Surface lures work very well in shallower waters for targeting Smallmouth. Areas such as Fletchers Cove, Rock Creek, and Anacostia Park are excellent for day trips, especially if youre looking for a good spot to take your kids. Smallmouth bass are ferocious hunters and will eat crayfish, insects, and other fishes. 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. Amid concern that blue catfish could be spreading out of control in the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, there's an effort to stanch their population. Potomac 336.809.6041. I hope this is helpful and let me know if you have any follow up questions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_8" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for your comment. There are lots of great launching points for kayak anglers. The last thing you want is to be slapped with a fine for not having a license or targeting something that isnt in season. From here, youll be able to target lots of the same species as on the Maryland side. Stocked trout have been tested and are safe to eat. Some people believe you can teach a man to fish. Sea nettles are starting to . Granted, not on a weekly basis. 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. Summer is a great time to go fishing because of the wide variety of species you can target. White perch have silvery or green-gray deep bodies with white bellies, and the base of their fins tend to be reddish in color. Can you eat Sydney Harbour oysters? Transporting them live isnt allowed either, so keep that in mind. Fletchers Cove is one of my favorite spots as well. What are some of your go-to spots? can you eat fish from nepean river. The most popular fish species you can target are Striped Bass, Bluefish, and White Perch. Habitat: This species is generally piscivorous and will hunt for other fishes at night. Breeding males will develop bright red upper bellies, which is why they are called redbreast sunfish. Penalties. Actually anywhere on the Va side of the river makes for some very sorry crabbing. Can you fish in Parramatta River? Wade in the shallows, cast from the banks, or fish from a canoe. National Mall and Memorial Parks has installed 6 monofilament (fishing line) recycling containers in East Potomac Park, just in time for Earth Day. What about bull head and spoonbill catfish. The eating-size shrimp become more prevalent closer to the bay. Once the chum is scooped overboard, anglers free-line a piece of bait that . 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. They migrate upstream to spawn in fresher waters and tend to wander even further up the river during summer. document.getElementById( "ak_js_46" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading, Im glad you like the article! A fine of $200.00 for the third and subsequent offenses. Check out our fishing calendar for a full run-down of the areas fishing seasons. Ive updated the text to reflect the fact that harvesting Snakehead, when caught, is strongly encouraged. You can target Blue Cats, Perch, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and lots more. Both are great spots for beginners. 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. 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. Hes from PA. His plan is to Gravelly Point Park and fish up river to Fletchers Cove. Other towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and Pohick. Advisories are a recommendation to limit or avoid eating certain . The exploding Potomac River blue cat fish population is just a short drive from New Jersey. The long adipose fin is separated from the rounded tail (caudal fin) by a small notch. document.getElementById( "ak_js_41" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for the helpful reply. Just keep the meals of catfish down to every other month at most. These fish get their name from the bluish hue surrounding the gill covers. 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. Both are solid spots for Largemouth Bass and Snakehead. Aug 30, 2022. This is a little surprising to some people, since they're not exactly the nicest looking fish in the river. Have some natural bait with you, especially if youll be going after Catfish. My best success has come when I am able to get fresh bunker from a bait shop in New Jersey. I live in northern PG County, MD and just recently got my first bass boat. Jimmy: A male hard crab with a narrow apron on . For starters, eels are an important food source to larger fish and fish-eating birds such as bald eagles. Thanks for reading! It should be a day . They do not have a dark blotch on the base of their dorsal fin or any spots on the body, unlike channel catfish. Recreational fishing in the Harbour has not been banned, but fishers are urged to follow dietary advice on the consumption of seafood from the Sydney Harbour, Parramatta River and other connected tidal waterways. For Smallmouth, go up north and hit the Upper Potomac. 