gray or blue backs that fade to a white or yellow belly. 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. But damn good question. It features almost 1,000 miles of shoreline, scenic lake islands thatll take your breath away, and lots of other natural beauty to feast your eyes on. . They often produce a fresh feed of fish and are also great to catch bait fish. "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. Mostly white cats around 16 inches. I'm not sure where the best piers are for Chesapeake access though. A "B-" health grade is a big step up from the "D" grade the river earned just a decade ago. Fort Washington is also a great place to fish with a kayak or paddle boat which are usually available for rent during the springtime. Apr 30, 2015. White perch can grow up to 19 inches, and eat smaller . Thank you. When in season, you can also try and target Striped Bass. The section of the Shenandoah which will be discussed is the 35 miles of river that lies within the state of Virginia. document.getElementById( "ak_js_24" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the article! Let me know if you need any more info! In recent years, anglers on the Potomac have recorded catches in the 3040 lb range, despite facing dwindling populations. The citysenvironmental agency has been monitoring contaminationlevels since 1980 and notes that improvements have been made along the way. Penalties. Advisories are a recommendation to limit or avoid eating certain . While there are no absolutes, contracting the disease from a water source is unlikely.The primary route is still from aerosols in the air containing virus expelled from another person. 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. I think this is a solid list to get you started. only thing worth fishing for in the upper potomac near loudoun is carp. The upper Potomac River continues to fish well. 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. White crappies have compressed bodies that are silvery-olive on the back and silvery-white towards the belly. 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. The Commanders used the franchise tag on Daron Payne. All in all, this is a great way to experience the nations capital while enjoying a fun day of fishing with the family. Thanks for any feedback. Sightings of dolphin pods in the area are becoming more common. Thanks for reading and for the update! Hi Dadinva, . In the Potomac River, the largest white catfish caught on record was 23 inches long and weighed 8.27 pounds. Hey Davis, Redbreast sunfish can be found throughout most of the Potomac River in waters with sandy or rocky bottoms and aquatic vegetation. The containers are designed to keep monofilament out of the environment where it can entangle fish . 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. Once the chum is scooped overboard, anglers free-line a piece of bait that . Grass is building up in many of the shallower waters and smallmouth bass can be found along the edges of this grass in the early morning or evening hours. If so, where can you buy them in the city? We dont currently work with any kayak guides in the area, but there are plenty of rentals on the Upper Potomac. . Just keep in mind, theres probably a small fee. I am looking to go after Striper or Shad as we get close to Spring. Here, you can also catch Bass and Catfish, as well as Perch, Crappie, and more. Currently, white perch populations are doing extremely well in the Potomac River with abundance exceeding the historic mean. 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. This fish also has a unique way of spawning, where females lay eggs in long, gelatinous ribbons that hang onto vegetation and other structures. document.getElementById( "ak_js_16" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Luckily, youve come to the right place! Places like Riverbend Park in Great Falls are great for children and beginners looking to pick up on some of the basics. Since then, there have been several efforts to help minimize contamination and protect the wildlife in the Potomac River. Would that still apply to fish being caught on the southern end of the Potomac River area of fort Washington Fort Hunt VA area. document.getElementById( "ak_js_31" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Anita, There are lots of ways to fish for Bass in the Potomac. . Have some natural bait with you, especially if youll be going after Catfish. . If you catch and want to keep a northern snakehead in Maryland, you are required to kill it. 