These 9 restaurants on the river are the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal with a beautiful view. Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein. Striped bass have bodies that are laterally compressed with green or blue backs and silver iridescent sides. That way, the bait can stay up closer to the surface. Washington DC 20007, POLLUTION REPORT HOTLINE There are tons of great spots right in the middle of Alexandria, as well as just outside of town. Phelps saw this happen in the tidal Potomac . Kayak fishing on the Potomac has gained lots of traction over recent years. 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. Seasoned anglers will usually use light tackle, however, dont be ashamed if you have to switch to slightly heavier equipment. The river in DC was wider in Colonial days. This is a little surprising to some people, since they're not exactly the nicest looking fish in the river. These fish have streamlined bodies with greenish-blue backs, silvery sides, and a white belly. The Tidal Basin is nice and quiet in the evening when theres less foot traffic. document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Most of the DNR agencies in the DMV area are encouraging anglers to kill any caught snakehead. Thanks. 1. First you have to understand the kind of areas they like. They are not picky eaters, and will consume smaller fish, crustaceans, mussels, and frogs. Loudon County has some great spots for beginners, especially for kids. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 30, 2022 The Shenandoah flows for 57 miles until it empties into the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Each tournament has an entrance fee and you can register online on each of the organizations websites or by visiting Maryland Department of Natural Resources. By Steve Chaconas Consumption Assumption Blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac River as a gamefish in the 70s and 80s. Feb 21, 2023 They do not have a dark blotch on the base of their dorsal fin or any spots on the body, unlike channel catfish. 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. Any luck? Potomac Riverkeeper Are Snakehead edible? Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs are actually safe to consume Can You Eat Fish From The Chesapeake Bay? Do they make great fish tacos? Have you checked out Fletchers Cove yet? Maryland Bay (Tidal) Sport Fishing License They also have a row of black dots starting at their heads that decrease in size as they approach the end of the body. 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. These invaders eat native fish, although blue catfish tend to also eat a lot . Check your e-mail regarding your video inquiry Best of luck and tight lines! Spring is excellent for fishing on the Potomac River because the weather is just right. Can you eat Sydney Harbour oysters? Less than 20 miles south of the Capital, youll find amazing fishing opportunities near the towns of Fort Washington and Indian Head. A fine of $200.00 for the third and subsequent offenses. 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. This species has a disc-shaped body that is speckled with olive green, blue, orange, and yellow, and they have orange and blue waves running across their faces. But damn good question. Blue Catfish are slate blue with white bellies. 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. For complete and detailed information about fish consumption advisories, please refer to your local or state health department website. Sea Catch in Georgetown overlooks the C&O Canal and serves a delicious menu of sea food, including a fantastic oyster happy hour. Fish consumption advisories help Virginia anglers make educated choices about eating the fish they catch. Lets ta. Im honestly not sure what class rapids run between Big Slackwater and Taylors Landing, but we might have some knowledgable guides nearby that could point you in the right direction: FishingBooker. You decide.watch this river to table video featuring the Potomac River Northern Snakehead.Contrary t. Youve probably noticed more and more yakkers on the river during the spring and summer. Youll be pleased to know that Snakehead can be found all throughout the Potomac River, including the section above Dam 4 to Williamsport. document.getElementById( "ak_js_7" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Are there any snakehead above dam 4 to Williamsport. & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. These sunfish average about 4 inches long and will weigh less than a pound. document.getElementById( "ak_js_58" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Ed, glad you liked it and thanks for your comment! The last thing you want is to be slapped with a fine for not having a license or targeting something that isnt in season. I cant find any description of this short trail but it looks like theres a significant outcropping of rocks along the way. 2023 FishingBooker.com. Someone should write a book about the Potomac and even then its hard to imagine they could cover everything. This species ranges from 12 18 inches in length and weighs around 1 4 pounds. Select Page. Good luck! 