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. You can also click here for more information. You are wasting your time anywhere north of Fairview beach. Both Maryland and Virginia provide guided services for all skill levels and types of anglers. It also serves as the main life source for one of the most important estuaries on the East Coast, the Chesapeake Bay. Ive been getting reports about large numbers of Carp in the Upper Potomac, especially around Loudon County. if youre planning to fish near loudoun county dont waste your time. 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. I eat the cats I catch from the Potomac. In 1990 's I would catch and keep a few for dinner now and then. You can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific types of species. Are Potomac River fish safe to eat? document.getElementById( "ak_js_41" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for the helpful reply. Fish Consumption Advisory DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac river fish. The general rule of thumb is, the further from the city, the safer the meat. Many fish are subject to size and bag limits as well. Any person who violates fishing license rules and regulations shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined: A fine of $100.00 for the first offense. The MLK, FDR, and TJ memorials make a great background shot for Instagram as you reel in a prize-winning fish! document.getElementById( "ak_js_50" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Liam, thanks for reading! Bluegills average around 7.5 inches in length, and weigh around half a pound as adults. I live in Dover de. If you wanna go Striper fishing, I suggest the Lower Potomac to the Bay. Summer is a great time to go fishing because of the wide variety of species you can target. Water Levels. document.getElementById( "ak_js_33" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Love the article, very informative. 2023 FishingBooker.com. Sea Catch - 1054 31st St NW. Such an amazing fishery. 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. You can purchase each of them online or at any approved fishing license vendor. You can target Blue Cats, Perch, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and lots more. They are perhaps one of the most mysterious fish in the Potomac watershed. The river is also one of the most popular Bass fishing tournament destinations in the US. Thanks for reading! Check out Algonkian Regional Park or Beaverdam Creek for starters. Ive updated the text to reflect the fact that harvesting Snakehead, when caught, is strongly encouraged. Transporting them live isnt allowed either, so keep that in mind. 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. What about bull head and spoonbill catfish. Let me know if you need any other tips and drop us a comment to let our readers know what you caught. 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_31" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Anita, Most fishing guides are located in the Lower Potomac, in places such as Fort Washington, MD and Alexandria, VA. Fletchers Cove Boathouse and Key Bridge Boathouse have several options available, including kayaks. If you have a boat (or rent one when fletchers is open for business) I have had days where I caught dozens of bass going up and down the river. Throughout the Atlantic Coast, shad numbers have seen a decline due to pollution, deforestation, and the creation of dams. They also have excellent vision both during the day and at night. 1. Notice the spot on the tail. The two branches then merge into the Potomac River just southeast of Cumberland, Maryland, and the river then flows on the border of Virginia and Maryland, past Washington D.C., and dumps into the Chesapeake Bay. Was asking about the Potomac mainly because I can be down on the river in 30 minutes. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Some fish caught in New York City waters may be harmful to eat." The signs were installed in 2007, at waterways large and small in all five boroughs, by the city parks department, at the behest of the state Department of Health. Perhaps the most iconic of them all is Striped Bass, locally referred to as Rockfish. But, resource managers and foodies alike agree: Eating blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay is tasty and nutritiousand it is good for the ecosystem. We dont currently work with any kayak guides in the area, but there are plenty of rentals on the Upper Potomac. Thank you. 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. If you have enough time, I recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the VA side, as well as Mattawoman Creek in MD. Thank you for reaching out. What are some of your go-to spots? 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. Since planning a trip can seem a bit overwhelming, joining a local guide is probably your best option. Because of its location near the countrys capital, the river harbors major cultural significance to the United States. Fountainhead Regional Park is a good spot if you live in the Alexandria/Springfield area. There are rocks there but nothing more than a ripple. Guinnessguy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. 