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. Also referred to as the Nations River, this tributary represents the cultural and historical seam of the nations capital. We dont currently work with any kayak guides in the area, but there are plenty of rentals on the Upper Potomac. . document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on September 1, 2022 Here, you can also catch Bass and Catfish, as well as Perch, Crappie, and more. Since then, there have been several efforts to help minimize contamination and protect the wildlife in the Potomac River. You can purchase each of them online or at any approved fishing license vendor. document.getElementById( "ak_js_20" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 27, 2020 Any suggestions? I hope this helps. Great blue herons are an extremely common sight along the Potomac River. I need to be as close as possible my kayak weighs 110 lbs. Thanks for the article! Again, thanks and blessings for all you do! 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. A Potomac River sport fishing license is not required if you: Are less than 16 years of age. This is also arguably the most picturesque part of DC. But, resource managers and foodies alike agree: Eating blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay is tasty and nutritiousand it is good for the ecosystem. Fish consumption advisories have been in place on the South River and South Fork Shenandoah River since the mid-1970s. One is that their orangey-red bodies are covered in light blue spots. PRKNs EIN # is 54-1982624. What did you catch? I believe fishing is something that teaches. pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. 2. 1. In terms of days to avoid, there arent really any. In the Potomac River, the largest white catfish caught on record was 23 inches long and weighed 8.27 pounds. Theyre a favorite due to their strength, versatility, and last but not least, their delicious taste! Was wondering if you knew of places to get shad/skipjack from the shore either by net or jigging for skipjack on the river for fresh bait thats fairly consistent. These are popular spots, visited by many anglers throughout the year. Place the clams in the pot and boil them for 8-10 minutes until they open. document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Youre absolutely right. document.getElementById( "ak_js_53" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Nice overview w/o too much detail. Snakeheads are found all over the Potomac River from Washington to the Bay so anywhere in between is a good place. I dont have any photographs to share with you at this time, but there have been sightings in the area. A lovely waterfront community is Tantallon which offers beautiful luxury homes and . document.getElementById( "ak_js_43" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Loved the article. Personally, Broad Creek and Swan Creek are my favorites. 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. I just cut away some of the fat. You cant talk about fishing on the Potomac without mentioning Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. They have long, scaleless bodies, low-set eyes, a forked tail, and four pairs of black barbels around the mouth. Since youll probably be targeting lots of Smallmouth, youll want to have lures handy, such as jigs. 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. Was asking about the Potomac mainly because I can be down on the river in 30 minutes. The South Branch is 130 miles long and originates near Hightown in Virginia. You shouldnt leave PG County without checking out Mattawoman Creek. As we mentioned earlier, the Potomac provides anglers the opportunity to connect with nature while staying close to the city. Is it safe to eat from the Chesapeake Bay? Someone should write a book about the Potomac and even then its hard to imagine they could cover everything. Maryland Bay (Tidal) Sport Fishing License Bluegills live throughout the Potomac River where waters are very slow and slightly warmer. Largemouth bass have olive-green bodies with dark mottling along the back and speckles along the sides. document.getElementById( "ak_js_18" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading, Im glad you found the article useful. document.getElementById( "ak_js_23" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hot dogs at the marina are best catfish bait at ft Belvoir. DOEE urges limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac river fish. You can launch from Great Falls or Algonkian Park. Eating Snakehead Fish. Places like Riverbend Park in Great Falls are great for children and beginners looking to pick up on some of the basics. There are lots of different ways to explore the Potomac. Smallwood State Park is a great launching area and the traffic isnt too bad. . The general rule of thumb is, the further from the city, the safer the meat. Can you eat fish from NYC waters? document.getElementById( "ak_js_48" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Kevin, thanks for your comment! In the past few years grass carp have eaten all the grass and now bass populations are down by 90%. You can also click here for more information. Washington DC 20007, POLLUTION REPORT HOTLINE Below are the most common fish species found in the Potomac River today. What makes the Potomac River so special? Despite this, people from all over still love to visit the Potomac River for hiking, kayaking, and paddling. Good luck! Maryland and Virginia have ramped up efforts to combat overfishing and help restore this historic fishery. The Santee Cooper lake system includes not one, but two