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. Most fishing guides are located in the Lower Potomac, in places such as Fort Washington, MD and Alexandria, VA. 2. Walleye average about 11 pounds and can grow up to 30 inches, which makes them a highly desirable sport fish. Consuming fish from the southern end of the river, towards Fort Washington, is probably safer than from somewhere in DC. This species is the smallest type of catfish in North America, and they range from 12 13 inches long. This spot is perfect for getting started and is located right in the city. Blue catfish can now be found in several major rivers of Maryland, including the Potomac River, Patuxent River, and Nanticoke River. . Sightings of dolphin pods in the area are becoming more common. The Anacostia boat ramp is a good launching spot if youre trying to catch Largemouth and Snakehead. Can you eat Sydney Harbour oysters? Are you looking to launch from the Upper or Lower Potomac? If youre not sure, you can always check with a licensing agent or a fishing guide before heading out. Maybe, thats something Ill write about in the future. If so, wed like to hear about your experiences. Smallmouth bass can be found throughout the Potomac River around structures like logs or debris in the water where the water currents break. For some good Largemouth Bass fishing, Id check out the tidal portions of the river, in the southern parts of PG and Charles County. Largemouths are carnivores that primarily feed on crayfish but will also eat other fishes and insects. Here, you can also catch Bass and Catfish, as well as Perch, Crappie, and more. Water temperatures have slid into the upper 70s. Good luck out there! Re: Potomac River Crabbing. They keep that place stocked because of tournaments. Virginia Statewide Freshwater Fishing License. Can you eat fish from the Potomac River? They eat fish, mussels, and frogs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_36" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Wayne, document.getElementById( "ak_js_17" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the helpful information. White catfish can be found in the lower Potomac River in areas where the water is slow and the bottoms are muddy. The Potomac River has two branches, the North Branch and South Branch, that eventually merge into one river. You can also access most of the same waters since VA and MD licenses are both valid for fishing either side of the Potomac. member of Waterkeepers Alliance September 29, 2010. document.getElementById( "ak_js_10" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Andriana here for Katie. Virginia Saltwater Recreational License document.getElementById( "ak_js_22" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Jason, The best I ever ate. Anglers typically troll or drift from a boat and cast live baits or lures from the banks. White perch can grow up to 19 inches, and eat smaller . Not only are more people being drawn into the area, but the wildlife that was once dwindling in numbers are returning too, including several fish species. document.getElementById( "ak_js_35" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Marco, This is the limit of my fishing adventures in the Potomac River in the Fort Washington area, Maryland and Virginia side. document.getElementById( "ak_js_40" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Al, thanks for reading! document.getElementById( "ak_js_38" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Im glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the comment! Yelp/Gary K. Yelp/Sea Catch Restaurant. 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. Bluegills are the most common types of panfish, and they are characterized by having disk-shaped bodies with an olive-green back, an orangish-yellow belly, and a black dot at the base of the dorsal fin. Potomac River Fisheries Sport Fishing License document.getElementById( "ak_js_62" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi John, thanks for the comment and glad you liked it! Once the chum is scooped overboard, anglers free-line a piece of bait that . document.getElementById( "ak_js_42" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Al, thats awesome, Im glad to he enjoyed himself! Largemouth bass get their name from their mouth, which extends past the eye, unlike smallmouths. This species has an average length of 13 inches and will generally weigh less than 5 pounds, although the largest largemouth ever recorded was 22 pounds and 4 ounces. You can purchase them online or at any certified retailer like a tackle shop or a sporting goods store. Below is a section on cleaning and cooking your fish, which will help reduce contamination levels . By contrast, at least half of the water bodies in Virginia's James, Rappahannock and York watersheds were in the . document.getElementById( "ak_js_12" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out, Im glad you liked it! All in all, this is a great way to experience the nations capital while enjoying a fun day of fishing with the family. 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. 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. Also, for Largemouth, stick to the lower regions of the Potomac. DC offers some of the best urban fishing in the country and its definitely worth checking out! document.getElementById( "ak_js_37" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great article. Just a short boat ride away, you can also hit the Occoquan Bay a National Wildlife Refuge located at the intersection of the Potomac and Occoquan River. However, its recommended to still use precautions. The Santee Cooper lake system includes not one, but two lakes, including South Carolinas Inland Sea and the states third-largest lake. There are lots of different ways to explore the Potomac. Are Potomac River fish safe to eat? Just keep in mind, theres probably a small fee. Bluegills are a main source of food for many larger fish such as largemouth bass, so they have adapted to be maneuverable. document.getElementById( "ak_js_47" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for this helpful introduction to fishing the Potomac. . You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Granted, not on a weekly basis. Let me know if this link helps, if not, I can send some more info your way. Redbreast sunfish can be found throughout most of the Potomac River in waters with sandy or rocky bottoms and aquatic vegetation. Our goal is to protect the health and well-being of our residents, the agencys director,Tommy Wells, said in a statement. High water levels can cause a normally safe section of the river to have a strong and dangerous current. 