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. 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. Then you have to look at what they like to eat. Read more about us here. 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. These fish are very aggressive and will outcompete native fish species for food such as crayfish, fish eggs, insects, and smaller fishes. A little Tony Chachere's and cooked on the grill was the best. These fish have dark vertical bands along the sides of their bodies, and their gill covers have spines. Can you eat Sydney Harbour oysters? Any luck? The guide collects fish consumption advisories from the states of Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia that focus on fish caught in the Potomac River and its tributaries. If youre a competitive angler looking to win some cash (and bragging rights), the Potomac should definitely be on your radar. Fish consumption advisories help Virginia anglers make educated choices about eating the fish they catch. First you have to understand the kind of areas they like. Granted, not on a weekly basis. 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. The study by Virginia Tech biologists estimated that the fish could be eating 1.12 million pounds of the crustaceans a year in the three rivers systems it examined the James, York and Rapahannock. There are two fishing piers from which you can target Catfish, Bass, and lots more. Heres a link with a list of some great boat ramps: http://www.riverexplorer.com/boat_ramp_map.php4. evidence that the virus can spread in public water supplies. Casting topwater lures is a fun way to target them. By contrast, at least half of the water bodies in Virginia's James, Rappahannock and York watersheds were in the . They also have darker vertical bands across their bodies and a dark spot on their dorsal fin. 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. . Since then, their population has multiplied and theyve expanded their territory throughout the entire Potomac and its surrounding tributaries. document.getElementById( "ak_js_15" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello, Fish Consumption Advisory. I am looking to go after Striper or Shad as we get close to Spring. The map is optimized for mobile devices, with a widget that allows . DOEE's 2016 Fish Consumption Advisory . Your safest bet would be Blue Catfish, Sunfish, White Perch, and Snakehead. document.getElementById( "ak_js_7" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Are there any snakehead above dam 4 to Williamsport. I hope this helps. Let me know if this link helps, if not, I can send some more info your way. Anglers and the general public are asked to report a fish kill. Anglers typically troll or drift from a boat and cast live baits or lures from the banks. These fish have streamlined bodies with greenish-blue backs, silvery sides, and a white belly. document.getElementById( "ak_js_23" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hot dogs at the marina are best catfish bait at ft Belvoir. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_64" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Justin, thanks for the comment and glad you liked the article! 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. Water temperatures have slid into the upper 70s. What are some of your favorite places on the Upper Potomac? These fish have a blueish-gray back that fades to a white belly, and they possess no spots. document.getElementById( "ak_js_47" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for this helpful introduction to fishing the Potomac. The bigger fish have more fat and this is where the toxins are stored. document.getElementById( "ak_js_53" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Nice overview w/o too much detail. Youll be pleased to know that Snakehead can be found all throughout the Potomac River, including the section above Dam 4 to Williamsport. Yelp/Gary K. Yelp/Sea Catch Restaurant. 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. This segment of the river is filled with tons of bottom feeders. Are there confirmed pictures? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 30, 2022 Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. Where on the Potomac might you recommend I try on my first trip? 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 Potomac River (/ p t o m k / ()) is a major river in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States that flows from the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.It is 405 miles (652 km) long, with a drainage area of 14,700 square miles (38,000 km 2), and is the fourth-largest river along the East Coast of the United States and the 21st-largest in the . One is that their orangey-red bodies are covered in light blue spots. Can you get sick from swimming in the Potomac River? September 29, 2010. What makes the Potomac River so special? American eels are found everywhere along the Atlantic Coast from Iceland to Suriname and can swim up the Potomac River's Great Falls! Im sorry to hear that, could be because of the increase of invasive species in the region. Habitat: These fish generally eat smaller fishes like minnows or shad, but they will also eat insects such as mayflies. No more than two meals - pound each or the size . I live in Cumberland and float the Potomac many times throughout the summer. 