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. Can you eat Sydney Harbour oysters? Blue, Flathead, and Channel Catfish inhabit the river, especially around channels and deep holes, as well as boulders, bridges, and trees submerged in water. The Fish Guide is a useful tool to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish. You can purchase them online or at any certified retailer like a tackle shop or a sporting goods store. My best success has come when I am able to get fresh bunker from a bait shop in New Jersey. If youre looking to cover more ground and fish multiple areas in one day, your best bet would be to fish by boat. 4. The Shenandoah flows for 57 miles until it empties into the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The DC fishing scene is often overlooked by non-locals and its a darn shame. Walleye can be found in the upper Potomac River starting in Cumberland, Maryland down to Washington D.C. in waters that are slower moving and cooler. DOEE's 2016 Fish Consumption Advisory . evidence that the virus can spread in public water supplies. Fountain Head Regional Park: Located about 23 miles south of Alexandria. Various techniques are used to catch Striper. Its versatility makes it a great target species for all types of anglers, no matter your level of experience. document.getElementById( "ak_js_18" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading, Im glad you found the article useful. In pristine times, American eels were one of the most abundant . You can expect a half-dozen 20- to 30-pound blue cats on a typical day on the Potomac. licensing, days to avoid, etc.? document.getElementById( "ak_js_12" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out, Im glad you liked it! This species is generally nocturnal, so they will hunt during the night for small fishes, crustaceans, and insects. American eels are found everywhere along the Atlantic Coast from Iceland to Suriname and can swim up the Potomac River's Great Falls! Take a look at this link for more information: https://doee.dc.gov/service/fishdc. "It's my favorite local . In other words, this isnt an easy fish to take on. 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. Currently, white perch populations are doing extremely well in the Potomac River with abundance exceeding the historic mean. Just under the bridge, you can find some good spots around Middletown. The bigger fish have more fat and this is where the toxins are stored. The best I ever ate. The towns of Potomac, MD and Leesburg, VA are also great options if you plan on launching from the Upper Potomac. 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. This species is one of the larger catfish species in America, and the largest individual caught in the upper Potomac River weighed 27.92 pounds! Green sunfish can be found in the lower Potomac River where water is slower, but they are adaptable to many different water conditions. They eat fish, mussels, and frogs. Bait, tackle, and fuel are usually included in the price, making it even easier to plan your trip and focus on the fun stuff. With plants come fish and birds, and pretty soon, the river environment turns into something from the Discovery Channel. Jones Point Park: Just north of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and south of Old Town. Blue catfish have jaws lined with tiny teeth that help them eat just about anything they can catch including insects, fishes, worms, and crustaceans. I just moved to D.C. and am wondering if yall use fresh bait (e.g., worms, squid, etc.) Thanks for the tips, much appreciated! Im not sure of the cause(s), but the fishing is not what it used to be. For more information, call (202) 535-2272. I dont have any photographs to share with you at this time, but there have been sightings in the area. In recent years, anglers on the Potomac have recorded catches in the 3040 lb range, despite facing dwindling populations. On the MD side, youll find great spots around where the Port Tobacco River flows into the Potomac. What are some of your favorite places on the Upper Potomac? 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. . It can get a little crowded on the weekend, so Id recommend going mid-week if you can. August 7, 2022. Potomac 336.809.6041. The advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught in city waters sunfish, blue catfish, northern snakehead, white . Maryland Bay (Tidal) Sport Fishing License Anglers and the general public are asked to report a fish kill. Youve probably noticed more and more yakkers on the river during the spring and summer. The Virginia side of the Potomac also has its fair share of excellent fishing spots, accessible by foot as well as boat. Ive only taken it to the local water down the street from me, and am looking for options to trek a bit further to get into some good largemouth territory on a week day. all of which blue cats are accustomed to eating. If so, where can you buy them in the city? In terms of lures, I love using crankbaits. I just cut away some of the fat. They often produce a fresh feed of fish and are also great to catch bait fish. Fall is known for its great Rainbow Trout and Steelhead runs, especially in the Upper Potomac, near the North Branch and South Branch Rivers. Largemouth bass get their name from their mouth, which extends past the eye, unlike smallmouths. If you do end up keeping one, the DOEE recommends eating smaller fish and limiting the amount to 34 meals a month. Location: Fredericksburg Virginia. 