Ive read that any fish caught closer to DC is consider hazardous. 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. Where should I start? Apr 30, 2015. Crankbaits and spinners are also effective, as well as surface lures for shallower waters. Yes and not really. In the past few years grass carp have eaten all the grass and now bass populations are down by 90%. In other words, this isnt an easy fish to take on. This species has a wider body compared to other sunfish, and these bodies are blue-green in color with black dots and white bellies. In this column, I will focus on how to fish the Potomac River as well as whether you should eat the fish or fling them back. Are there confirmed pictures? This tributary is known for its excellent Perch, Bass, and Snakehead fishing. Ka-ching! 3. Common Carp and Sunfish in the Middle Potomac River . 3. I dont have any photographs to share with you at this time, but there have been sightings in the area. All you need is the proper preparation and understanding of the animal as a food source. Less than 20 miles south of the Capital, youll find amazing fishing opportunities near the towns of Fort Washington and Indian Head. . The Potomac remains an anomaly. document.getElementById( "ak_js_45" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great article, and Im really glad you highlighted DC, which has some awesome fishing. Burke Lake Park: Burke is located about 23 miles southwest. Margined Madtom (Noturus insignis) Margined madtom is a small, light colored, secretive fish less than 6 inches in length. Youll come across honey holes, channels, creeks, and bridge pilings scattered along the entire river from the Upper Potomac all the way down to the Chesapeake Bay. I hope this helps. Drop a comment and let us know what you caught after your trip! Let me know if this helps! Do you ever fish Mattawoman? Answer: Like a lot of water, it is all about location. the potomac fishery lives off of the grass. The upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw. If so, wed like to hear about your experiences. But there are still ways to ensure you have a safe and fun day on the river. The nutritional benefits associated with eating fish have experts wondering if the health benefits outweigh the risks. More reason to target Carp then, I guess! Perhaps the most iconic of them all is Striped Bass, locally referred to as Rockfish. The DOEE (District Department of Energy& Environment) advises staying away from certain fish altogether, due to possible elevated levels of harmful chemicals. If you wanna go Striper fishing, I suggest the Lower Potomac to the 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_15" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello, They also have 7 8 spines on their dorsal fins, which distinguishes them from white crappies, who have 5 6 spines. In fact, they originally ended up in that Crofton, Maryland pond because they were brought here for eating. For complete and detailed information about fish consumption advisories, please refer to your local or state health department website. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_56" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Santiago, thanks for reading! Potomac River recreational regulations (includes map of jurisdictions on and around the Potomac River): Definitions. Southern White River Crawfish live in freshwater, including swamps and grass beds. When in season, you can also try and target Striped Bass. For starters, Id check out Mason Neck State Park and Leesylvania State Park. 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. I spend most of my time around Great Falls and Loudon County though. This article was published more than7 years ago. This article will cover everything you need to know about fishing on the Potomac, so you can start planning your adventure and hit the water for an epic day. Redbreast sunfish are opportunistic feeders and will prey on many different smaller food items including juvenile insects and larvae. The fishing has been getting worse the past few years. Up north past DC, youll most likely encounter smaller schools of Rockfish perfect for beginners starting out on spin tackle. This is the limit of my fishing adventures in the Potomac River in the Fort Washington area, Maryland and Virginia side. 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. Shenandoah 571.969.0746 You can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific types of species. Yelp/Gary K. Yelp/Sea Catch Restaurant. Yes and not really. 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 . Penalties. 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. Over the last half-century, theyve become a symbolic fish of the Potomac and one of the top-targeted species in the region. Community Science Water Quality Monitoring Program, Shenandoah Riverkeeper on WZRV 95.3 The River. . It has lots of great fishing spots and picnic areas as well overall an excellent option for a day trip. document.getElementById( "ak_js_57" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This is a great article, but is lacking any information on the upper Potomac. For instance, Fletchers Boathouse has a tackle shop, along with The Orvis in Bethesda. The Shenandoah flows for 57 miles until it empties into the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Recommended maximum consumption levels of sunfish and largemouth bass, for instance, have more than doubled since the first advisory in 1994. Thanks for the article! Males look slightly different than females during breeding season because males will develop a dark throat. With few exceptions, we are unable to provide a definitive answer. Anglers are encouraged to harvest snakeheads when caught. 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. 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. To answer your question, I have some experience fishing on the northside of the 301 bridge, particularly around Marker 6. Other towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and Pohick. Personally, my favorite is the Algonkian Regional Park Boat Ramp. For more information, call (202) 535-2272. My friend appreciates the info and has helped him in planning his outing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 30, 2022 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. These fish have yellow or green eyes and orange-red tinted fins. Have you checked out Fletchers Cove yet? Thanks for the tips, much appreciated! In pristine times, American eels were one of the most abundant . Many towns in Loudoun County, VA provide excellent spots for on-foot fishing. Thanks for reading! Is Anacostia Park Boat Ramp a good choice? Anywhere above the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, youll have to buy a DC fishing license. Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. These fish are very aggressive and will outcompete native fish species for food such as crayfish, fish eggs, insects, and smaller fishes. Research has shown them to like blue gill/sunfish and killifish (look kind of like minnows). With these factors combined, muskies make for top predators that eat a number of larger fish species. Consuming fish from the southern end of the river, towards Fort Washington, is probably safer than from somewhere in DC. American eels are found everywhere along the Atlantic Coast from Iceland to Suriname and can swim up the Potomac River's Great Falls! American eel, carp and striped bass which includes rockfish caught in these waters have tested positive forelevated levels of toxic chemicals, according to an advisory this week from the D.C.Department of Energy and Environment. Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein. I believe fishing is something that teaches. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, so the males tend to be larger and darker than the females. Have you ever been fishing on the Potomac River? 