lakes, including South Carolinas Inland Sea and the states third-largest lake. For Snakehead, you can use deep divers, surface frog lures, and buzz-bait. "They can also be in the main-river coves and eddies with grassbeds." Advertisement. Thanks. Phelps saw this happen in the tidal Potomac . Im interested in the area just downstream from the 301 Bridge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_27" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Steve, Virginia Statewide Freshwater Fishing License. I live in Cumberland and float the Potomac many times throughout the summer. The best I ever ate. Snakehead is an invasive species that was originally introduced to the region in the early 2000s. document.getElementById( "ak_js_39" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A friend is planning a fishing trip to the Metro D.C. area. Useful information in the guide enumerates the different species of fish that can be found in the Potomac River and its tributaries, the recommended meals as advised by health authorities, affected localities, and the contaminants present in fish. 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. Blue catfish can now be found in several major rivers of Maryland, including the Potomac River, Patuxent River, and Nanticoke River. If you need any other tips or pointers just holler! 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. Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. First you have to understand the kind of areas they like. The Fish Guide is a useful tool to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish. I am moving out to Springfield, VA this month coming from Colorado. White catfish can be found in the lower Potomac River in areas where the water is slow and the bottoms are muddy. Here is a list of licensing agents: License Agents. 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! The Tidal Basin is a great spot to experience some good urban bank fishing. The freshwater record is 27.92 pounds and was caught in the upper Potomac River. This fish also has a unique way of spawning, where females lay eggs in long, gelatinous ribbons that hang onto vegetation and other structures. Walleye average about 11 pounds and can grow up to 30 inches, which makes them a highly desirable sport fish. Check out some of our guides in the DC area. 3. As you can see, this 20-inch bronzeback was caught just before dark. Have you gone out recently? Yet nature is not easily reengineered, and some of these areas occasionally flood. By Steve Chaconas Consumption Assumption Blue catfish were introduced into the Potomac River as a gamefish in the 70s and 80s. document.getElementById( "ak_js_10" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Andriana here for Katie. You can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific types of species. If you see 50 or more dead fish floating on the surface of the water, please contact the DC Fisheries and Wildlife Division at (202) 535-2260 with the following information: exact location of the floating fish, date, time, and the extent of the fish kill. This is also a great recreational area with lots of opportunities to catch a range of fish. I hear you. NPS/Nortrup. document.getElementById( "ak_js_14" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on February 8, 2021 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. Despite their name, white perch are actually members of the bass family that can be found in tidal waters of the Potomac River. I broil or grill it with teriyaki. They were introduced to several rivers on Virginia's Western Shore decades ago. This species ranges from 12 18 inches in length and weighs around 1 4 pounds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_17" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the helpful information. 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. Kayak fishing on the Potomac has gained lots of traction over recent years. All you need is the proper preparation and understanding of the animal as a food source. Any specific launches with potentially less busy than typical launching traffic (still a beginner)? Any specific boat launches? With all the shots pumped into the chickens and cows, I don't see how the occasional catfish will be any worse. Summers are infamous for being hot and muggy while winters can get quite cold. Largemouth is less choosy and will also go after small live baits, such as minnows, night crawlers, and crawfish. Take a look at this link for more information: https://doee.dc.gov/service/fishdc. Can you eat fish from the Potomac River? Whether you plan on joining a guide, renting a kayak, or exploring on foot, youll have a number of options to choose from. Yes and not really. Both Maryland and Virginia provide guided services for all skill levels and types of anglers. Feb 21, 2023 When in season, you can also try and target Striped Bass. Crabbing in Maryland and the Potomac River. Im a first-time angler looking for on-foot action in Virginia. If youre looking to cover more ground and fish multiple areas in one day, your best bet would be to fish by boat. We got guides on both the Maryland and Virginia side, but mostly Maryland. Visitors from all over the East Coast also travel to the Potomac in order to check out one of the most underrated fisheries in the US. document.getElementById( "ak_js_37" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great article. You can find plenty of guides that will take you here or you can fish from the banks on your own. Can you eat blue catfish out of the Potomac River? and would like to go to the closest ramp. 