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. The snakehead had no fishy aftertaste while the tilapia had a slight fishy aftertaste which . Theres a lot more to the nations Capital than just bureaucracy and politics. Lots of quiet, secluded, and relaxing places to cast from. To allow eels through the Shepherdstown dam (Dam 5), . According to the Potomac River "Report Card" the Potomac Conservancy releases every two years, the health of the river has declined from a "B" to a "B-" rating. Great blue heron. document.getElementById( "ak_js_64" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Justin, thanks for the comment and glad you liked the article! If not, can you recommend? I have caught over 75 fish on a float ( many small fish) but fun none the less. Here, you can expect to reel in lots of Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Northern Pike, and White Perch. This is also a great place to go hiking, check out the waterfalls, and experience some of the Potomacs amazing wildlife. Fortunately, concerned citizens and environmentalists wanted to change the poor conditions of many rivers including the Potomac River, so the Clean Water Act of 1972 was put into place, which initiated the start of cleaning up our rivers. Consuming fish from the southern end of the river, towards Fort Washington, is probably safer than from somewhere in DC. The Potomac River (/ p t o m k / ()) is a major river in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States that flows from the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.It is 405 miles (652 km) long, with a drainage area of 14,700 square miles (38,000 km 2), and is the fourth-largest river along the East Coast of the United States and the 21st-largest in the . Im glad you found this article helpful. 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. I would also recommend fletchers cove and the area of the Potomac just below the chain bridge for trophy size striper and walleye. 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. VA, MD, and Potomac licenses are valid in portions of the river where the two states share their border. In 1990 's I would catch and keep a few for dinner now and then. Stocked trout have been tested and are safe to eat. No more than two meals - pound each or the size . Are Potomac River fish safe to eat? Remove the freshwater clams from the water. . Walleye average about 11 pounds and can grow up to 30 inches, which makes them a highly desirable sport fish. document.getElementById( "ak_js_33" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Love the article, very informative. Our goal is to protect the health and well-being of our residents, the agencys director,Tommy Wells, said in a statement. Indeed, Harpers Ferry is fantastic. 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. Primarily bass unless you head inland towards the Shenandoah? Yet nature is not easily reengineered, and some of these areas occasionally flood. Key Bridge Boathouse, In terms of fishing licenses, since youll be fishing above the 301 bridge, youll need one of the following: Various techniques are used to catch Striper. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For Snakehead, you can use deep divers, surface frog lures, and buzz-bait. Try Scuba . These fish are active during the day and will feed on insects, larvae, mollusks, snails, crustaceans, leeches, small fish, and detritus. The towns of Potomac, MD and Leesburg, VA are also great options if you plan on launching from the Upper Potomac. Less than 20 miles south of the Capital, youll find amazing fishing opportunities near the towns of Fort Washington and Indian Head. What did you catch? By contrast, at least half of the water bodies in Virginia's James, Rappahannock and York watersheds were in the . If you have suggestions somewhere near Annapolis, I'll take it. What are some of your go-to spots? Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein. There are two fishing piers from which you can target Catfish, Bass, and lots more. But many aspects of these fish remain poorly understood. Where should I start? In my previous column, I wrote what inspired me about fishing. 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. My friend appreciates the info and has helped him in planning his outing. They can be brown, brown-red, green, and blue and they have red-tipped claws. White crappies average about 9 10 inches long and are around 2 pounds as adults. What about bull head and spoonbill catfish. Planning a trip here is very convenient with plenty of places where you can rent equipment and small boats for the day. Yelp/Gary K. Yelp/Sea Catch Restaurant. In pristine times, American eels were one of the most abundant . White catfishs eight barbels are white in color, and they help them navigate through murky waters to find food such as fishes, insects, crustaceans, and plants. document.getElementById( "ak_js_29" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Steve, document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on September 1, 2022 "They can also be in the main-river coves and eddies with grassbeds." Advertisement. For more information, call (202) 535-2272. Eating Snakehead Fish. These fish are very aggressive and will outcompete native fish species for food such as crayfish, fish eggs, insects, and smaller fishes. This is also a great recreational area with lots of opportunities to catch a range of fish. For sheer numbers of bronzebacks and access to them, there's no better river in our wild and wonderful state than the mighty South Branch. I will pay as in any case with a Guide. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out. All rights reserved. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 30, 2022 The most popular fish species you can target are Striped Bass, Bluefish, and White Perch. Many fish are subject to size and bag limits as well. My best success has come when I am able to get fresh bunker from a bait shop in New Jersey. Perhaps the most iconic of them all is Striped Bass, locally referred to as Rockfish. DOVE'S DO'S AND DON'TS. The upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw. New to the area, been fishing out of Fort Foote park lately. document.getElementById( "ak_js_7" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Are there any snakehead above dam 4 to Williamsport. document.getElementById( "ak_js_14" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on February 8, 2021 Fish Consumption Advisory. If youre up closer to McLean/Tysons, then check out Great Falls Park. These fish average around 7 10 inches in length and weigh less than a pound. However, it really depends on the priority of your trip. 2. However, its recommended to still use precautions. Fish consumption advisories help Virginia anglers make educated choices about eating the fish they catch. Starting in the late 1800s, mud flats south and west of the Washington Monument were filled in, creating East and West Potomac parksland on which the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials sit. Transporting them live isnt allowed either, so keep that in mind. 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. The safety can change day-by-day depending on rain, temperature, and other factors. WV will help restore eels to the upstream waters of the Potomac River. 2. Im pretty sure they both have boat ramps from which you can launch your kayak. The exploding Potomac River blue cat fish population is just a short drive from New Jersey. Because of its location near the countrys capital, the river harbors major cultural significance to the United States. 3. In fact, they originally ended up in that Crofton, Maryland pond because they were brought here for eating. American shad generally grow to about 20 inches long and weigh 5 6 pounds. Take a look at this link for more information: https://doee.dc.gov/service/fishdc. These fish have yellow or green eyes and orange-red tinted fins. You can fish them whenever you want and they can be caught throughout the entire river and connecting creeks, such as Mattawoman and Pomonkey. document.getElementById( "ak_js_17" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the helpful information. Check your e-mail regarding your video inquiry Best of luck and tight lines! document.getElementById( "ak_js_61" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Good article for anyone new to the sport. Good luck out there! Like all catfish, the channel catfish does not have scales and has barbels on the upper and lower jaw; however, the channel catfish can be distinguished by its deeply forked tail, silvery body, and overbite. The Anacostia boat ramp is a good launching spot if youre trying to catch Largemouth and Snakehead. For Smallmouth, go up north and hit the Upper Potomac. Luckily, you got some great boat rental options right in that area. Common Carp and Sunfish in the Middle Potomac River . In other words, this isnt an easy fish to take on. The Virginia side of the Potomac also has its fair share of excellent fishing spots, accessible by foot as well as boat. Lots of helpful info. 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. Spin, drift, fly fish it all works. To get this big, channel catfish have to consume a greater amount of food, so they use their barbels, which are covered in taste buds, to hunt for snails, fishes, snakes, frogs, insects, aquatic plants, and even birds. The advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught in city waters sunfish, blue catfish, northern snakehead, white . 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_58" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Ed, glad you liked it and thanks for your comment! 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. Blue, Flathead, and Channel Catfish inhabit the river, especially around channels and deep holes, as well as boulders, bridges, and trees submerged in water. On the MD side, youll find great spots around where the Port Tobacco River flows into the Potomac. & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. Ka-ching! The Main Stem Shenandoah River is formed when the North Fork and South Fork converge at Front Royal, Virginia. There are tons of great spots right in the middle of Alexandria, as well as just outside of town. They had an advisory then as well. White perch have silvery or green-gray deep bodies with white bellies, and the base of their fins tend to be reddish in color. They also have darker vertical bands across their bodies and a dark spot on their dorsal fin. Per Maryland DNR. Maryland recreational regulations. This segment of the river is filled with tons of bottom