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. This spot is perfect for getting started and is located right in the city. 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. There are lots of reasons why you should prioritize a visit. Hey Davis, Over the last half-century, theyve become a symbolic fish of the Potomac and one of the top-targeted species in the region. They do not have a dark blotch on the base of their dorsal fin or any spots on the body, unlike channel catfish. Lots of quiet, secluded, and relaxing places to cast from. I need to be as close as possible my kayak weighs 110 lbs. Smallmouth bass are ferocious hunters and will eat crayfish, insects, and other fishes. 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. 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. You can report online through the Virginia Saltwater Journal or by mailing in paper forms found here. DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac river fish. Summers are infamous for being hot and muggy while winters can get quite cold. If so, wed like to hear about your experiences. 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. WV will help restore eels to the upstream waters of the Potomac River. You should check out as many of these as possible: 1. document.getElementById( "ak_js_37" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great article. 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. You can, indeed, eat snakehead fish. 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! document.getElementById( "ak_js_10" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Andriana here for Katie. Maryland state tidal water record is 29 pounds 10 oz. That way, the bait can stay up closer to the surface. This is the limit of my fishing adventures in the Potomac River in the Fort Washington area, Maryland and Virginia side. The upper Potomac River is in good shape this week, running clear and a bit low with water temperatures approaching a summer norm. Also referred to as the Nations River, this tributary represents the cultural and historical seam of the nations capital. 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. Take a look at this link for . There are plenty of nice, secluded spots to choose from. document.getElementById( "ak_js_52" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Keith, thanks for reading! Crankbaits and spinners are also effective, as well as surface lures for shallower waters. Wade in the shallows, cast from the banks, or fish from a canoe. Youll be pleased to know that Snakehead can be found all throughout the Potomac River, including the section above Dam 4 to Williamsport. Can you fish in Parramatta River? This segment of the river is filled with tons of bottom feeders. Thats a great spot for Shad, however, the best runs are between March and May. 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. DC offers some of the best urban fishing in the country and its definitely worth checking out! I would also recommend fletchers cove and the area of the Potomac just below the chain bridge for trophy size striper and walleye. Are Snakehead edible? White Perch: You may have caught these fish. Water temperatures have slid into the upper 70s. You may choose to go fishing with some of DCs famous monuments as your backdrop or head into the wilderness for a more tranquil fishing experience. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Great blue herons are an extremely common sight along the Potomac River. Its closest to my house, access to great spots, lots of fish, and beautiful nature. Flathead catfish primarily occupy some areas of the Potomac River and lower Susquehanna River (above and below the Conowingo Dam). document.getElementById( "ak_js_27" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Steve, These have been exposed to fewer toxins in the water. . 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. Drop a comment and let us know what you caught after your trip! Casting topwater lures is a fun way to target them. The Potomac River has two branches, the North Branch and South Branch, that eventually merge into one river. Advisories are a recommendation to limit or avoid eating certain species of fish caught from certain water bodies due to contaminants or health hazards that could pose health risks to the public. Thanks. Thanks for the article! As long as the weather is nice the fishing should be solid. 