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. Just keep the meals of catfish down to every other month at most. document.getElementById( "ak_js_22" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Jason, Thats the beauty of fishing such a vast river with loads of access points on both sides. Hes from PA. His plan is to Gravelly Point Park and fish up river to Fletchers Cove. Can you tell me what class rapids run between these points? Upper Potomac 443.480.8970 A consumption advisory is a recommendation to limit or avoid eating certain species of fish caught from specific water bodies due to environmental factors. document.getElementById( "ak_js_50" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Liam, thanks for reading! Blue Catfish: This is the largest species of North American catfish and can grow up to 65 inches in length, though the average is closer to 3o inches. You can launch from Great Falls or Algonkian Park. White Perch: You may have caught these fish. Striped bass are a larger fish that can grow to about 2 3 feet in length and weigh between 10 30 pounds. 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. Green sunfish are not a desirable sport fish because they are relatively small, ranging from about 3 7 inches long and weighing less than a pound. There are plenty of nice, secluded spots to choose from. You can also access most of the same waters since VA and MD licenses are both valid for fishing either side of the Potomac. These fish have very little mouths, so they will only eat smaller prey such as zooplankton, insects, worms, and snails. 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. You should check out as many of these as possible: 1. This is also a great recreational area with lots of opportunities to catch a range of fish. The upper Potomac River continues to fish well. The Potomac River has long been a vital part of the DMV areas economy, recreation, and way of life. Thanks for any feedback. These sunfish average about 4 inches long and will weigh less than a pound. document.getElementById( "ak_js_32" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What rapids? These long-necked birds can grow up to around 4 feet tall, and their elegant beauty is hard to miss. Place the clams in the pot and boil them for 8-10 minutes until they open. 1. DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac river fish. I think this is a solid list to get you started. Kayaks are especially advantageous for fishing in shallow waters. No more than two meals - pound each or the size . Fall is also a good time to target Striped Bass, especially in the Lower Potomac region. Thanks for sharing all the information. Areas such as Goose Creek in Leesburg and Sugarland Run in Sterling are prime locations for wading and fishing from the banks. You can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific types of species. document.getElementById( "ak_js_37" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great article. Then you have to look at what they like to eat. These fish are energetic and strong hunters, so anglers love to fish for them in the Potomac River. [The Facts], 10 Best Potted Plants for Texas Heat 2023 [Updated], List of Fish Species in Becharof Lake 2023 (ID + Pics), List of Turtle Species in Washington State 2023 (ID + Pics), How to Plant & Grow White Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton camtschatcensis). That way, the bait can stay up closer to the surface. Largemouth bass have olive-green bodies with dark mottling along the back and speckles along the sides. I live in Dover de. One is that their orangey-red bodies are covered in light blue spots. 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 document.getElementById( "ak_js_61" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Good article for anyone new to the sport. Nov 16, 2013. Blue, Flathead, and Channel Catfish inhabit the river, especially around channels and deep holes, as well as boulders, bridges, and trees submerged in water. '. 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. Fountainhead Regional Park is a good spot if you live in the Alexandria/Springfield area. They inhabit vast portions of the river and have thrived here for over a century. What makes the Potomac River so special? The Potomac River has two branches, the North Branch and South Branch, that eventually merge into one river. Read More pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. . Let me know how it goes and what you caught. document.getElementById( "ak_js_34" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Lance, If youre a competitive angler looking to win some cash (and bragging rights), the Potomac should definitely be on your radar. Once the chum is scooped overboard, anglers free-line a piece of bait that . Thats unfortunate but a very good point. Let me know if you have any questions or if you need any other recommendations. Thats a great spot for Shad, however, the best runs are between March and May. Just make sure you stay up to date as rules and regulations can change each year. But, resource managers and foodies alike agree: Eating blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay is tasty and nutritiousand it is good for the ecosystem. document.getElementById( "ak_js_40" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Al, thanks for reading! For Snakehead, you can use deep divers, surface frog lures, and buzz-bait. Catfishing on the Potomac is popular in deeper parts of the river or in areas with bottom structures. Thanks. Let me know if this helps! What did you catch? This species is characterized by a brown-green body that fades to a cream belly complete with dark horizontal lines. Ive been getting reports about large numbers of Carp in the Upper Potomac, especially around Loudon County. And from a water quality standpoint, eels play an even more important role as a natural taxi service of sorts. Catfishing is best in the winter. I live in northern PG County, MD and just recently got my first bass boat. Pumpkinseed sunfish can be found in the lower Potomac River in areas where the water is clear, warm, and has lots of vegetation to hide in. Another angler we saw reported equally dismal results. Theyre a favorite due to their strength, versatility, and last but not least, their delicious taste! You can fish them whenever you want and they can be caught throughout the entire river and connecting creeks, such as Mattawoman and Pomonkey. 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. 2023 FishingBooker.com. These invaders eat native fish, although blue catfish tend to also eat a lot . Is it safe to eat from the Chesapeake Bay? 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. . Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Contact | About, List of Common Potomac River Fish Species [Updated], Potomac River Pollution & Conservation Efforts, List of Fish Species in the Potomac River, 7) Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), 10) Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), 13) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), 14) Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), 9 Best Plants That Repel Slugs 2023 [Plants Slugs Hate], List of Prehistoric Fish Still Alive Today [Updated], Why Cant Freshwater Fish Live in Saltwater? , but there have been sightings in the Middle Potomac River recreational (... Are opportunistic feeders and will weigh less than 20 miles south of the areas. The Capital, youll find amazing fishing opportunities near the towns of Fort Washington, is probably than. 4 inches long and will prey on many different smaller food items including juvenile insects and larvae amazing fishing near! Or if you have a safe and fun day on the Potomac surface frog lures, and Pohick 301,. 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