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. Take a look at this link for . My best success has come when I am able to get fresh bunker from a bait shop in New Jersey. You can fish them whenever you want and they can be caught throughout the entire river and connecting creeks, such as Mattawoman and Pomonkey. Read more about us here. Thanks for the article! Ft. Washington is a popular community in Southern Prince George's County. I have one question in reference to catching to cook. The latter isnt right in the city, though. Thanks for reading! The DC fishing scene is often overlooked by non-locals and its a darn shame. New to the area, been fishing out of Fort Foote park lately. Can you get sick from swimming in the Potomac River? But, resource managers and foodies alike agree: Eating blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay is tasty and nutritiousand it is good for the ecosystem. Lots of quiet, secluded, and relaxing places to cast from. 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. They can be brown, brown-red, green, and blue and they have red-tipped claws. One is that their orangey-red bodies are covered in light blue spots. 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 South Branch is 130 miles long and originates near Hightown in Virginia. The MLK, FDR, and TJ memorials make a great background shot for Instagram as you reel in a prize-winning fish! Can you eat blue catfish out of the Potomac River? Water Levels. I would also recommend fletchers cove and the area of the Potomac just below the chain bridge for trophy size striper and walleye. Snakehead is an excellent game fish, known for their elusiveness and aggressive striking power. You are wasting your time anywhere north of Fairview beach. You can also get some great on-foot action smack dab in the middle of the city. For instance, Fletchers Boathouse has a tackle shop, along with The Orvis in Bethesda. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on September 1, 2022 Where on the Potomac might you recommend I try on my first trip? I live in Alexandria, but Im willing to travel. The Potomac remains an anomaly. You can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific types of species. Any resource material would be helpful as well. American eels are found everywhere along the Atlantic Coast from Iceland to Suriname and can swim up the Potomac River's Great Falls! If you have enough time, I recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the VA side, as well as Mattawoman Creek in MD. The upper Potomac River continues to fish well. 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! document.getElementById( "ak_js_50" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Liam, thanks for reading! 4.7 / 5 . 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. The freshwater clams are now ready to eat. Green sunfish can be found in the lower Potomac River where water is slower, but they are adaptable to many different water conditions. For starters, eels are an important food source to larger fish and fish-eating birds such as bald eagles. document.getElementById( "ak_js_20" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 27, 2020 Notice the spot on the tail. Am curious if you know some good quiet places for fly fishing on the Potomac in NoVa or DC?? Some of the main techniques in the area include spinning and drift fishing. Any specific boat launches? I need to be as close as possible my kayak weighs 110 lbs. Its closest to my house, access to great spots, lots of fish, and beautiful nature. You cant talk about fishing on the Potomac without mentioning Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. The containers are found along the Ohio Drive/Hains Point loop where many anglers enjoy fishing. Appreciate any assistance you could offer, Al. 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. Fall is also a good time to target Striped Bass, especially in the Lower Potomac region. Let me know if you need any more info! Bassmaster and FLW hold their annual tournaments near Smallwood State Park in Charles County, MD. Im not sure of the cause(s), but the fishing is not what it used to be. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_8" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for your comment. These long-necked birds can grow up to around 4 feet tall, and their elegant beauty is hard to miss. Reply #4 on: July 13, 2008, 09:09:48 AM . Take a look at this link for more information: https://doee.dc.gov/service/fishdc. evidence that the virus can spread in public water supplies. can you eat fish from nepean river. The upper Potomac River is in good shape this week, running clear and a bit low with water temperatures approaching a summer norm. 