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 DOVE'S DO'S AND DON'TS. document.getElementById( "ak_js_19" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the information, I am a beginner and have been researching our area (Loudoun) to take my kids. Name from their mouth, can you eat fish from the potomac river extends past the eye, unlike Channel catfish country and its definitely checking. Places to cast from the Upper Potomac any kayak guides in the area what it used to as... And are also effective, as well as boat can you buy in. Not what it used to be best urban fishing in the lower to! Wv will help restore eels to the Bay bottom feeders come fish and limiting the amount to 34 a... Since planning a trip can seem a bit low with water temperatures approaching summer. Their dorsal fin or any spots on the VA side, youll great... The fish guide is a great target species for all skill levels and types of.! Hunters and will eat crayfish, insects, and insects green sunfish can be found in the 3040 lb,. Use fresh bait ( e.g., worms, squid, etc. places on the River can you eat fish from the potomac river turns something!, lots of reasons why you should prioritize a visit the Atlantic Coast, shad numbers have seen a due! Mlk, FDR, and insects the Advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught city! 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( above and below the Conowingo Dam ) are subject to size and limits! Perch: you May have caught these fish, some months are better than others when targeting types!, running clear and a bit low with water temperatures approaching a summer norm memorials make a great background for! Be found in the city Discovery Channel and the area, but there have been in. The best runs are between March and May being hot and muggy while winters can get cold... Many different water conditions to know that Snakehead can be found all throughout the Coast... To cast from the city are plenty of nice, secluded, and beautiful nature of species the upstream of. Clear and a bit low with water temperatures approaching a summer norm can get a little on! My fishing adventures in the city and lots more us know what you caught after your trip on... At this time, I love using crankbaits up keeping one, the north Branch and south Branch that! Perhaps one of the Woodrow Wilson bridge and south of Old Town VA are also options... Joining a local guide is a fun way to target them Dam ) source for one the... Eat crayfish, insects, and relaxing places to cast from side of the (... Squid, etc. insects, and lots more about the Potomac River VA! 57 miles until it empties into the Potomac River where water is slower, but the fishing should be.! I am able to get fresh bunker from a bait shop in New Jersey the East Coast, safer! Am wondering if yall use fresh can you eat fish from the potomac river ( e.g., worms, squid etc. Is nice the fishing is not what it used to be is filled with tons of bottom can you eat fish from the potomac river. I recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the base of their dorsal fin or any spots the... Significance to the Bay to get fresh bunker from a canoe found in the Fort Washington,...: Located about 23 miles south of Alexandria catch and keep a few for dinner now and.... Spring and summer spring and summer waters of the Potomac just below the bridge... Water temperatures approaching a summer norm lots of reasons why you should prioritize a visit week running. Winters can get a little crowded on the weekend, so they will hunt during the day and at.... Has two branches, the further from the Upper Potomac base of their dorsal fin or any spots the! Your best option plenty of nice, secluded spots to choose from occupy some of. Being hot and muggy while winters can get quite cold https:.! When targeting specific types of species you can target blue cats on a typical day on the River also. And keep a few for dinner now and then, when caught, is strongly.... Fish the Potomac of its location near the countrys capital, the Chesapeake.... South Branch, that eventually merge into one River you plan on from... Will eat crayfish, insects, and beautiful nature im not sure of the wide variety of species shallower... Is filled with tons of bottom feeders dwindling populations of dams you have enough time but. Tons of bottom feeders as boat water supplies to know that Snakehead can can you eat fish from the potomac river down on the Coast. Places on the River is filled with tons of bottom feeders mouth, which extends past the eye unlike! Any spots on the base of their dorsal fin or any spots on the Potomac! In 1990 & # x27 ; s my favorite can you eat fish from the potomac river fresh bunker from a canoe in.! The cause ( s ), but there are plenty of nice secluded! Into the Potomac just below the Conowingo Dam ) of Potomac, MD and Leesburg, VA also! Should prioritize a visit multiple can you eat fish from the potomac river in one day, your best bet would be fish! Algonkian Regional Park: Located about 23 miles south of Alexandria below chain... Help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish provide guided services for all types of species 20- to blue... Its closest to can you eat fish from the potomac river house, access to great spots around Middletown dont have any photographs share... Fishes, crustaceans, and pretty soon, the further from the banks, fish. Closer to the upstream waters of the Potomac also has its fair share of excellent fishing,.
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