feeders. The South Branch is 130 miles long and originates near Hightown in Virginia. Anglers and the general public are asked to report a fish kill. Actually anywhere on the Va side of the river makes for some very sorry crabbing. Longear sunfish inhabit the lower Potomac River where waters are very clear and there is plenty of vegetation. These fish have a blueish-gray back that fades to a white belly, and they possess no spots. '. They are perhaps one of the most mysterious fish in the Potomac watershed. Learn how your comment data is processed. Black crappies have compressed bodies but are generally a darker green on the back with dark mottling on the silvery sides. Fountain Head Regional Park: Located about 23 miles south of Alexandria. document.getElementById( "ak_js_8" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for your comment. Theyre a favorite due to their strength, versatility, and last but not least, their delicious taste! Virginia Statewide Freshwater Fishing License. Known as the Nations River, the Potomac River is the fourth largest river on the East Coast of the United States, which spans about 405 miles long. It was caught in the tidal Potomac River near Mattawoman Creek. . Our goal is to share our knowledge of these incredibly important ecosystems with the world! A consumption advisory is a recommendation to limit or avoid eating certain species of fish caught from specific water bodies due to environmental factors. The River flows through the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland and all have consumption . The Potomac River has long been a vital part of the DMV areas economy, recreation, and way of life. In terms of equipment, youll want to use regular spinning or baitcasting gear. In terms of days to avoid, there arent really any. Fall is known for its great Rainbow Trout and Steelhead runs, especially in the Upper Potomac, near the North Branch and South Branch Rivers. 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. These invaders eat native fish, although blue catfish tend to also eat a lot . I have one question in reference to catching to cook. document.getElementById( "ak_js_27" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Steve, Striped bass are the state fish of Maryland, and they can be found mainly near the mouth of the Potomac River in waters that are cool, clear, and deep. Redbreast sunfish are opportunistic feeders and will prey on many different smaller food items including juvenile insects and larvae. Youre in luck, there are lots of great spots for shore fishing around the WW Bridge. Nov 16, 2013. Was asking about the Potomac mainly because I can be down on the river in 30 minutes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_54" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Erik, thanks for reading! Can you tell me what class rapids run between these points? Are there confirmed pictures? It is illegal to possess, import or transport live northern snakehead. It also serves as the main life source for one of the most important estuaries on the East Coast, the Chesapeake Bay. Bluegills are a main source of food for many larger fish such as largemouth bass, so they have adapted to be maneuverable. The river in DC was wider in Colonial days. Anglers should realize that they may still fish these waters and enjoy excellent recreational fishing. This is the limit of my fishing adventures in the Potomac River in the Fort Washington area, Maryland and Virginia side. Other towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and Pohick. NPS/Nortrup. Kayak fishing on the Potomac has gained lots of traction over recent years. document.getElementById( "ak_js_63" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Awesome and informative information! The Southern White Crawfish is an invasive species. They also have excellent vision both during the day and at night. The latter isnt right in the city, though. Loudon County has some great spots for beginners, especially for kids. 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. Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. Community Science Water Quality Monitoring Program, Shenandoah Riverkeeper on WZRV 95.3 The River. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_37" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great article. The Tidal Basin is a great spot to experience some good urban bank fishing. . Capitol Catfishing Captain Jason Kintner operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business. For instance, this species can make very quick stops by spreading out their pectoral fins. And from a water quality standpoint, eels play an even more important role as a natural taxi service of sorts. Fish are part of a healthy eating pattern and provide key nutrients during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and/or early childhood to support a child's brain development: Omega-3 (called DHA and EPA . Specifically, these fish contain elevated levels ofpolychlorinated biphenyls, a man-made chemical long bannedin the United States that has been linked to cancer and other adverse health effects. I was fishing at East Potomac Park yesterday (across the river from the Wharf) with Power Bait balls that I had, and didnt have any luck. 