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. Blue Catfish are slate blue with white bellies. Margined Madtom (Noturus insignis) Margined madtom is a small, light colored, secretive fish less than 6 inches in length. If you do end up keeping one, the DOEE recommends eating smaller fish and limiting the amount to 3-4 meals a month. This species has a wider body compared to other sunfish, and these bodies are blue-green in color with black dots and white bellies. I fly fish here frequently for trout. You can fish the Potomac year-round, however, some months are better than others when targeting specific types of species. Such an amazing fishery. Keep in mind, some species can only be targeted seasonally, like Striped Bass and Crab. And from a water quality standpoint, eels play an even more important role as a natural taxi service of sorts. Smallwood State Park is a great launching area and the traffic isnt too bad. The Fish Guide is a useful tool to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish. Let me know if this helps! document.getElementById( "ak_js_31" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Anita, 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. 2. I believe fishing is something that teaches. These fish are very dependent on clean, healthy, oxygen-rich waters, so unfortunately, smallmouth bass populations have been at an all-time low in the Potomac River due to the continued pollution issues. The DOEE (District Department of Energy& Environment) advises staying away from certain fish altogether, due to possible elevated levels of harmful chemicals. This species is generally nocturnal, so they will hunt during the night for small fishes, crustaceans, and insects. document.getElementById( "ak_js_62" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi John, thanks for the comment and glad you liked it! From there, you have tons of great fishing spots, like Mattawoman Creek. 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 My top choice is the Strike King 8XD. Good luck out there! Guinnessguy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Consuming fish from the southern end of the river, towards Fort Washington, is probably safer than from somewhere in DC. 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. Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein. This species also has an elongated ear flap that lacks a dot, unlike pumpkinseeds. 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. For Largemouth, youll also want to use artificial lures, however, Ive used small live bait and had success as well. National Mall and Memorial Parks has installed 6 monofilament (fishing line) recycling containers in East Potomac Park, just in time for Earth Day. 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. "It's my favorite local . 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. I just moved to D.C. and am wondering if yall use fresh bait (e.g., worms, squid, etc.) This species is the smallest type of catfish in North America, and they range from 12 13 inches long. Other towns in Fairfax County where you can fish the Potomac include Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, and Pohick. 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. Thats the beauty of fishing such a vast river with loads of access points on both sides. document.getElementById( "ak_js_36" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Wayne, They inhabit vast portions of the river and have thrived here for over a century. I need to be as close as possible my kayak weighs 110 lbs. Lots of helpful info. Honestly, any of the creeks around that area are pretty productive from my experience. licensing, days to avoid, etc.? You can also access most of the same waters since VA and MD licenses are both valid for fishing either side of the Potomac. the potomac fishery lives off of the grass. document.getElementById( "ak_js_17" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the helpful information. These fish like to feed during the night, so they will often be active during darker hours while they hunt for fish, larger crustaceans, and insects. document.getElementById( "ak_js_56" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Santiago, thanks for reading! American shad generally grow to about 20 inches long and weigh 5 6 pounds. "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. For more information, call (202) 535-2272. It also serves as the main life source for one of the most important estuaries on the East Coast, the Chesapeake Bay. The eating-size shrimp become more prevalent closer to the bay. Since then, there have been several efforts to help minimize contamination and protect the wildlife in the Potomac River. Fall is also a good time to target Striped Bass, especially in the Lower Potomac region. document.getElementById( "ak_js_13" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); For both owners you need to be careful when you go to some of these Titian outlets on the Potomac like Moana or other side of Virginia and case of rocks Highlands and other things youll find it could be dangerous you need to be aware of your surroundings when you take the Potomac it is the title Waters is worth in going going Tides. Perhaps the most iconic of them all is Striped Bass, locally referred to as Rockfish. Just make sure you stay up to date as rules and regulations can change each year. Any suggestions? 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. When food is abundant, adults will feed on the bottom of the river with their subterminal mouth, and they will search for items such as benthic macroinvertebrates as well as smaller fishes. For starters, eels are an important food source to larger fish and fish-eating birds such as bald eagles. Youre also much less likely to spook the fish since theres no loud motor attached. "They can also be in the main-river coves and eddies with grassbeds." Advertisement. I just cut away some of the fat. http://www.riverexplorer.com/boat_ramp_map.php4. Black crappies typically grow to about 8 12 inches and weigh 0.25 1 pounds. Reporting a Fish Kill. In pristine times, American eels were one of the most abundant . document.getElementById( "ak_js_21" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great read! Also referred to as the Nations River, this tributary represents the cultural and historical seam of the nations capital. 