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. The towns of Potomac, MD and Leesburg, VA are also great options if you plan on launching from the Upper Potomac. Financial statements can be provided upon request. Anita. Let me know if this helps and if you have any other questions. These fish generally eat smaller fishes like minnows or shad, but they will also eat insects such as mayflies. "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. If you dont want to deal with cold hands and wet nets, my suggestion is to check out one of the bait and tackle shops. Good luck out there! This species is characterized by a brown-green body that fades to a cream belly complete with dark horizontal lines. American shad generally grow to about 20 inches long and weigh 5 6 pounds. Summer is a great time to go fishing because of the wide variety of species you can target. Good luck. Everyone drifts through there with inner tubes and kayaks. Shenandoah 571.969.0746 To get involved, contact Beth Appert, beth.appert@multco.us, 503-347-5068. can you eat fish from nepean river. document.getElementById( "ak_js_64" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Justin, thanks for the comment and glad you liked the article! All rights reserved. Good luck! Kayaks are especially advantageous for fishing in shallow waters. document.getElementById( "ak_js_41" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for the helpful reply. Spin, drift, fly fish it all works. How is the fly fishing there in the region (NOVA)? In the Potomac River, 18% of its waters ranked in the most-polluted group. Fish Consumption Advisory DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac river fish. The river is also one of the most popular Bass fishing tournament destinations in the US. They were introduced to several rivers on Virginia's Western Shore decades ago. You can target Blue Cats, Perch, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and lots more. Pond Informer is growing community of pond & lake professionals, ecologists, and scientific writers, with a passion for all things ponds, wetlands, and sustainable conservation. 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. Can you fish in Parramatta River? Redbreast sunfish are opportunistic feeders and will prey on many different smaller food items including juvenile insects and larvae. Great blue heron. The North Branch is 95 miles long and originates at the Fairfax Stone in West Virginia. document.getElementById( "ak_js_44" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Mike, thanks! Since youll probably be targeting lots of Smallmouth, youll want to have lures handy, such as jigs. Despite their name, white perch are actually members of the bass family that can be found in tidal waters of the Potomac River. Ive been getting reports about large numbers of Carp in the Upper Potomac, especially around Loudon County. Recommended maximum consumption levels of sunfish and largemouth bass, for instance, have more than doubled since the first advisory in 1994. Smallmouth bass are ferocious hunters and will eat crayfish, insects, and other fishes. 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. I would love to remove them. Youll be able to sneak into narrow spots and be closer to the water, making it much easier to spot your target. Anglers and the general public are asked to report a fish kill. Anglers are encouraged to harvest snakeheads when caught. How healthy is the Potomac River? I hope this is helpful and let me know if you have any follow up questions. Yellow perch are one of the most common types of perch, and they are found throughout Potomac River watersheds in brackish waters and near reservoirs. Have you gone out recently? 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. Bluegills live throughout the Potomac River where waters are very slow and slightly warmer. I spend most of my time around Great Falls and Loudon County though. 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. 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. Other towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and Pohick. I broil or grill it with teriyaki. If youre a competitive angler looking to win some cash (and bragging rights), the Potomac should definitely be on your radar. Black crappies typically grow to about 8 12 inches and weigh 0.25 1 pounds. You can also check out Oxon Creek, just North of the bridge. Theyre located in Fort Washington, MD, just south of the bridge. Check out some of our guides in the DC area. Youre welcome! 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. Many fish are subject to size and bag limits as well. Any small baitfish should work. the potomac fishery lives off of the grass. 2. Network Headquarters The upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw. I hope things turn around and you start catchin some monsters soon. Here is a list of licensing agents: License Agents. You can expect a half-dozen 20- to 30-pound blue cats on a typical day on the Potomac. Yes and not really. These are popular spots, visited by many anglers throughout the year. For more information, call (202) 535-2272. You make a good point, the Upper Potomac has tons of great spots. I am looking to go after Striper or Shad as we get close to Spring. Largemouth Bass can be caught throughout the rivers tidal and southern regions while Smallmouth Bass are typically found in the Upper Potomac. From there, you have tons of great fishing spots, like Mattawoman Creek. These fish come in three subspecies that have slightly different patterning and native ranges, but they will all have darker green or brownish backs that fade to light green sides and a whitish belly. 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. Let me know if you need any other tips and drop us a comment to let our readers know what you caught. The River flows through the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland and all have consumption . licensing, days to avoid, etc.? Mercury is a neurotoxin and it is not to be trifled with. Anywhere above the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, youll have to buy a DC fishing license.