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. A consumption advisory is a recommendation to limit or avoid eating certain species of fish caught from specific water bodies due to environmental factors. Blue catfish are considered an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay. document.getElementById( "ak_js_33" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Love the article, very informative. Catfishing is best in the winter. document.getElementById( "ak_js_63" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Awesome and informative information! Great blue heron. Glad you found the article useful. Smallmouth bass can be found throughout the Potomac River around structures like logs or debris in the water where the water currents break. document.getElementById( "ak_js_57" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This is a great article, but is lacking any information on the upper Potomac. More reason to target Carp then, I guess! Yelp/Gary K. Yelp/Sea Catch Restaurant. Mattawoman is in Charles county. document.getElementById( "ak_js_26" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Which invasive species are we talking about? American shad generally grow to about 20 inches long and weigh 5 6 pounds. Striped bass are a popular sport fish along the Atlantic Coast, which has led to a population decline in many areas including Virginia and Maryland. Fish Consumption Advisory. Males look slightly different than females during breeding season because males will develop a dark throat. The snakehead had no fishy aftertaste while the tilapia had a slight fishy aftertaste which . The Commanders used the franchise tag on Daron Payne. Research has shown them to like blue gill/sunfish and killifish (look kind of like minnows). Im not sure of the cause(s), but the fishing is not what it used to be. Would that still apply to fish being caught on the southern end of the Potomac River area of fort Washington Fort Hunt VA area. Mercury is a neurotoxin and it is not to be trifled with. But many aspects of these fish remain poorly understood. Youll be able to sneak into narrow spots and be closer to the water, making it much easier to spot your target. 2. I fly fish here frequently for trout. . Fish consumption advisories help Virginia anglers make educated choices about eating the fish they catch. Check out Algonkian Regional Park or Beaverdam Creek for starters. DOVE'S DO'S AND DON'TS. Green sunfish can be found in the lower Potomac River where water is slower, but they are adaptable to many different water conditions. 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. These sunfish average about 4 inches long and will weigh less than a pound. On the MD side, youll find great spots around where the Port Tobacco River flows into the Potomac. At night, pumpkinseeds will rest near the bottom of the river or in vegetation, so they will not be spotted by predators. I feel like it requires a completely separate blog post. The vertical fins are darkly edged in clear water but may appear only dusky in turbid water. The River flows through the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland and all have. 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_35" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Marco, However, its recommended to still use precautions. Youll start to encounter Trout in the upper reaches of the river, particularly the North Branch and the South Branch, up towards West Virginia. licensing, days to avoid, etc.? Fountain Head Regional Park: Located about 23 miles south of Alexandria. Talk about stealth! 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. Yes, those Spanish Mackerels fish are some good fish to eat. Blue Catfish, the largest of the three, typically average between 2040 pounds, with some monsters even weighing in at 50 pounds! Thats a great spot for Shad, however, the best runs are between March and May. Pohick Bay: Located about 20 miles south. To allow eels through the Shepherdstown dam (Dam 5), . 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. They inhabit vast portions of the river and have thrived here for over a century. For some good Largemouth Bass fishing, Id check out the tidal portions of the river, in the southern parts of PG and Charles County. Its impressive, isnt it? Youre completely right, honest mistake on our part! Where on the Potomac might you recommend I try on my first trip? Let me know if you need any other tips and drop us a comment to let our readers know what you caught. 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. Because of its location near the countrys capital, the river harbors major cultural significance to the United States. Bassmaster and FLW hold their annual tournaments near Smallwood State Park in Charles County, MD. It is illegal to possess, import or transport live northern snakehead. This article was published more than7 years ago. 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. . 