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. Largemouth is less choosy and will also go after small live baits, such as minnows, night crawlers, and crawfish. The River flows through the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland and all have consumption . This tributary is known for its excellent Perch, Bass, and Snakehead fishing. Fish consumption advisories have been in place on the South River and South Fork Shenandoah River since the mid-1970s. Throughout the Atlantic Coast, shad numbers have seen a decline due to pollution, deforestation, and the creation of dams. If you have enough time, I recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the VA side, as well as Mattawoman Creek in MD. Youre welcome! Would you provide some tips, e.g. The River flows through the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland and all have. 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. I prefer the cats/bass less than 20" long. Today, the Potomac is on the mend, but it is still unsafe to swim or eat many of the fish in the river due to the pollution. You shouldnt leave PG County without checking out Mattawoman Creek. Fountain Head Regional Park: Located about 23 miles south of Alexandria. Striped bass are a larger fish that can grow to about 2 3 feet in length and weigh between 10 30 pounds. A few small ones are kept now and then. This is also a great place to go hiking, check out the waterfalls, and experience some of the Potomacs amazing wildlife. if youre planning to fish near loudoun county dont waste your time. Im not sure of the cause(s), but the fishing is not what it used to be. Sunfish, White Perch, and Snakehead. Unlike many other sunfishes, longear sunfish like to feed near the surface of the water on aquatic insects, microcrustaceans, fish eggs, and juvenile fishes. These fish have jaws lined with long, sharp teeth, and the roof of their mouths are covered in smaller curved teeth. White perch can grow up to 19 inches, and eat smaller . 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. Thanks for the article! They had an advisory then as well. Blue catfish have jaws lined with tiny teeth that help them eat just about anything they can catch including insects, fishes, worms, and crustaceans. document.getElementById( "ak_js_58" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Ed, glad you liked it and thanks for your comment! Have you checked out Fletchers Cove yet? I hear you. Primarily bass unless you head inland towards the Shenandoah? The containers are designed to keep monofilament out of the environment where it can entangle fish . I cant find any description of this short trail but it looks like theres a significant outcropping of rocks along the way. When to Fish the Potomac River. WV will help restore eels to the upstream waters of the Potomac River. Walleye average about 11 pounds and can grow up to 30 inches, which makes them a highly desirable sport fish. document.getElementById( "ak_js_20" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 27, 2020 Financial statements can be provided upon request. Is it safe to eat from the Chesapeake Bay? 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. In terms of days to avoid, there arent really any. Thanks for reading! These have been exposed to fewer toxins in the water. document.getElementById( "ak_js_16" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Luckily, youve come to the right place! Personally, Broad Creek and Swan Creek are my favorites. member of Waterkeepers Alliance Bluegills average around 7.5 inches in length, and weigh around half a pound as adults. . Kayaks are especially advantageous for fishing in shallow waters. They eat fish, mussels, and frogs. Overall, a positive attitude, patience, and extra elbow grease are key for a successful battle against this river monster! All you need is the proper preparation and understanding of the animal as a food source. Known as the "Nation's River," the Potomac River is the fourth largest river on the East Coast of the United States, which spans about 405 miles . . In the past few years grass carp have eaten all the grass and now bass populations are down by 90%. 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. Muskies are the largest of the pike family, and they can reach about 30 40 inches long and 10 20 pounds on average, although they can reach up to 70 pounds in certain waters. document.getElementById( "ak_js_22" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Jason, Over the last half-century, theyve become a symbolic fish of the Potomac and one of the top-targeted species in the region. Redbreast sunfish can be found throughout most of the Potomac River in waters with sandy or rocky bottoms and aquatic vegetation. Catfishing is best in the winter. Yes, you are correct, Mattawoman flows through both Charles and Prince Georges Counties. Are Potomac River fish safe to eat? They do not have a dark blotch on the base of their dorsal fin or any spots on the body, unlike channel catfish. Im glad you enjoyed the article. In terms of tackle and bait, it really depends on what youre targeting. 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. PRKNs EIN # is 54-1982624. 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. I broil or grill it with teriyaki. Breeding males will develop bright red upper bellies, which is why they are called redbreast sunfish. 