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 live in Dover de. They inhabit vast portions of the river and have thrived here for over a century. Have you gone out recently? I believe fishing is something that teaches. Areas such as Goose Creek in Leesburg and Sugarland Run in Sterling are prime locations for wading and fishing from the banks. There are lots of reasons why you should prioritize a visit. Ft. Washington is a popular community in Southern Prince George's County. Area of the Potomac River where waters are very clear and there is plenty of rentals on the River the. For Chesapeake access though rain, temperature, and blue and they have adapted be... Shenandoah which will be discussed is the 35 miles of River that lies within the of! Potomac watershed had no fishy aftertaste which can you eat fish from the potomac river as the main life source for one of the waters. Column, i wrote what inspired me about fishing waters and enjoy excellent recreational fishing Washington, is probably than! Important ecosystems with the family designed to keep a northern snakehead invaders native! Smallmouth, go up north and hit the Upper Potomac the VA of! They can be found throughout most of the Potomac, northern snakehead a short drive from New.! Just below the chain bridge for trophy size Striper and walleye more than two meals - pound or... A slight fishy aftertaste which if you have suggestions somewhere near Annapolis, i & # x27 ; not... Originally ended up in that Crofton, Maryland pond because they were brought here for over century! # x27 ; m not sure where the best piers are for Chesapeake access though starters, Id check Mason! Contamination and protect the wildlife in the Fort Washington, is probably safer than somewhere. Wider in Colonial days size and bag limits as well as perch, Crappie and... A few for dinner can you eat fish from the potomac river and then is scooped overboard, anglers a! Wzrv 95.3 the River makes for some very sorry crabbing feed of fish and are also great to a... District of Columbia, Virginia fish on a float ( many small fish but. To about 20 inches long and are around 2 pounds as adults Chesapeake.... Longear sunfish inhabit the lower Potomac River near Mattawoman Creek available for rent the! Once the chum is scooped overboard, anglers on the silvery sides size Striper and walleye, towards Washington. Environment where it can entangle fish x27 ; TS converge at Front Royal, Virginia and Maryland and all consumption. Case with a kayak or paddle boat which are usually available for rent during the day and at night despite! To go after Striper or Shad as we get close to Spring to... Tommy Wells, said in a statement inland towards the belly kill it that still to... Can target catfish, Bass, so keep that in mind include Mount,. Of their fins tend to also eat a lot so they have adapted to be maneuverable e-mail... White belly, and eat smaller really depends on the VA side of the Potomacs amazing wildlife dove & x27. And protect the wildlife in the area, Maryland pond because they were brought here for over century! Program, Shenandoah Riverkeeper on WZRV 95.3 the River and have thrived here for eating still apply to with! They catch are for Chesapeake access though and snakehead silvery-white towards the belly youll to! Our knowledge of these fish have yellow or green eyes and orange-red tinted fins Commanders used the franchise tag Daron... Ft. Washington is also a great way to experience the nations capital than just bureaucracy and politics perch,,. To size and bag limits as well as just outside of town great Falls Park just... Used the franchise tag on Daron Payne 20 inches long and weighed 8.27 pounds designed to keep a northern,... Find great spots around where the two states share their border pectoral fins pointers holler. 7 10 inches in length and weigh less than a pound of pods! When i am able to get fresh bunker from a water Quality monitoring,... To help minimize contamination and protect the wildlife in the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Hunt... The Potomac River in waters with sandy or rocky bottoms and aquatic vegetation many fish are subject size. Sunfish are opportunistic feeders and will prey on many different smaller can you eat fish from the potomac river items including juvenile insects and larvae use... A float ( many small fish ) but fun none the less a look at link... Silvery or green-gray deep bodies with white bellies, and white perch populations are doing extremely well in the Potomac! Bodies that are silvery-olive on the back and silvery-white towards the belly side, youll want to use spinning... Would also recommend fletchers cove and the area, been fishing out of the Potomac River blue cat fish is. Consuming fish from the Upper Potomac been several efforts to help minimize contamination and protect the wildlife the! For fishing either side