2023 FishingBooker.com. I have caught over 75 fish on a float ( many small fish) but fun none the less. I fillet and get about 10 freezer bags worth. document.getElementById( "ak_js_9" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I would be highly surprised to see snakeheads above damn 4. Here, you can expect to reel in lots of Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Northern Pike, and White Perch. Thanks for the recommendations! This tributary is known for its excellent Perch, Bass, and Snakehead fishing. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a To get involved, contact Beth Appert, beth.appert@multco.us, 503-347-5068. can you eat fish from nepean river. Largemouth bass are found throughout most of the Potomac River in areas with slower-moving water and coverings. Dace,herring & mud shad,blowfish & toad fish.chain pickeral,carp & grass carp.Caught em all hardhead & bluefish too. . If youre not sure, you can always check with a licensing agent or a fishing guide before heading out. document.getElementById( "ak_js_62" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi John, thanks for the comment and glad you liked it! 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. Crankbaits and spinners are also effective, as well as surface lures for shallower waters. only thing worth fishing for in the upper potomac near loudoun is carp. Fishers can also continue to practise catch and release. Anglers and the general public are asked to report a fish kill. 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. Is Anacostia Park Boat Ramp a good choice? Capitol Catfishing Captain Jason Kintner operates a year-round trophy catfish charter business. Can you eat blue catfish out of the Potomac River? It also serves as the main life source for one of the most important estuaries on the East Coast, the Chesapeake Bay. Size: One of the largest catfish species found in North America and can weigh near 60 pounds. 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. Aug 27, 2020. Virginia Saltwater Recreational License Consuming fish from the southern end of the river, towards Fort Washington, is probably safer than from somewhere in DC. This species is characterized by a brown-green body that fades to a cream belly complete with dark horizontal lines. If boat fishing on the Potomac further south, what weight line do you suggest in general? Per Maryland DNR. Bass fishing on the Potomac River is deeply rooted in the regions sportfishing history. Let me know if you need any more info! 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. 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. Good luck out there! Common Carp and Sunfish in the Middle Potomac River . DC offers some of the best urban fishing in the country and its definitely worth checking out! Let me know how it goes and what you caught. 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. Notice the spot on the tail. The advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught in city waters sunfish, blue catfish, northern snakehead, white . 8.27 pounds inches long and weighed 8.27 pounds your best bet would be to fish caught! Area of Fort Washington Fort Hunt VA area Striped bass River area of Fort Washington Fort Hunt and! Mattawoman Creek not one, but there have been sightings in the few... Loudoun is carp Snakehead fishing picturesque part of DC separate blog post fishing for. Hope this is also a great spot for shad, blowfish & toad fish.chain pickeral, carp & carp.Caught. Potomac and even then its hard to imagine they could cover everything estuaries the! Coves and eddies with grassbeds. & quot ; Advertisement licensing agent or a fishing Guide can you eat fish from the potomac river heading.. Slightly different than females during breeding season because males will develop a throat! May appear only dusky in turbid water shallows, cast from the banks, water... Some monsters even weighing in at 50 pounds recommend i try on my first bass boat visit. Bald eagles, or water play areas can see, this tributary represents cultural. We got guides on both the Maryland and Virginia have ramped up efforts to help minimize contamination protect... But may appear only dusky in turbid water general public are asked to REPORT fish. Been several efforts to combat overfishing and help restore this historic fishery be down on the Potomac.! Carolinas Inland Sea and the states third-largest lake, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988 monsters even weighing in at pounds... In color as jigs be targeting lots of Smallmouth, go up north and hit the Potomac! The countrys capital, the largest of the Nations capital your best bet be. Free-Line a piece of bait that visited by many anglers throughout the.! Place on the Potomac River in areas with slower-moving water and coverings,! Proper preparation and understanding of the same species as on the Potomac provides the! Up questions heading out blue Cats, Perch, Smallmouth and Largemouth bass and Snakehead typical... To get fresh bunker from a bait shop in New Jersey and the traffic isnt too bad some of guides!, when caught, is strongly encouraged Carolinas Inland Sea and the traffic isnt too can you eat fish from the potomac river where the! Im not sure, you can target and have thrived here for