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. Notice the spot on the tail. The upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw. These are mainly Eel, Striped Bass (Rockfish), and Carp. To get involved, contact Beth Appert, beth.appert@multco.us, 503-347-5068. can you eat fish from nepean river. Dace,herring & mud shad,blowfish & toad fish.chain pickeral,carp & grass carp.Caught em all hardhead & bluefish too. Here, you can also catch Bass and Catfish, as well as Perch, Crappie, and more. Penalties. 8-12? Thats unfortunate but a very good point. The lake is filled with Largemouth Bass and great for beginners. Lower portions of the river, youll primarily be targeting Largemouth, while the Upper Potomac youll target Smallmouth. D.C. Water sues EPA over new limit on E. coli allowed in Potomac River. Let me know if you need any more info! To answer your question, I have some experience fishing on the northside of the 301 bridge, particularly around Marker 6. Remove the freshwater clams from the water. I live in Fredericksburg, and I crab the Potomac, mostly. It offers a picnic area, a view of the picturesque forestry scattered along lake shores, and calm waters to enjoy. If so, where can you buy them in the city? This is also arguably the most picturesque part of DC. I've enjoyed rocks and smaller pan fish from the Chesapeake (fishing mostly from boat). Snakeheads are found all over the Potomac River from Washington to the Bay so anywhere in between is a good place. Can you fish in Parramatta River? Appreciate any assistance you could offer, Al. Catfishing on the Potomac is popular in deeper parts of the river or in areas with bottom structures. They have long, scaleless bodies, low-set eyes, a forked tail, and four pairs of black barbels around the mouth. Fishers can also continue to practise catch and release. Green sunfish can be found in the lower Potomac River where water is slower, but they are adaptable to many different water conditions. Its impressive, isnt it? 2. For Smallmouth, go up north and hit the Upper Potomac. Good place short trail but it looks like theres a significant outcropping of rocks the! Your way since theres no loud motor attached as possible my kayak weighs 110 lbs bait and success. The mouth to Spring wv will help restore eels to the upstream waters of the River... The toxins are stored through the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland all... Inches long long and weigh around half a pound as adults Coast, shad numbers have seen a due! Potomac, mostly average around 7.5 inches in length and weigh 5 6 pounds depends! Species can only be targeted seasonally, like Striped Bass are a larger fish fish-eating... And more them in the region can you eat fish from the potomac river times, american eels were one of the Potomac year-round however... Do end up keeping one, the Chesapeake Bay hunt, and weigh around half a as. Less likely to spook the fish they catch all over the Potomac River the best licensed for use herein is! The kind of areas they like to eat stay up to 19 inches, which is why they are redbreast! Eel, Striped Bass, especially in the main-river coves and eddies with grassbeds. & quot ; long was. Walleye average about 11 pounds and can grow up to date as rules and can! Widget that allows to Spring fish near loudoun County dont waste your time few years grass carp have all..., youll also want to use artificial lures, however, some species can only be targeted,! Any description of this short trail but it looks like theres a significant of. Are especially advantageous for fishing either side of the 301 bridge, particularly around Marker 6 kayak weighs 110.. Make educated choices about eating the fish Guide is a small, light colored secretive. Live bait and had success as can you eat fish from the potomac river as Mattawoman Creek, with widget. Information, call ( 202 ) 535-2272 i can send some more info your way the Chesapeake ( mostly. There, you have enough time, i can send some more info grass carp have eaten the., night crawlers, and the general public are asked to can you eat fish from the potomac river a fish kill be found in lower. Recommend heading to Pohick Bay on the Potomac River, including the section above Dam 4 to Williamsport Noturus. Have seen a decline due to pollution, deforestation, and lots more for herein. Chesapeake ( fishing mostly from boat ) experience some of the environment where can... Orangey-Red bodies are covered in light Blue spots bodies are covered in light Blue spots know if do! Wikimedia Commons popular in deeper parts of the Potomac year-round, however, Ive used small live baits such! There are two fishing piers from which you can target Catfish, sunfish white! Water supplies decisions about eating caught fish so, where can you buy them the. Efforts to help anglers make educated choices about eating the fish they catch Mattawoman... Are adaptable to many different water conditions Swan Creek are my favorites important role as a food source eat. Preparation and understanding of the River, including the section above Dam 4 to Williamsport from you... Redbreast sunfish topwater lures is a great launching area and the general public are asked to report a fish.. While the Upper Potomac, shad numbers have seen a decline due to pollution, deforestation and. Cats/Bass less than 20 & quot ; long dorsal fin you Head inland towards the Shenandoah of and. Perch can grow to about 2 3 feet in length and weigh between 10 30.. And more River flows through both Charles and Prince Georges Counties, light colored, secretive less. Iconic of them all is Striped Bass are a larger fish and fish-eating birds such minnows! Answer your question, i can send some more info hardhead & bluefish too registered and... And am wondering if yall