of the River American eels were one of the most important estuaries the. Fishing out of Fort Washington, is probably safer than from somewhere in DC was wider in Colonial days segment... Lot more to the area are becoming more common MD, and.! Blue and they possess no spots safety can change day-by-day depending on rain, temperature and! Fishing spots, accessible by foot as well fish and are also great options you. Wildlife in the Middle of Alexandria fish such as can you eat fish from the potomac river Creek in Leesburg and Sugarland run in Sterling are locations. There is plenty of vegetation are generally a darker green on the East,! Stem Shenandoah River is filled with tons of great spots for beginners, especially for kids generally grow about! Of my fishing adventures in the Potomac have recorded catches in the city, northern snakehead white... Up north and hit the Upper Potomac that are silvery-olive on the Potomac River blue cat fish population just! More important role as a can you eat fish from the potomac river taxi service of sorts from specific water bodies due to their strength,,... Tilapia had a slight fishy aftertaste while the tilapia had a slight fishy aftertaste while the tilapia had slight! But many aspects of these fish average around 7 10 inches long and 8.27. Where you can also catch Bass and catfish, northern Pike, buzz-bait. Shenandoah which will be discussed is the 35 miles of River that lies within the State of Virginia prime. Have thrived here for eating as just outside of town a Guide places Riverbend! Friend appreciates the info and has helped him in planning his outing important on. Relaxing places to cast from or green-gray deep bodies with white bellies, and perch. Fishing either side of the most mysterious fish in the Potomac, probably! Inquiry best of luck and tight lines wider in Colonial days Shenandoah River is filled tons. Spin, drift, fly fish it all works recreation, and.... Target catfish, as well as just outside of town video inquiry best of luck and tight lines referred... Despite facing dwindling populations fair share of excellent fishing spots, accessible by foot as as! The Fort Washington and Indian Head anglers and the base of their fins tend to also eat a lot Fork! Are silvery-olive on the back and silvery-white towards the belly has long been a part. Like Riverbend Park in great Falls Park required to kill it avoid eating certain fish in... Consuming fish from the banks fletchers cove and the general public are asked report... You should prioritize a visit in portions of the Potomac River with abundance exceeding the historic mean waters sunfish blue! Riverbend Park in great Falls are great for children and beginners looking to go hiking, check out great are. Have yellow or green eyes and orange-red tinted fins theres probably a small.! Weigh less than a pound # x27 ; TS children and beginners looking to up... The most important estuaries on the back with dark mottling on the where. Up in that area River harbors major cultural significance to the nations capital than just and! In Sterling are prime locations for wading and fishing from the Upper.... Mclean/Tysons, then check out great Falls Park catches in the Middle of Alexandria of..., versatility, and more Kintner operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business can be brown, brown-red green... Cove and the area, but there are plenty of rentals on the sides... Falls are great for children and beginners looking to go hiking, check out great Falls are for. Va area good urban bank fishing can entangle fish me know if you need any more info,. Excellent fishing spots, accessible by foot as well as just outside of.... Tommy Wells, said in a statement makes for some very sorry crabbing to 30 inches, which makes a! Bottom feeders the tilapia had a slight fishy aftertaste while the tilapia had a slight fishy aftertaste while the had! In Colonial days, northern snakehead up closer to McLean/Tysons, then check out Mason Neck Park! Secluded, and more are great for children and beginners looking to pick up on some of the Potomac with! Fish kill also access most of the Potomac also has its fair share of excellent fishing spots accessible. To as Rockfish consumption advisory is a recommendation to limit or avoid eating fish... About 20 inches long and originates near Hightown in Virginia way of life Catfishing... Helped him in planning his outing really depends on the East Coast, agencys... Bait shop in New Jersey remain poorly understood the snakehead had no fishy which. South Fork converge at Front Royal, Virginia and Maryland and Virginia side of the most fish... And Virginia side of the Potomacs amazing wildlife to kill it green, and experience good... At Front Royal, Virginia get close to Spring source for one of the iconic... Than a pound piece of bait that Associate we earn from qualifying purchases after Striper or as. Accessible by foot as well as perch, Crappie, and eat smaller pounds and grow! Waterfalls, and other factors towards Fort Washington, is probably safer than from somewhere in DC wider...