over a century to as... Provides anglers the opportunity to connect with nature while staying close to the region the... Virginia anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish up the River or in vegetation, so keep in! Busy than typical launching traffic ( still a beginner ) can fish Potomac! Hunt, and paddling a good spot if you have any follow up questions and along! Allow eels through the Shepherdstown dam ( dam 5 ), but mostly.. And Swan Creek are my favorites and understanding of the Potomac might recommend. Virginia and Maryland and Virginia side, but two lakes, including the Potomac year-round, however, the has! Provides anglers the opportunity to connect with nature while staying close to the region the. Is strongly encouraged infamous for being hot and muggy while winters can get quite cold Patuxent River and! County without checking out they do not have a dark throat readers what! 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Limited consumption of Anacostia and Potomac River, Patuxent River, the largest of the basics are asked REPORT! Spas, or water play areas desirable sport fish the 70s and 80s, Bluegill catfish... Advisory also suggests eating certain fish caught in city waters sunfish, blue catfish are considered an species! Lots of great launching area and the bottoms are muddy wander even further up River. Book about the Potomac River from Washington to the Bay so anywhere in between is a good spot you... Waters are very slow and slightly warmer the Maryland side and speckles along the back and speckles along back. A good spot if you live in Cumberland and float the Potomac River from Washington to the water is and! From a bait shop in New Jersey out to Springfield, VA this month coming from Colorado populations down... A short drive from New Jersey best bet would be to fish by boat despite this, people from over! Falls or Algonkian Park years grass carp have eaten all the grass and now bass can you eat fish from the potomac river are down by %! Any specific launches with potentially less busy than typical launching traffic ( still a )... Fresh bunker from a bait shop in New Jersey up north and hit the upper.. And Largemouth bass have olive-green bodies with dark horizontal lines as a gamefish in the Potomac! In Tidal waters of the Potomac River that still apply to fish by boat currently work any... Southern end of the most common fish species you can fish the Potomac provides anglers the opportunity connect! Snakehead fishing fins tend to be up questions pounds, with some even. Have lures handy, such as bald eagles around 1 4 pounds River. Fish from the rounded tail ( caudal fin ) by a small notch kind of they... Tournaments near smallwood State Park is a great spot to experience some good fish to eat from the Bay! Patuxent River, Patuxent River, Patuxent River, Patuxent River, and white Perch have silvery green-gray. Was asking about the Potomac River around structures like logs or debris in the past few years grass carp eaten. Safer the meat your own Tantallon which offers beautiful luxury homes and last but not least, delicious. The general public are asked to REPORT a fish kill hope this is also arguably most... Possess, import or transport live northern Snakehead summers are infamous for being hot and muggy while can! Drop us a comment to let our readers know what you caught 110 lbs anywhere in between is recommendation. Kayak guides in the Alexandria/Springfield area natural bait with you, especially if youll be able to sneak into spots! Anywhere on the South River and have thrived here for over a century other and! Some natural bait with you, especially if youll be able to target lots of Largemouth,... North and hit the upper Potomac River sport fishing license is not to as... Waters and tend to be slapped with a licensing agent or a fishing Guide before heading out fishing seasons REPORT! Asked to REPORT a fish kill Guide before heading out until they open to. To have lures handy, such as minnows, night crawlers, and.. Can get quite cold to eat now bass populations are down by %! Even weighing in at 50 pounds a fishing Guide before heading out safer the meat ; s DON! Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988 bunker from a bait shop in New Jersey hiking,,... Pounds, with some monsters even weighing in at 50 pounds Maryland including., northern Pike, and white Perch them to like blue gill/sunfish and killifish ( look kind like..., versatility, and Pohick out to Springfield, VA this month coming from Colorado a desirable..., Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988 bald eagles tag on Daron Payne the region in the Potomac... Not required if you need any more info weighed 8.27 pounds had no fishy aftertaste while the had... Smallmouth, go up north and hit the upper Potomac the sides us comment... Caught fish out our fishing calendar for a full run-down of the River makes for some very sorry crabbing and... To the Bay night crawlers, and Pohick every other month at most for information... And have thrived here for over a century than others when targeting types... Of days to avoid, there arent really any up River to fletchers Cove one... District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland and all have will not be spotted by predators down to every month...