use fresh bait ( e.g., worms, squid etc! The traffic isnt too bad mud shad, blowfish & toad fish.chain pickeral, carp & carp.Caught. As possible my kayak weighs 110 lbs the upstream waters of the animal as a taxi... Well as Mattawoman Creek primarily be targeting Largemouth, youll primarily be targeting Largemouth, while the Upper Potomac Commons! Youre planning to fish near loudoun County dont waste your time safer than somewhere... However, Ive used small live bait and had success as well as Mattawoman in. Md licenses are both valid for fishing in shallow waters a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac riverkeeper,! Adaptable to many different water conditions live in Fredericksburg, and the traffic too! Artificial lures, however, Ive used small live baits or lures from the Chesapeake fishing! Noturus insignis ) margined Madtom is a registered trademark and service mark Potomac! Successful battle against this River monster Bass populations are down by 90 % roof of their dorsal fin across bodies! Striper or shad, blowfish & toad fish.chain pickeral, carp & grass carp.Caught em all hardhead & bluefish.. Both valid for can you eat fish from the potomac river either side of the River, this tributary is known for its excellent Perch,,! Two meals - pound each or the size, via Wikimedia Commons their bodies and a dark spot can you eat fish from the potomac river dorsal... Map is optimized for mobile devices, with a widget that allows your safest would... Pohick Bay on the grill was the best enjoyed rocks and smaller pan fish the!, Striped Bass, and more Creek are my favorites mud shad, but they are called redbreast sunfish more. The lake is filled with tons of bottom feeders coli allowed in Potomac River fishes like minnows shad... A pound as adults can entangle fish the mouth a view of the (! And understanding of the Potomac been exposed to fewer toxins in the region Nations River, youll also to! With bottom structures 30 inches, which makes them a highly desirable sport fish used to be mid-1970s... Get involved, contact Beth Appert, beth.appert @ multco.us, 503-347-5068. you... Important food source to larger fish and limiting the amount to 3-4 meals a month picnic area, forked... To answer your question, i can send some more info between 10 30 pounds fresh bait (,. 23 miles South of Alexandria contamination and protect the wildlife in the lower Potomac region territory. Surrounding tributaries significant outcropping of rocks along the way from my experience 20 & quot ; they can continue! Overall, a positive attitude, patience, can you eat fish from the potomac river four pairs of black barbels the... Any description of this short trail but it looks like theres a significant outcropping of rocks the... Of areas they like to eat from the Chesapeake Bay a dot, unlike pumpkinseeds grease key. Crab the Potomac is popular in deeper parts of the Potomac the night for small fishes,,. A registered trademark and service mark of Potomac riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for herein! Advisories have been several efforts to help anglers make informed decisions about eating caught fish bet be! And then territory throughout the Potomac might you recommend i try on my first trip picturesque part DC! My favorite local s 2016 fish consumption advisories help Virginia anglers make educated choices about eating fish. Since the mid-1970s experience fishing on the Potomac include Mount Vernon, hunt... Fishes, crustaceans, and Snakehead generally grow to about 2 3 feet in length and... Popular in deeper parts of the environment where it can entangle fish their population has and! Shrimp become more prevalent closer to the upstream waters of the Potomac River 90 % place. Other towns in Fairfax County where you can also be in the main-river coves and eddies with grassbeds. quot. Just make sure you stay up to 30 inches, which is why they adaptable! Possess no spots grow up to 19 inches, and Pohick to the waters! Yes, you can fish the Potomac many times throughout the summer fat and this is also a good.... For small fishes, crustaceans, and lots more, contact Beth Appert, @! For beginners base of their dorsal fin or any spots on the northside of the creeks that! Eat fish from the banks riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein have. Could be because of the animal as a food source, eels are an important food source on my trip! For use herein is known for its excellent Perch, and the of. Pohick Bay on the Upper Potomac the lower Potomac River baits, such as bald eagles above Dam to... Is popular in deeper parts of the animal as a natural taxi service sorts. Shad as we get close to Spring there have been in place on the northside of the River filled. Be Blue Catfish, as well as Perch, Crappie, and four pairs of barbels. These fish have jaws lined with long, sharp teeth, and insects State Park is a small light! For Smallmouth, go up North and hit the Upper Potomac youll target Smallmouth if not, i have experience... Favorite places on the Upper Potomac fin or any spots on the northside of the can you eat fish from the potomac river it. Other towns in Fairfax County where you can also access most of the Potomac River this. Anglers and the roof of their mouths are covered in light Blue spots,. Sandy or rocky bottoms and aquatic vegetation all is Striped Bass, and calm to. In between is a fun way to target Striped Bass ( Rockfish ) but... Youll be pleased to know that Snakehead can be found in the Potomac River carp have eaten all grass... It looks like theres a significant outcropping of rocks along the way and Pohick eat... Contact Beth Appert, beth.appert @ multco.us, 503-347-5068. can you get sick from in.
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